--- title: Nikki Silvestri description: Nikki Silvestri is, first and foremost, a mother of two, wife, and sci-fi nerd. --- [Skip to content](https://soilandshadow.com/nikki-silvestri#main-content) [![LOGO](https://soilandshadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGO.png?width=619&height=540&name=LOGO.png)](https://soilandshadow.com/?hsLang=en) - About Show submenu for About - [Our Team](https://soilandshadow.com/about-us) - [Value Statement](https://soilandshadow.com/value-statement) - Services Show submenu for Services - [Executive Coaching](https://soilandshadow.com/executive-coaching) - [Fractional People Operations and HR](https://soilandshadow.com/fractional-people-ops-culture-and-performance-strategist) - [Facilitation](https://soilandshadow.com/facilitation) - [Training](https://soilandshadow.com/team-training) - Lab Show submenu for Lab - [Client Case Studies](https://soilandshadow.com/client-case-studies) - [Research](https://soilandshadow.com/research) - [AI](https://soilandshadow.com/artificial-intelligence-and-embodied-practice) - [Soil, Shadow and Spirit](https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders) - [The Living Altar](https://www.thelivingaltar.earth/) - [Speaking](https://soilandshadow.com/speaking) - [Substack](https://nikkisilvestri.substack.com/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - About Show submenu for About - [Our Team](https://soilandshadow.com/about-us) - [Value Statement](https://soilandshadow.com/value-statement) - Services Show submenu for Services - [Executive Coaching](https://soilandshadow.com/executive-coaching) - [Fractional People Operations and HR](https://soilandshadow.com/fractional-people-ops-culture-and-performance-strategist) - [Facilitation](https://soilandshadow.com/facilitation) - [Training](https://soilandshadow.com/team-training) - Lab Show submenu for Lab - [Client Case Studies](https://soilandshadow.com/client-case-studies) - [Research](https://soilandshadow.com/research) - [AI](https://soilandshadow.com/artificial-intelligence-and-embodied-practice) - [Soil, Shadow and Spirit](https://soilandshadow.com/bipoc-leaders) - [The Living Altar](https://www.thelivingaltar.earth/) - [Speaking](https://soilandshadow.com/speaking) - [Substack](https://nikkisilvestri.substack.com/) - [Work with Us](https://soilandshadow.com/work-with-us) [Work with Us](https://soilandshadow.com/work-with-us?hsLang=en)   # social impact strategies with dose of joy [Get Our Weekly Newsletter](https://share.hsforms.com/1J__bh8IfTCGlxsqGzO7F3gck37n?__hstc=233546881.52a39e91e77127618ed1dcbc62f56942.1670084070720.1677859089694.1677866474335.11&__hssc=233546881.21.1677866474335&__hsfp=1483251232) The world is built on systems that thrive when we shove each other out of the way to get a little more for ourselves. To stay on top, we (usually unintentionally) create chaos in our relationships that disconnect us from ourselves, our family, our friends, and our colleagues – upending our peace and obstructing our success. In this paradigm, we have an abundance of cordial relationships that sustain our day-to-day but don’t offer the support and nurturing we need to access our power. We need more space for the “real” in our lives – relationships and circumstances that hold the (often messy) truth. It may not feel good, but it’s exponentially powerful. ![Nikki Silvestri, CEO of Soil and Shadow](https://soilandshadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Zack+Embree+Hollyhock+2015+(1).jpg?width=750&height=500&name=Zack+Embree+Hollyhock+2015+(1).jpg) ### What do I do? I help curious, engaged individuals resolve tough relationship dynamics so you can have real, fulfilling relationships that change you and the world. I also help businesses and non-profits design relationship-centered economic and environmental strategies. My job is to show you how to foster real interconnection and use it to build the bridges that get things done. ## Let's Work Together For Leaders and Individuals: I’ll help you increase your influence so you can bring about the change you want to see. For Businesses and Non-Profits: I’ll help you center people within your economic development and environmental strategy work to make your projects and initiatives more successful. ![Nikki Silvestri, CEO of Soil and Shadow](https://soilandshadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/KCF_6313+(1).jpg?width=1500&height=997&name=KCF_6313+(1).jpg) ![As+Seen+On](https://soilandshadow.com/hubfs/As+Seen+On.jpg "As+Seen+On") ## Who Am I? ![Nikki Silvestri, CEO of Soil and Shadow](https://soilandshadow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Soil%20and%20Shadow%20Branding/Elaine%20Patarini%20High%20Res%20Headshot.jpg?width=3648&height=5472&name=Elaine%20Patarini%20High%20Res%20Headshot.jpg) Nikki Silvestri is, first and foremost, a mother of two, wife, and sci-fi nerd. She’s also a pioneering voice in leadership development, organizational transformation, and social innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Soil and Shadow, she leads a strategy lab that designs regenerative leadership models for an increasingly destabilized world. With a career spanning executive leadership, policy innovation, and systems change, Nikki has served as the Executive Director of multiple organizations, including People’s Grocery and Green for All, before founding Soil and Shadow. Nikki has shaped strategy as a trusted advisor to executives, government agencies, and global non-profits while also working on the ground with grassroots organizations and purpose-driven businesses. Her work integrates ecological wisdom with executive strategy, helping institutions build resilience, adaptability, and equity into their leadership structures. An internationally recognized keynote speaker, Nikki has graced dozens of stages, delivering over 50 keynotes worldwide on the intersection of climate, economy, and social impact. Named one of The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans, Nikki is the recipient of numerous accolades, including ELLE Magazine’s Gold Award and OxFam America’s Act Local, Think Global Award. Her previous board seats include Food First, Greenpeace USA, and Common Future. --- ## Get our Weekly Newsletter WEEKLY(ISH) INSPIRATION, GUIDANCE, AND INSIGHT ON THE ISSUES YOU CARE ABOUT MOST. [Inspire Me](https://share.hsforms.com/1J__bh8IfTCGlxsqGzO7F3gck37n?__hstc=130412304.2685a25cbd0ea2d860f7018909b81d99.1677169851305.1677858986254.1677867081038.4&__hssc=130412304.6.1677867081038&__hsfp=1483251232) We respect your privacy because well, it’s yours. "Learn from the victories of paradigm failure." Charles Bates Copyright © 2026, Soil and Shadow