Don’t worry. It’s a waste of time. Some ideas will work out, some will fail – you will always land on your feet. There is more to come.
Silvia is the international leadership, growth coach and business mentor that CEOs, entrepreneurs and industry innovators turn to for a custom-tailored approach to get inspired, stay motivated and create change. Her work is focused on developing frameworks in which individuals consistently learn and grow. She motivates leaders to translate their values into actions, transform themselves, and inspire others to maximize their potential.
A former business executive and a trained expert in personal and professional development, Silvia is valued for her clarity and a direct approach that keeps clients on track while they pursue new frontiers. As a global citizen, she has lived and worked in over seven countries, giving her a unique perspective on the most effective work and lifestyles She established her boutique coaching practice in 2011 and has successfully worked with serial entrepreneurs, impact driven leaders, CEO’s, C-suite executives, physicians, partners at global law firms, hedge fund and wealth managers. Along with individual coaching and giving dynamic talks, Silvia has taught workshops at Columbia University, is a contributor on Thrive Global and has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and numerous other publications.
Silvia has been in the “growth business her entire professional career. Prior to starting her own practice, she built strategies to bring media tech start-ups to market. Silvia played a major role in launching MediaRadar, Inc as their Head of Business Development. With experience working for start-ups in tech and media since 2005, she was hired as a strategy consultant by Lincoln Square Advisors and many others since after leaving MediaRadar, Inc. During this time she has successfully commercialized products, hired teams, engineered a turn-around, restructured strategies, and launched new products into the marketplace for companies like the Bond Collective and LookAtMe, a Russian multi-media conglomerate.
What inspired you on your path to living an amplified lifestyle?
I grew up in a world where joy often ran secondary to the heavy burden of responsibility. When I ventured out into the world on my own. I let myself be driven by my curiosity for the unknown, my lust for life and my spirit for adventure. I found my purpose in a impact driven world surrounded by people invested in creating change in the world who aim to live whole heartedly.
I’ve been in the “growth” business my entire professional career. I grew start ups in my 20ties – now I grow people, helping them step into their greatness. It was a very natural progression of what comes very natural to me. I’ve always worked in the impact space with people who are creating businesses that drive change. In the 30ties I shifted my focus from implementing business strategy to being the motivational force these game changers need to stay inspired and focused. Transformation takes work. I get to sit in front of greatness in the making every single day.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
I wake up early, I like to ease into the day. I don’t use any digital divices until after my morning routine which consists of warm water with lemon, Meditation and Yoga before I start my day. I spend the early part of the day with one on one client work while my afternoons are filled with meetings and collaboration projects that inspire me. My evenings the time to engage with people I love for some quality time and inspiration. You won’t find me out late. It’s important to me to have enough time for my wind down routine to maximize the quality of my sleep. No electronic gadgets in the bedroom is key.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I surround myself with people who not only dream big and work smart. We collaborate, helping each other to make our delusions of grandeur into reality and bringing them to life. I do not believe in competition. I think we are better together.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I think the changing needs of this world and our current political climate give us plenty of opportunity to create change in its place. All you have to do is open you eyes and get excited about what is no longer acceptable and create change in its place. Opportunities are endless. There is always more to do, create and innovate. Who wouldn’t be excited by that?
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive?
A healthy diet, good sleep and exercise are my greatest productivity tool. When you prioritize those you maximize your focus, elevate your mood and able to meet daily challenges with clarity.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t worry. It’s a waste of time. Some ideas will work out, some will fail – you will always land on your feet. There is more to come.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Stop chasing the silver lining. Some things just are – acceptance moves you forward faster.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Take a nimble approach. Make loose assumptions, test your strategy and then be ready to pivot. No first iteration will be perfect.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business? Please explain how.
The path to success is paved with bricks of failure. Learning how to navigate the emotional landscape of the entrepreneurial journey without letting fear and shame rule the decision-making process is the key stepping stone to achievement. Accepting that mistakes and sometimes even colossal failures are inevitable if we are to continue to push the envelope, learn, grow and innovate. That’s how we figure out what doesn’t work and can focus on what works instead.
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
I started a business with a partner who was less than honest. When we parted ways I had to accept the failure of the venture as well as letting go of the hopes and dreams I had poured into it while absorbing a colossal amount of debt.
It took me a while to accept the reality of the situation. And when I did I was able to picked myself off I get back to work, recover the debt and start a business I really love. Big plus – I now only surround myself with inspiring people. Live and learn.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
oh… I don’t know. I am not a business idea person. It’s my mission to help people make their idea into a reality.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A glitter Onesie – I wore it to a Daybreakers Morning Dance Party in support of MamaHope to raise money for maternity wards in Africa. Good vibes all around.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Evernote – best ever. I use it daily.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Subtle Art of not Giving a Fuck. Not giving a fuck does not mean being indifferent; it means being comfortable with being different
What is your favorite quote?
Only from the heart we can reach the sky – RUMI
Key learnings:
- If change was easy, everybody would simply do it. It’s easy to lose momentum, get tripped up by exhaustion, find ourselves overextended and disorganized, falling into old habits and unable to progress.
- Well-being is inextricably linked to long-term, sustainable success
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you, people that make you feel capable, give you courage and believe in you.
- Creating change starts with us. When we work on transforming ourselves, we can lead by example – and that is what inspires others. We transform the way we do business and create businesses that cater to the changing needs of this world.
Connect:
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.