- 5 min read

Dr. Silvia Kratzer CEO and Founder SilviaKratzer, LLC

Dr Silvia Kratzer is an LA-based women's empowerment and certified money coach. Dr Kratzer's path into entrepreneurship has been unorthodox but has seen no shortage of success as she simultaneously taught at two prestigious Universities in LA while building a business to help women who wanted to forge a second career path. Dr Kratzer talks to The Industry Leaders about her journey.

How did you end up sitting where you are today?

Originally from Germany, I came to LA to work in the film industry as a story consultant and in Development. My love for academics led me to writing and analyzing cinema.

With a PhD. from UCLA in Critical Studies/Cinema Studies (in addition to two previous MA's, one from Munich and a second one here in the US), I taught at UCLA and Pepperdine - both large undergrad courses and PhD seminars. Branching into the entrepreneurial field simultaneously, I managed to build a successful business. Quickly realizing that the academic career was only holding me back, I was increasingly drawn to transformations in lifestyle and entrepreneurial skills for women who wanted to create a second career that affords them more freedom.

As a certified Money Archetype coach, I draw from all aspects, yes even my academic career, as I apply what I term the "Hollywood Success Formula" to my coaching.

What kind of work does your role involve?

I help women assess their unique Money-Making skills and help them create the career and lifestyle they desire. This is an individualized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all, mainly because I listened to Money Gurus in my academic career and could never resonate or implement their ideas.

My approach bypasses being stuck and helps my clients answer and focus on their strengths. I help them become aware of their particular challenges, stop beating themselves up over them, outsource them, or avoid potential pitfalls.

How we do one thing is how we do everything and my Money Archetypes approach has created profound positive repercussions on my clients' brand-creation and lifestyle. For instance, a Money Archetype Maverick needs freedom and takes risks (there is a lot more to this) to create an easy money flow in their life. This same energy around freedom and risk-taking supercharges the most profound identity in my clients' lifestyle and brand. It is the energy with which these powerful women best present themselves and their businesses to the world.

What gets you excited about your industry?

Individual identity and creative choice in how you develop that identity. With my targeted coaching approach, I help my clients tap into their deepest longings and reveal the identity that helps them live their best and ideal life.

Instead of twisting themselves into outer expectations or norms, they uncover the higher self and higher energy that they can step into. This creates alignment internally and is a great service to the world around them as they can bring their best selves to others.

What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

I received half of a puzzle in my twenties with the advice: "Focus on the Solution, Not the Problem".

It seemed reasonable, but I didn't KNOW WHAT the solution was, and I still had the problem!

It took my years to find the other piece of the puzzle: "What you Focus On Increases", and I now help women entrepreneurs to find their unique Solution and Focus on that.

Instead of engaging and wrestling with the problem, the solution via my Money Archetype Coaching reveals itself. Just as the David sculpture revealed itself in the marble block to Michelangelo. Imagine someone had said to Michelangelo as he faced the massive block: "Focus on the solution", but Michelangelo had no VISION of what the solution might look like. He'd have hewn away at the marble, chips flying until nothing was left except a heap of dust and rubble. I help my clients see the solution (their own inner David or Ideal Self) and focus on that so they can reveal it to themselves and the world.

How do you support aspiring leaders in your field?

I bring a unique approach that builds on my Money Archetype certification, building my own business empire and drawing upon my substantial knowledge and insight into Hollywood and how to create the most successful cinema in the world.

I bring this powerful combination to everything I do, including brand building for entrepreneurs. I'm happy to support aspiring leaders in my field by sharing my expertise and creating mutual support in marketing or professional associations.

How do you keep up to speed with what's happening in your industry?

I continuously invest in my own coaching and mentorship. Currently, I am coached by three different mentors to level-up my business skills, networking and lifestyle creation.

Aside from the financial investments I make in my career, I am also an avid reader of blogs, newsletters, and relevant interviews of leaders in my field via YouTube and personal networking on an international scale.

What was the most challenging project or situation you've overcome?

Facing the age of 40, getting out of an unwanted marriage and having no family to fall back on. I also had next to no financial resources to help me create a massive life and economic transformation. From there, I built a successful business of my own and created a dramatically up-levelled life that involves the freedom to do what I really desire every day.

You finish work today and step outside the office to find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

With a win of $ 10 million, I would donate $1 million to my favourite animal rescue charities. Rather than donating the entire amount, I know I could increase the remaining $9 million and thus be able to support more charities in the future.

With the remaining $9m, I would purchase two fantastic mansions in luxurious tropical locations and create magnificent empowering retreats for women entrepreneurs to create a ripple effect for others who can live their dreams. My main Money Archetype is the Ruler in combination with the Maverick, so I am driven to create an empire where others can thrive and create their own path and the freedom that comes with it. To help with this, I would hire a team, so my business runs itself to leave me the freedom to travel or pursue further dreams while also being secure in the knowledge that my empire runs smoothly, without my having to be involved in every step. I am cognizant of my personal Archetypes' strengths and challenges, which translates into how I would utilize the $10 million.

How do you switch off after a day at work?

I love being in nature and adore spending time with my rescue dogs. On the other hand, I luxuriate in fashion, lifestyle, houses and interior design and travel. I can spend endless hours researching and implementing this!

I take action and risks that few others would dare. For instance, two years ago, I packed my car with my then 3 rescue dogs and drove by myself from Los Angeles to Tulum, crossing the continent from the Pacific to the Caribbean Sea and the Yucatan peninsula down to Tulum on the border with British Honduras/Belize. I spent months at the Riviera Maya, made amazing Digital Nomad friends from all over the world and revelled in the beauty and adventure.

Dreams are there to be lived, and I do just that.

If you had one wish for the future of your industry, what would it be?

That more women would become independent and follow and develop their inner possibilities. Another wish would be to transform the coaching, money and self-development industry from the still prevalent one-size-fits-all to the unique and individualized approach I offer.

What book or podcast should everyone know about?