Sylvana Caloni

Sylvana understands transition from the inside out. She has 15 years’ experience in global financial services and 14 years as a professionally certified coach. She rose to the ranks of Executive Vice President at Australia’s premier funds management firm, Bankers Trust Financial Group, which managed $A40 billion internationally. She travelled extensively in Australasia, US, Europe and Latin America to investigate investment opportunities and to engage in conversations with executives in the C-Suite down to the workers on the factory floor, and with competitors, suppliers and customers. Sylvana was particularly skilled at asking questions to get beneath the companies’ polished public presentations and financial accounts to unearth the real risks and business opportunities. Sylvana has deep insight into what makes executives and their companies successful across different industries, geographies and from start-up to multi-national conglomerates.

Sylvana was appointed Head of two Global Equity Teams due to her abilities to foster constructive debate, inspire, motivate and persuade her colleagues. She transformed a group of analysts lacking experience, cohesion and a voice in investment decisions, into a successful team demonstrating respect, confidence and accountability. Also following the acquisition of Bankers Trust by Principal Financial Group, management drew on Sylvana’s interpersonal skills to assess the cultural fit and competencies of the acquirer’s investment team and the possibility for integration of the teams.

Sylvana blends the insights from the fast-paced financial services world and leading-edge training on executive learning and development in her client engagements. She partners with high potential executives on a promotion track, with recently promoted executives and with established leaders to become more effective in appreciating the nuances and cultural diversity of their teams to deliver improved results.

Sylvana assists executives to become more self-aware and competent in recognising the different working and communication styles of their colleagues. Her clients improve their presence, listening and conversation skills. They become more flexible and agile leaders. This enables them to set a strategy, to create commitment and collaboration amongst their team members and to navigate the complexities of demanding roles.