Hey there, I'm Steve Schlafman.
Most people call me Schlaf (pronounced shh-laugh).
I’m an ICF-Certified Professional Coach who has coached, advised, and invested in over hundreds of founders and leaders across various sectors and stages. I’m also the founder of Downshift: an 8-week immersive program designed to help ambitious professionals in transition recalibrate their inner compass and explore what's next with a community of peers.
Through one-on-one coaching and group experiences, I support high performers—founders, executives, creatives, and investors—as they slow down, reorient, and step into their next chapter with intention and purpose.
My certifications include the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership, Coaching for Transformation, Navigating Transitions (with Modern Elder Academy), Mental Health First Aid, and Tiny Habits (with BJ Fogg). I have also spent considerable time studying Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy (currently enrolled in Level 1), Internal Family Systems (through Aletheia), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Nonviolent Communication, Soulcraft, and the Enneagram.
I also write Where the Road Bends, a Substack about conscious change, life transitions, and the slow, sacred work of becoming. And I create tools like The Ultimate Annual Review to help people live more examined, intentional lives.
Before becoming a coach, I spent nearly two decades as a venture capitalist and operator, holding leadership roles at Primary Venture Partners, Lerer Hippeau Ventures, RRE Ventures, and The Kraft Group (owners of The New England Patriots). In those years, I invested in dozens of startups, including Zipline, Boom Aerospace, Hone Health, and Brightwheel.
The road that led me here
Over the past twelve years, I’ve moved through numerous transitions and transformations. Each one dismantled who I thought I was and reshaped my sense of self. I bring these experiences in service to those I support.
Each transition felt like an ending at the time, but looking back, they were all invitations to begin again. I’m still walking this path today with humility and trust.
Who I am beyond the work
I’m a girl dad times two. A husband, son, brother, and identical twin. Born on the North Shore of Massachusetts, so I’m a Pats, Sox, Celts, and B’s fan for life. But after nearly twenty years in the city, I now consider myself a New Yorker, even though my Boston accent still slips out.
I love learning, reading half of every book I pick up, long bike rides, and walking in the woods, usually with a question I’m turning over or in deep conversation with a friend.
I cook for my family most nights. I’m also a baker who loves using butter, sugar, and salt with zero guilt.
Music is always playing in the background: neoclassical, ambient, grunge, classic rock, country, folk, electronic, ‘80s, and pop. In 2024, I made it into the top 2% of Taylor Swift listeners. Did I mention I’m a girl dad?
I read tarot. I love a hot sauna. And I try to get outside every day, no matter what or the weather.
