About Stella Nera Coaching
Ann Wagner, Founder
B.A., Psychology; M.Ed., Behavioral Intervention Specialist
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Certified ICF Coach, ACC
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Certified Organization and Relationship Systems Coach (ORSCC), an ICF Level 2 Program
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Certified Global Gallup Strengths Coach and Predictive Index Assessment
The Name
Why Stella Nera?
I have a deep love for languages, cultures, and experiences → Stella Nera is the product of just that.
During a special trip to Prague, my family and I stumbled across an amazing restaurant, called the Black Star. We shared an evening I will never forget, and within the caves of this restaurant, sketched into the wall, was an emblem of this esoteric symbol, the very one that became the inspiration for my own coaching practice.
The name Black Star in English, however, wasn't quite right. Initially I thought to switch to German, as I had spent so many years previously living in Berlin.
Schwarz Stern, also didn't quite have the ring I was looking for...
And to my mothers Sicilian roots I went, and Stella Nera seemed just perfect.
Stella Nera, Italian for Black Star, signifies the perpetual journey towards authenticity, purpose, and happiness. It's about living a story that facilitates awareness and acceptance, brings fulfillment and joy, and one that you want to repeat over and over again. It further symbolizes the need to not shy away from our darker moods or emotions, rather to deepen our understanding of the needs behind them.
The Systems
Difference
Why try coaching?
We live in a highly individualistic society. Just look at the number of self-help books, podcasts, and “top 10 tips” promising quick, personal transformation. Understanding ourselves is essential — our patterns, motivations, strengths, and blind spots all greatly matter. But it doesn’t stop there.
Our lives don’t happen in isolation. We are always in relationship: with partners, colleagues, teams, families, and the larger systems we’re part of.
Professional coaching holds transformative power. It is rooted in vulnerability, curiosity, and courage, and it requires a shared commitment to growth from both the coach and the client(s).
As a Systems Coach, I work beyond the individual. My approach expands the focus from me to we to the system itself. While many coaching models focus primarily on Emotional Intelligence (ME) and sometimes Social Intelligence (WE), systems coaching taps into Relationship Systems Intelligence (IT) — the intelligence of the relationship or team as its own living system.
And that “IT” really matters.
It shapes communication, trust, decision-making, and how people show up together. When we learn to see and work with the system — not just the individuals inside it — new clarity, alignment, and possibilities emerge.
That’s the work I do, and I’ll show you how.
The Clients
Who is it for?
Coaching is truly for anyone (individuals, leaders, executives, teams, and organizations alike) willing to be curious and intentional about growth and change; those who are future-focused and ready to invest in themselves and their teams. With coaching, you can transform existing and emerging goals into actionable steps → turning aspirations into reality.
Maybe you are:
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A leader navigating complexity, rapid growth, or a pivotal transition.
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A team juggling competing priorities and feeling the strain of misalignment.
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An organization seeking to stabilize and rebuild — or scale with intention and sustainability.
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A culture-carrier committed to transforming how people relate, communicate, and perform together.
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A professional at a crossroads, ready for clarity, direction, and decisive forward movement.
Surface-level motivation doesn't work.
We need real alignment, real commitment, and meaningful clarity. That's what an investment in systems-based coaching can provide.
Who it is not for: There are instances where a different level of support is needed (or added). I am a coach, consultant, and facilitator, but not a therapist. Click here for an overview on the differences.
HOW WE CAN WORK TOGETHER
Two core beliefs drive two main buckets of services.
The beliefs:
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We are always in relationship
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Clarity changes everything
The buckets: coaching and facilitation.
COACHING
individuals | leaders
team coaching
organizations
Your authenticity is your power - lets bring it forward
FACILITATION
client events
corporate kick-offs
personal retreats
Sharpening perspective, building clarity, and creating community
With a systems coaching lens, shaped by global leadership experience, I help uncover what's driving behaviors, surface the unspoken, and create alignment between values, purpose, and action. I help you recognize the influences that are shaping you, your company, and how to be more intentional and influential
Leadership comes from within — but it doesn't end there.
Better relationships. Better results.
"Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right."
The Grateful Dead
