My path has been global. I have lived and worked in both Europe and the United States, with many projects worldwide. Learning languages and adapting across cultures taught me to navigate different contexts and leadership, power, and collaboration vary. Like art revealing humanity across time and place, these experiences gave me humility and the conviction that wisdom exists everywhere.
In my work, I’ve transformed organizations and cultures, expanded mission-driven impact, strengthened financial sustainability, and guided institutions through deep uncertainty — economic downturns, a pandemic, racial reckoning, and rapid tech change including AI. I’ve fostered cultures of mattering, co-created future-focused strategies with staff and boards, secured major philanthropic support, and led capital projects like new buildings and public art parks. I’ve partnered with trustees, civic and corporate leaders, and volunteers, navigating governance and accountability with vision and clarity. Then, I followed the nudge that there is another, deeply important chapter for me.
Today, I support growth-minded leaders and teams reclaim their purpose, align with their whole self, and envision anew what’s possible. I have invested deeply in my development as an executive coach, earning two professional coaching certifications (2020 & 2026) and continuously refine my practice through ongoing learning opportunities. My commitment is to help leaders think clearly, show up fully, lead consciously, and succeed sustainably without burn-out.
Very importantly, I am a mom, spouse, sister, daughter, friend, hiker, culture lover, yogi, cook, and reader.
Meet Raphaela
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When I first stepped into top leadership nearly 20 years ago, I carried a vivid image: a large, round dining table where everyone had a seat. Around that table sat the entire organization — each person bringing their perspective, talent, and lived experience. I believed then, and still believe now, that exceptional work emerges not from hierarchy or control, but from shared purpose, deep listening, and collective insight. This belief became the foundation of my leadership and my coaching.
My path has been global and deeply human. Living and working globally, and navigating personal health challenges, taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of perspective. These experiences shaped my understanding that leadership is both strategic and deeply personal; they shape how I coach: warm and direct, reflective and pragmatic. I don’t prescribe or rescue but support you in connecting to the answers you already have inside of you.
I create space for insight, challenge assumptions, and help leaders build the inner capacity required to lead with clarity, integrity, and humanity in demanding environments.
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How Engagements Work
Coaching engagements are tailored to the individual leader, team, or board and are designed to create meaningful, sustainable change.
Engagements Typically Span 6–12 Months
This duration allows sufficient time for reflection, integration, and real-world application. It supports depth without rushing insight or action.
Sessions are usually every two weeks, but timing can change based on needs. Each session typically lasts 45–60 minutes.
More data, When Useful
My coaching is primarily reflective and relational. At times, additional structure can be helpful.
When useful and appropriate, engagements may include:
Targeted stakeholder conversations
Reflective assessments or feedback tools
Guided inquiry into patterns of communication, influence, and culture
These elements are used selectively, in service of insight, not as default requirements.
Learning, Engagement & Community
At the heart of my work is a deep belief that learning, alone and together, is foundational.
Organizations and communities thrive when people are invited into meaning-making rather than managed from above. Leaders are stewards of learning cultures where curiosity is encouraged, dialogue is valued, and growth is continuous.
This commitment to continuous learning and genuine engagement has shaped my work for decades and continues to inform how I coach leaders today.
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Vistage is the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer advisory organization for small and midsize business leaders. Vistage offers the most effective approach to achieve better results, grow your company faster, and maximize your impact as a leader.
As a Vistage Chair, I facilitate peer advisory groups of local, non-competing CEOs who collaborate to solve challenges and accelerate growth. Leadership is often lonely, and internal feedback can be biased. Imagine a confidential "private board" of 12–18 peers who challenge your thinking and have your back—complemented by monthly 1-on-1 executive coaching. If you are a CEO in the Greater Cincinnati region and you’re ready to make better decisions and achieve superior results, let’s talk.
Learn more about Vistage at Vistage.com
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COACHING CREDENTIALS
Co-Active Certified Coach (CPCC) — in process (in partnership with the International Coaching Federation)
Leadership Coaching for Operational Performance — Rutgers University (in partnership with the International Coaching Federation)
ICF ACC Certification pending
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Humboldt University, Berlin Germany
M.B.A. / Marketing and Management focus
M.A. / Art history
University of Freiburg, Breisgau, Germany
B.A. / Economics and Art History
Sorbonne University, Paris, France
Certificate / Art History, Criticism and Philosophy
“Raphaela’s coaching style helps me uncover insights and deepens my understanding of what matters most to me.”
Coaching begins with a conversation—to explore context, goals, and fit.
Complete the form HERE. Expect to hear from me.
I’m eager to learn how I might support your leadership journey.