“Leadership is the courage
to keep learning about
yourself and others.”
“Leadership is the courage
to keep learning about
yourself and others.”
More about Silvia
Silvia Christmann is a trusted advisor and executive coach with a Harvard Master’s in I/O Psychology. Her two decades of experience guiding CEOs, founders, and partners across venture capital & hedge funds, as well as family offices. Known for her sharp insights in leadership development, behavioral science, and team dynamics, Silvia helps her clients navigate complex challenges—from boardroom tensions to talent evaluation—while maximizing individual performance and stakeholder alignment. She serves as the independent, confidential sounding board that leaders rely on when the stakes are highest.
In addition to her work with family offices and Hedge Funds like PDT, she’s worked with founders backed by top-tier VCs like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia, Menlo Ventures, and Y Combinator, advising on talent assessment, board dynamics, and crisis navigation, in addition to her work with brands like Toms Shoes, Finch, Smalls, Pave, Genius, and DeepSet. Silvia has consulted for biotech disruptors like Mammoth, HUUE, and global corporations such as Google, YouTube, PWC, and BMW.
A former three-time tech executive, Silvia was a pivotal non-tech hire on founding teams, shaping organizational strategy and building high-performing cultures from Series A to IPO. Her background in I/O Psychology and Organizational Behavioral Science from Harvard University and certifications in NLP and mindfulness position her as a transformative force in leadership development and venture growth.
Silvia’s strategic focus lies in bridging the gap between financial objectives and human capital strategies. She partners with family offices to mitigate legacy conflicts and align next-gen leaders, works with hedge funds to cultivate operational resilience, and advises VCs on optimizing founder-investor dynamics to maximize returns.
Raised across Europe and fluent in German, Silvia brings nuanced cross-cultural competence to her work with international teams. Her approach is direct, impactful, and tailored to the unique pressures of high-stakes environments, making her the confidential sounding board executives rely on for actionable insights and strategic clarity.
Silvia collaborates with visionary leaders who challenge conventional systems and are committed to transformative growth. Whether navigating boardroom politics, accelerating founder performance, or aligning stakeholders for major transactions, Silvia is the ally you call when the stakes are high and outcomes matter.
Guiding principles
Integrity: Own Your Word
We love people who take full ownership of their thoughts, words, and actions. Leaders who act with integrity and follow through on their commitments set the foundation for trust and growth. Accountability is the cornerstone of both personal development and organizational success.
Resillience: Embrace the Challenge
We seek people who can persevere through challenges and push forward with determination and heart, no matter the setbacks. We help leaders develop resilience and stay committed to their goals, even when the road gets tough, without compromising their values This relentless pursuit of progress is key to long-term success.
Curiosity: Cultivate a Growth Mindset
We work with people who maintain a genuine desire to learn and explore new perspectives. Leaders who are curious challenge the status quo and embrace growth through fresh ideas. A curious mind fuels a culture of innovation and leads to continuous improvement no matter how hard the challenge.
Presence: Stay in the Now
We value people who show up fully engaged and willing to stay present in every interaction. Leaders who cultivate self-awareness to connect more deeply with others and make clearer, more impactful decisions. The ability to stay in the NOW allows people to maintain equanimity of mind and lead confidently and authentically, even in the most stressful times.
“Working with Silvia has been transformative in the best possible way. She’s helped me understand how others perceive me, allowing me to take control of my own narrative and fully embrace my capabilities. Silvia is an attentive listener, unwaveringly supportive, and offers her insights without judgment. She also isn’t afraid to challenge me when I’m overlooking a valuable learning moment. I couldn’t ask for a better coach.”
Russell Farhang, Partner at PDT
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- Exclusive personal reflections on relevant topics.
- Important takeaways to help you develop your leadership intelligence.
- A curated list of related resources to further explore.
