Join HUNDREDS OF LEADERS receiving
science-backed tools, ideas and essays at the intersection of psychology and executive performance that actually work.
 

SUBSCRIBE TO SUBSTACK

MENU

Knowing yourself is where all leadership begins.





explore HOW

For founders, CEOs, and executives ready to shed old patterns and grow the inner resources leadership demands.

Trusted by leaders from:

Being a leader is hard.
It’s also an incredible opportunity for growth. 

Not just in knowledge or skills, but rather in capacity to:

Stay grounded in
the midst of chaos

Lead yourself and others

Hold uncertainty without needing to solve it

Navigate relational tension without losing your center

Not just your knowledge, but the relational, emotional, somatic, psychological and spiritual facets that shape who you are and how you move through the world.

We work with what's in front of you.
And we work on what’s underneath.

The outcome isn’t just better leadership. It’s a different way of being in your life, in your work, and in the world you’re helping shape.

When all of you is online, integrated, and available, the way you lead changes. And the way you live changes.

This work develops all parts of you.

Integrated
Leader

Intellectual

Psychological

Somatic

Emotional

Relational

At a certain level it becomes:

Less about the right answer 
Less about logic
Less about doing it all

More about the tradeoffs
More about relationships
More about staying resourced

Spiritual

Your job as a leader is to solve the problems others can't

Begin here

I offer curated experiences and personalized guidance to help you expand your capacity to navigate the challenges of being a leader in today's world.

Regular confidential meetings to work with your immediate challenges, explore what’s underneath, and guide you toward developing the inner resources to face all that life presents.

1:1 Coaching

Join our annual 5-day immersive for Founders, VCs and Executives ready to engage with deep inner work.


Join our annual 5-day immersive for Founders, VCs and Executives ready to engage with deep inner work.


In-person transformational experiences

In-person transformational experiences

learn more

Signature leadership development programs

book an intro callinquire now
  • Custom in-house leadership programs
  • Executive Offsite facilitation
  • Team coaching interventions
  • Keynotes and panels

Waitlist for 2026 open

Waitlist for 2026 open

Primal Process

LEarn More
A grounded, experiential process that helps you uncover and heal the deep-rooted emotional patterns formed in your formative years - going beyond talk therapy to integrate gestalt, regression, systemic constellations, and somatic work. Primal Therapy guides you through self-inquiry in a personalized 1:1 setting. 

JASON SU
CO-FOUNDER, WHITERABBIT

Vanya has been immensely impactful in my growth as a first-time founder and head of technology. Her guidance helped me define strategy, refine communication, and confidently navigate critical conversations with my board and team.

She helped me navigate high-stakes leadership conversations with clarity.

Annie reardon
Cofounder and ceo, ludo

"I worked w Vanya during the most challenging part of scaling my business. She truly was a confidant, cheerleader, problem solver, and intuitive-led coach. 

Vanya helped me solve some critical gaps in my business, got me on track to hit my company revenue goals  and get forbes30under30. 

Tom chadwick, ceo, endurant energy

"The cost of not understanding one’s weaknesses and one’s strengths is huge compared to the cost of paying a coach. Plus – not many people have a coach and it allows you the ability to gain an edge – in business even a small edge can mean the difference between success and failure.”

She made me look like the CEO of a 1B company vs a 50M

PATRICK O’LEARY
CEO, BOOSTR

Vanya has been instrumental in my personal growth while also helping design and implement our people strategies. She’s played a key role in planning and facilitating impactful leadership offsites.

A powerful partner in leadership and team development.

Annie reardon
Cofounder and ceo, ludo

"I worked w Vanya during the most challenging part of scaling my business. She truly was a confidant, cheerleader, problem solver, and intuitive-led coach. 

Vanya helped me solve some critical gaps in my business, got me on track to hit my company revenue goals and get forbes30under30. 

Tom chadwick, ceo, endurant energy

"The cost of not understanding one’s weaknesses and one’s strengths is huge compared to the cost of paying a coach. Plus – not many people have a coach and it allows you the ability to gain an edge – in business even a small edge can mean the difference between success and failure.”

She made me look like the CEO of a 1B company vs a 50M

PATRICK O’LEARY
CEO, BOOSTR

Vanya has been instrumental in my personal growth while also helping design and implement our people strategies. She’s played a key role in planning and facilitating impactful leadership offsites.

A powerful partner in leadership and team development.

MORGAN DENIS
CHIEF OF STAFF, SIMBE ROBOTICS

Vanya brings a unique ability to coach both individuals and teams. Through her leadership training and ongoing support, she helped us build stronger managers, better systems, and a culture aligned with our values. Her impact is both strategic and sustainable.

She creates lasting impact across entire organizations.

PATRICK O’LEARY
CEO, BOOSTR

Vanya has been instrumental in my personal growth while also helping design and implement our people strategies. She’s played a key role in planning and facilitating impactful leadership offsites.

A powerful partner in leadership and team development.

MORGAN DENIS
CHIEF OF STAFF, SIMBE ROBOTICS

Vanya brings a unique ability to coach both individuals and teams. Through her leadership training and ongoing support, she helped us build stronger managers, better systems, and a culture aligned with our values. Her impact is both strategic and sustainable.

She creates lasting impact across entire organizations.

MARTIN BISPELS
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, DEADHEAD

From sharpening focus and elevating my mindset to providing strategic business insight, Vanya delivers exactly what’s needed—when it’s needed.

She brings both depth and directness in a way that drives real progress.

The Swiss Army knife of coaches.

BARNEY SWAN
CEO, CLIMATEFORCE

Whether leading large-scale expeditions or supporting me through challenging moments, Vanya consistently brings clarity, focus, and perspective.

Her ability to ground leaders during uncertain times is truly invaluable.

An exceptional guide through both growth and uncertainty.

MARTIN BISPELS
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, DEADHEAD

From sharpening focus and elevating my mindset to providing strategic business insight, Vanya delivers exactly what’s needed—when it’s needed.

She brings both depth and directness in a way that drives real progress.

The Swiss Army knife of coaches.

BARNEY SWAN
CEO, CLIMATEFORCE

Whether leading large-scale expeditions or supporting me through challenging moments, Vanya consistently brings clarity, focus, and perspective.

Her ability to ground leaders during uncertain times is truly invaluable.

An exceptional guide through both growth and uncertainty.

TOSHIAKI YOSHIDA
CEO, NETLEARNING

Vanya’s coaching helped me navigate complex business challenges while staying grounded as a leader. Her ability to combine strategic thinking with deep awareness creates lasting impact.

She is fully invested in the success of both my team and business.

A powerful blend of strategy, accountability, and mindset.

ABHISHEK JHA
CEO, ELUCIDATA

Being a founder comes with constant highs and challenges. Vanya provides the guidance needed to navigate both the emotional and strategic sides of the journey.

Her support brings clarity and balance in the moments that matter most.

The support every founder needs to truly thrive.

TOSHIAKI YOSHIDA
CEO, NETLEARNING

Vanya’s coaching helped me navigate complex business challenges while staying grounded as a leader. Her ability to combine strategic thinking with deep awareness creates lasting impact.

She is fully invested in the success of both my team and business.

A powerful blend of strategy, accountability, and mindset.

ABHISHEK JHA
CEO, ELUCIDATA

Being a founder comes with constant highs and challenges. Vanya provides the guidance needed to navigate both the emotional and strategic sides of the journey.

Her support brings clarity and balance in the moments that matter most.

The support every founder needs to truly thrive.

BRAD BOGOLEA
CEO, SIMBE ROBOTICS

Vanya has been an invaluable partner in helping our management team grow and adapt through the challenges of scaling a high-growth company.

She ensures leaders have the tools, awareness, and alignment needed to succeed.

A trusted advisor to both founders and leadership teams.

JASON SU
CO-FOUNDER, WHITERABBIT

Vanya has been immensely impactful in my growth as a first-time founder and head of technology. Her guidance helped me define strategy, refine communication, and confidently navigate critical conversations with my board and team.

She helped me navigate high-stakes leadership conversations with clarity.

The impact in their words:

JASON SU
CO-FOUNDER, WHITERABBIT

Vanya has been immensely impactful in my growth as a first-time founder and head of technology. Her guidance helped me define strategy, refine communication, and confidently navigate critical conversations with my board and team.

Annie reardon
Cofounder and ceo, ludo

I worked w Vanya during the most challenging part of scaling my business. She truly was a confidant, cheerleader, problem solver, and intuitive-led coach.

Vanya helped me solve some critical gaps in my business, got me on track to hit my company revenue goals  and get forbes30under30. 

Tom chadwick, ceo, endurant energy

"The cost of not understanding one’s weaknesses and one’s strengths is huge compared to the cost of paying a coach. Plus – not many people have a coach and it allows you the ability to gain an edge – in business even a small edge can mean the difference between success and failure.”

She made me look like the CEO of a 1B company vs a 50M

PATRICK O’LEARY
CEO, BOOSTR

Vanya has been instrumental in my personal growth while also helping design and implement our people strategies. She’s played a key role in planning and facilitating impactful leadership offsites.

A powerful partner in leadership and team development.

She helped me navigate high-stakes leadership conversations with clarity.

MORGAN DENIS
CHIEF OF STAFF, SIMBE ROBOTICS

Vanya brings a unique ability to coach both individuals and teams. Through her leadership training and ongoing support, she helped us build stronger managers, better systems, and a culture aligned with our values. Her impact is both strategic and sustainable.

MARTIN BISPELS
CO-FOUNDER & CEO, DEADHEADCofounder and ceo, ludo

From sharpening focus and elevating my mindset to providing strategic business insight, Vanya delivers exactly what’s needed—when it’s needed.

She brings both depth and directness in a way that drives real progress.

The Swiss Army knife of coaches.

BARNEY SWAN
CEO, CLIMATEFORCE

Whether leading large-scale expeditions or supporting me through challenging moments, Vanya consistently brings clarity, focus, and perspective.

Her ability to ground leaders during uncertain times is truly invaluable.

An exceptional guide through both growth and uncertainty.

TOSHIAKI YOSHIDA
CEO, NETLEARNINGCEO, BOOSTR

Vanya’s coaching helped me navigate complex business challenges while staying grounded as a leader. Her ability to combine strategic thinking with deep awareness creates lasting impact.

She is fully invested in the success of both my team and business.

A powerful blend of strategy, accountability, and mindset.

She creates lasting impact across entire organizations.

ABHISHEK JHA
CEO, ELUCIDATA

Being a founder comes with constant highs and challenges. Vanya provides the guidance needed to navigate both the emotional and strategic sides of the journey.

Her support brings clarity and balance in the moments that matter most.

BRAD BOGOLEA
CEO, SIMBE ROBOTICS

Vanya has been an invaluable partner in helping our management team grow and adapt through the challenges of scaling a high-growth company.

She ensures leaders have the tools, awareness, and alignment needed to succeed.
She brings both depth and directness in a way that drives real progress.

A trusted advisor to both founders and leadership teams.

The support every founder needs to truly thrive.

The impact in their words:

I believe that leadership is not what you do, It's who you are.

While most coaching focuses on performance and tactics, the work we do goes deeper. We look at the relational, psychological, and systemic aspects of leadership to expand your potential.

I work with leaders from Seed to Series D, as well as partners at top VC firms. My grounded practice combines leadership development , psychology, and therapy-informed methodologies, enhanced by living and studying in the Thai Buddhist tradition, teaching breathwork, and working with plant medicine.

Hi, I'm Vanya Sofia,

03

I’ve spent the last decade helping founders and executives navigate the complexity of leadership and company-building.


MORE ABOUT MEMORE ABOUT ME

Certified by:

I write about integrated leadership, therapeutic modalities, relational dynamics & life as it unfolds
in service of a deeper connection to self.

"The Unfolding is about seeing our individual path of growth as a natural process of revealing what’s already within. It is a path back to the core, honoring the interconnectedness of experiences, where lessons are revealed when ready, and growth is non-linear."

"The assumption is that burnout can be mitigated or eradicated through better time management, stronger boundaries, time off or self-care. I don’t believe that’s it."

"I work and write at the intersection of psychology, executive performance and therapy modalities that actually work."

The Unfolding

The Hidden Driver of Burnout

The Path to Grounded, Embodied Leadership

"I created this resource to help you step into your next pitch, fundraising round, or big meeting with clarity, resilience, and unshakable presence."

Prime Your Mind for High-Stakes Moments

read nowread nowread nowread now
read now

"I work and write at the intersection of psychology, executive performance and therapy modalities that actually work."

"I created this resource to help you step into your next pitch, fundraising round, or big meeting with clarity, resilience, and unshakable presence."

The Path to Grounded, Embodied Leadership

Prime Your Mind for High-Stakes Moments

"I hope you enjoy this process, if you decide to answer the prompts. Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience :)"

Goodbye 2025

read nowread now

The Hidden Driver of Burnout

"The assumption is that burnout can be mitigated or eradicated through better time management, stronger boundaries, time off or self-care. I don’t believe that’s it."

(choose your quote here)

read nowread now

"I created this resource to help you step into your next pitch, fundraising round, or big meeting with clarity, resilience, and unshakable presence."

"I hope you enjoy this process, if you decide to answer the prompts. Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience :)"

Prime Your Mind for High-Stakes Moments

Goodbye 2025

"In today’s day and age, especially with social media, podcasting and AI, people are much more informed about all things wellness and personal development."

Primal Therapy (pt 1)

read nowread now

The Path to Grounded, Embodied Leadership

"I work and write at the intersection of psychology, executive performance and therapy modalities that actually work."

read nowread now

"I hope you enjoy this process, if you decide to answer the prompts. Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience :)"

"In today’s day and age, especially with social media, podcasting and AI, people are much more informed about all things wellness and personal development."

Goodbye 2025

Primal Therapy (pt 1)

"It’s about making peace with the past, not by erasing it, but by relating to it differently."

Primal Therapy (pt 2)

read nowread now

Prime Your Mind for High-Stakes Moments

"I created this resource to help you step into your next pitch, fundraising round, or big meeting with clarity, resilience, and unshakable presence."

read nowread now

"The Unfolding is about seeing our individual path of growth as a natural process of revealing what’s already within. It is a path back to the core, honoring the interconnectedness of experiences, where lessons are revealed when ready, and growth is non-linear."

The Unfolding

read now

"The assumption is that burnout can be mitigated or eradicated through better time management, stronger boundaries, time off or self-care. I don’t believe that’s it."

(choose your quote here)

The Hidden Driver of Burnout

read now

"I work and write at the intersection of psychology, executive performance and therapy modalities that actually work."

The Path to Grounded, Embodied Leadership

read now

"I created this resource to help you step into your next pitch, fundraising round, or big meeting with clarity, resilience, and unshakable presence."

Prime Your Mind for High-Stakes Moments

read now

"I hope you enjoy this process, if you decide to answer the prompts. Let me know if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience :)"

Goodbye 2025

read now

"In today’s day and age, especially with social media, podcasting and AI, people are much more informed about all things wellness and personal development."

Primal Therapy
(pt 1)

read now

"It’s about making peace with the past, not by erasing it, but by relating to it differently."

Primal Therapy
(pt 2)

read now