Hi, I’m Danilo.

For those interested in approaching the next chapter of their lives with the same rigor as their work, I offer the highest signal-to-noise process you will find.

I often meet professionals—high-level executives, hedge fund managers, senior engineers at top firms—who have spent over a decade in their roles but feel uninspired, exhausted, or simply stuck. When I ask why they aren’t pursuing something more fulfilling, I hear:

  • "I’m worried about what’s happening with AI."

  • "I’m just keeping up with my lifestyle."

  • "I don’t know how to get a new job."

  • "If I stop, what will I do?"

These fears are usually one part psychological, another part conceptual and a third part operational.

When they step back, they realize they’re not applying the same rigor to their next career move or navigating the AI wave as they do in their job.

After working together, some times these leaders move to a startup. Some times they take a sabbatical. In a few cases, after a single conversation, they retired within weeks — sometimes to travel, sometimes to launch passion projects, sometimes just to breathe.

I’m not against work or spending, but if you’re unfulfilled, working without purpose, or don’t have a bullet proof execution plan for, "What’s the next move?"— let's talk.

Coaching built on rigorous foundations

  • Think of me like your ‘next-move’ co-founder to either:

    • Find the next role

    • Prepare for what’s next with AI

    • Get clarity on the next phase

  • I combine operational thinking, deep theory and evidence-based practices, such as Narrative Therapy, Model Based Systems Engineering and Karl Weick’s Theorizing

  • My approach is paradoxical: a balance of:

    • Engineering and Art

    • Precision and Openness

    • Analysis and Intuition

  • 'I feel (conceptually) outgunned.’

    co-founder of $75b marketcap company

  • ‘He made me see the bigger picture in ways I hadn’t before.’

    managing director, global bank

  • ‘This isn’t coaching—it’s a methodical, high-impact program unlike anything I’ve seen.’

    non profit executive

  • ‘There is no one like Danilo.’

    founder of startup building new city

About Me

My name is Danilo Vicioso. I’ve built and scaled companies at the intersection of AI and Venture Capital—raising funds from Khosla Ventures and Greylock, founding a Y- Combinator-backed startup, and hiring C-level executives. Beyond that, I’ve completed a the equivalent of a PhD on human coordination and have worked with the same coaches as Fortune 500 executives and high growth startup founders.

Frequently (and infrequently) Asked Questions

  • I work with executives (10+ years in their roles) who feel stuck but want a rigorous, strategic approach to life after work. I typically work with only about 20% of the individuals I engage with. a rule of thumb I have is that I only want to work with someone I’d be excited to invite to sound-swim.com (password swim).

  • We begin with a proprietary method called a Meta Profile to understand where you are in your career, what motivates you, and what you’re seeking in life. Based on the client, I may produce a comprehensive 360 assessment. I draw from concepts from across disciplines to guide you through reflection and practical exercises to identify key areas for change. The work is ongoing email/texts threads, supplemented by 1:1 calls lasting one-three hours every week(s) based on the tempo of the challenges. By the end, most individuals have a clear, actionable plan for your next step.

  • If you believe that your life is your most valuable asset and you’re committed to investing time in understanding it—whether that means embracing serendipity or exploring deeper layers of meaning—this may be the right fit. You don’t need to make drastic changes immediately; the goal is to help you think differently about both your work and your life. through guided self-reflection, we’ll help you clarify your true aspirations—whether that’s advancing your career, making a shift, or achieving a more fulfilling balance between work and personal life.

  • Traditional career coaching typically focuses on advancing within your current role or securing a new position. In contrast, this service takes a more holistic approach, while operating within a rigorous, engineering-driven framework. We go beyond just career advancement, helping you strategically align both your professional and personal goals for long-term fulfillment and success.6.

explore my theoretical work

A Coordination Theory of Everything

The Goal Of Your Platform

What To Know About Words

A Rationalist Explanation of God

Meta Profile

Life: A Not Fake Explanation

Doug Singer Former Manager Director, Douglas Elliman

"A game-changer in how I view life and work"

‘Before working with Danilo, I was a partner at a technology infrastructure company, stuck in a cycle of long hours and diminishing returns. I had everything society tells you to want—financial success, a beautiful home —but I felt unfulfilled and exhausted. I didn’t know how to get off the treadmill, and I convinced myself I had to keep going.

Danilo’s approach was unlike anything I’d ever encountered. instead of pushing me towards a quick fix or a career change, he helped me shift my perspective on what truly mattered. the process was incredibly structured yet deeply reflective. we worked together to assess my values, my motivations, and where I truly wanted to go next—not just professionally, but in every aspect of my life.

After just a few sessions, I started making decisions with clarity and purpose. the tools he provided helped me see that I didn’t need to keep sacrificing my happiness for an arbitrary standard of success. in fact, I realized I could retire within a few months if I wanted to—and I was finally free to pursue passions I’d long put on hold.

Danilo’s program gave me more than insights; it gave me confidence in taking control of my life. I can now approach my next chapter with the same focus and intentionality I applied to my career, but this time, for me.

If you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled, I can’t recommend Danilo enough.’