The Center for Leadership Excellence

Whether you’re seeking personal leadership growth or wanting to elevate your entire organization, Solsten Institute provides the structure, strategy, and support for real transformation.

Meet the Team

A global collective of executive coaches and leadership strategists dedicated to developing extraordinary leaders.

We are present in North America (Headquarters), Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle-East.

Founder & CEO

Claudio Toyama

, MA, PCC

Claudio Toyama is an international speaker, executive coach, and leadership strategist with more than two decades of experience developing leaders across 30+ countries. Known for helping organizations elevate talent quickly and sustainably, he blends human behavior, communication science, and practical tools that strengthen executive influence in high-stakes environments. He has supported leaders in Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, high-growth firms, and mission-driven organizations, consistently helping them build confidence, presence, and lasting impact.

A descendant of Samurai, Claudio was born and raised in Brazil and has lived in Japan, Italy, the UK, and the U.S. He has consulted in over 113 countries, giving him a uniquely global lens on leadership and culture. He is an ICF-PCC certified coach, an Adjunct Faculty member at Georgetown University’s Institute for Transformational Leadership, and author of the best-selling book The Samurai Samba Vinci Way.

A lifelong learner, Claudio holds degrees in Business Administration, Marketing, Strategy, Communication Studies, and Interactive Multimedia, along with advanced certifications in Ontological and Generative Coaching. Outside of work, he is committed to bringing more beauty and passion into the world—and is easily distracted by ice cream, chocolate, and sushi (though not at the same time). He lives near Washington, D.C., with his daughter.

Learning and Development (L&D) Team

Head of Facilitation

Michelle Montserrat Oliva is an executive coach, facilitator, and leadership advisor with more than 15 years of experience supporting leaders and teams across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Her values-driven, strengths…

, PCC, SPHR

Head of Coaching

Janet Ladd is a leadership coach, workplace well-being practitioner, and clinical mental health counseling graduate student. With more than 20 years of experience in HR, business, and organizational consulting, she partners…

Senior Executive Coaches/ Facilitators

Senior Associate

Annie Peguero is an executive leadership coach dedicated to helping leaders transform fear into confidence and cultivate balance, clarity, and purpose. An adoptee, former federal la…

Senior Associate

Dave Mell is an executive coach who leads with heart, connection, and a deep belief in every leader’s capacity for meaningful transformation. Grounded in his own journey of…

, PCC

Senior Associate

Deb Friedman is an executive leadership coach and facilitator who helps leaders thrive in a rapidly evolving and complex world. With 20 years of experience navigating uncertainty—…

Senior Associate

Elza Baptista Filha is an executive coach, mentor, and organizational consultant with more than 40 years of professional experience across international, multicultural,…

Senior Associate

Floyd Carlson brings more than 30 years of global leadership experience to his coaching practice, helping leaders create positive, lasting impact within their organizations. His…

Senior Associate

Kelley Sanabria is a leadership consultant, facilitator, and speaker who helps leaders and organizations navigate complexity, competing demands, and high-stakes tension…

Senior Associate

Kristen Scott is an executive coach committed to helping leaders unlock their full potential and overcome the barriers that stand in their way. Blending empathy with practical tool…

, MCC

Senior Associate

Leah Kedar is a Master Certified Coach (MCC), executive coach, author, and TEDx speaker who brings deep presence, compassion, and rigor to leadership development. An ICF…

, ACC, CPCC

Senior Associate

Marc Stoecker is a resilience and life coach, facilitator, and life experience designer who helps professionals—particularly those in midlife—navigate change with clarity, confidence,…

, PCC

Senior Associate

Nancy Martin is an executive coach, facilitator, and leadership advisor whose work helps individuals, teams, and organizations lead with clarity, confidence, and consistency…

Senior Associate

Rafael García Monroy is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and facilitator specializing in ontological and generative coaching. Since 2012, he has supported leaders…

Senior Associate

Regina Lescura is a leadership development professional and executive coach with more than 20 years of global experience in marketing, brand strategy, and talent development. She…

Senior Associate

Ryoka Teramachi is an ontological coach and DEI practitioner dedicated to creating inclusive, empowering environments where individuals feel seen, valued, and able to thrive. Traine…

Senior Associate

Sofia Borodulina is an executive coach committed to developing emotionally intelligent, high-impact leaders. She partners with global organizations, startups, and institutions…

Senior Associate

Steve Whearty is an executive coach and leadership development specialist with more than 30 years of experience across the U.S. Navy, federal government, and private sector…

Senior Associate

Tatiana Pires Trivellato is an executive coach, leadership mentor, and organizational development facilitator with extensive experience supporting emerging and senior leade…

Senior Associate

Will Jenkins is a leadership advisor, executive coach, and strategist who has spent more than two decades helping leaders across sectors understand how they can contribute t…

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