Natalia Sokolova is a prominent figure in the business world and a revered speaker whose story of triumph over adversity resonates globally. From surviving a life-threatening car accident at 17 to becoming a Playboy Playmate and co-founding Verda Family Office (SFO), Natalia has defied the odds to establish herself as a successful entrepreneur, philanthropist, and thought leader. Dedicated to empowering individuals to construct their own legacies and attain TrueWealthTM through creative thinking and steadfast determination, Natalia is also a devoted mother. Her story of passion and resilience resonates deeply with everyone she encounters, leaving a lasting impact.
Natalia, born into one of Russia’s oldest aristocratic families tracing back to the 14th century, was raised under the influence of her great-grandmother, a concentration camp survivor. Her great-grandmother instilled in her the belief that with desire, willpower, and persistence, nothing is impossible. During her teenage years, Natalia had the honor of representing Russia in Japan for a two-month performance hosted by the “Peace Child International” Foundation. She then won a competition at Moscow State University, allowing her to participate in a United States exchange program at age 15 and was admitted to the University of Maryland at 16. Additionally, she played semi-professional tennis and engaged in various sports activities.
In the first semester, everything fell apart when she was involved in a car accident as a passenger. Waking up in the hospital completely paralyzed from the waist down, doctors predicted that she would never walk again. Despite facing the challenges of severe blood loss and injuries to her pelvis and spine, she made a resolute decision to reclaim her life. Determined to overcome the odds, she embarked on a journey to regain mobility and rebuild her life.
After a year of intense Physical Therapy that very few can endure, she was able not only to resume walking again, but to graduate in 3.5 years Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland with dual degrees in Finance and International Business. She was also accepted to the internship program with the US Chamber of Commerce and was hired by the American Express Financial Advisors under their exclusive program.
Despite her academic achievements, Natalia struggled with feelings of inadequacy, weakness, and unworthiness. Unable to participate in sports, run, or dance like her peers, she grappled with mental hurdles. Seeking to overcome these challenges, she entered and excelled as the First Runner-up at the Hawaiian Tropic International competition, paving the way for a thriving international modeling career. Recognized as an exceptional talent in modeling, she was granted a green card and subsequently obtained US citizenship.
Natalia has been represented by renowned agencies like Elite Models Management, Elite Celebrities, Wilhelmina Models, and Fashion (Italy). Her portfolio includes cover features and appearances in publications such as Playboy, Maxim, FHM, and Health, among others. She is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA, having showcased her talent in films like “Swordfish,” “Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles,” and “Boat Trip,” as well as numerous television series like “Baywatch” and “Cannonball.”
Natalia is also an avid entrepreneur, having held various roles throughout her career across multiple industries. Currently, she’s a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at SGG World — the parent company of Verda Family Office (SFO), SGG Advisory, and SGG Foundation — the Founder and President of Doctor Direct, and the President and Chief Operating Officer of Cytta Corp (OTCQB: CYCA) – one of SGG World’s portfolio companies.
Natalia’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in her involvement with various charitable organizations. She established FirstOneIn.org, has been a board member of Kick4Life.org since 2013, and provides advisory support to entities such as Best Buddies (Kennedy Shriver Foundation) and Water.org, among others.
Natalia’s passion lies in empowering individuals to forge their unique legacies and cultivate wealth through her ideology of TrueWealthTM. TrueWealthTM encapsulates her philosophy that while amassing wealth and realizing personal aspirations is vital, true richness stems from giving back to the community and fostering genuine prosperity. Natalia embodies this principle in her own life and endeavors to instill this ethos in others, guiding them to embrace a holistic approach to wealth and fulfillment.
Natalia calls Beverly Hills home, where she balances her commitment to helping others and managing her varied business ventures. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she finds joy in traveling, sailing, and camping with her two sons. When she’s not bonding with her boys, Natalia delves into reading, meditation, and ongoing personal development to enhance her skills and knowledge.
Natalia Sokolova’s narrative embodies remarkable strength, passion, and resilience, serving as an enduring source of inspiration. Her ongoing journey defies odds and showcases the attainability of the seemingly impossible. Through sharing her experiences, Natalia endeavors to empower individuals, demonstrating that transformative change and impact are achievable through consistent dedication and incremental progress.
In the first semester, everything fell apart when she was involved in a car accident as a passenger. Waking up in the hospital completely paralyzed from the waist down, doctors predicted that she would never walk again. Despite facing the challenges of severe blood loss and injuries to her pelvis and spine, she made a resolute decision to reclaim her life. Determined to overcome the odds, she embarked on a journey to regain mobility and rebuild her life.
After a year of intense Physical Therapy that very few can endure, she was able not only to resume walking again, but to graduate in 3.5 years Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland with dual degrees in Finance and International Business. She was also accepted to the internship program with the US Chamber of Commerce and was hired by the American Express Financial Advisors under their exclusive program.
Despite her academic achievements, Natalia struggled with feelings of inadequacy, weakness, and unworthiness. Unable to participate in sports, run, or dance like her peers, she grappled with mental hurdles. Seeking to overcome these challenges, she entered and excelled as the First Runner-up at the Hawaiian Tropic International competition, paving the way for a thriving international modeling career. Recognized as an exceptional talent in modeling, she was granted a green card and subsequently obtained US citizenship.
Also inspired by her family’s legacy of influential figures is Natalia’s desire to help others build empires to create generational wealth, leaving a fruitful legacy for their loved ones. Natalia’s focus on wealth-building revolves around the concept of “True Wealth,” which is the belief that it’s important to build wealth and achieve your personal goals and independence, but it’s equally important to give back to society to be truly wealthy. Natalia lives her life focused on this concept and teaches others to do the same.
Today, Natalia resides in Beverly Hills. When she’s not helping others and working on her diverse business ventures, she enjoys traveling, sailing, and camping with her two sons. When she’s not spending time with her boys, Natalia enjoys reading, meditating, and studying to continuously improve upon herself and further develop her skills.
Natalia Sokolova’s life story is one of unwavering strength, passion, resolve, and grit, and her journey continues to inspire as she proves the impossible is possible. In telling her story, Natalia aims to show others that they can change their lives and make a difference by taking baby steps and staying committed to their goals.
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