Keynotes & Workshops
Be Prepared for
Inspirational lessons that will change your personal life & career
Get ready for a 4-D Experience!
Beyond being comfortable in front of a camera with a microphone in my hand – I get energized to the nth degree when I’m around a group of smart, eager-to-learn people.
What to expect:
- I won’t read a script – I speak from the HEART. I don’t present, I communicate. I’ll use a PPT if required, but it will just be pretty pictures and maybe a fun quote or two.
- I get people ENGAGED! A successful engagement for me happens when audience members are itching to stand up, speak out, come up on stage with me and be a part of the experience.
- I get people THINKING. This is the 4th dimension of my speaking – attendees will leave with volumes of notes, action plans, and big dreams for the possibilities to come!
(LtoR) Jackie Shirley, State of CT Department of Banking & Cindy Donaldson at the 2025 CT Bankers Association Women in Banking event.
Upcoming Events
AKA - Where you'll find me!
Jan 13, 2026: CT Bankers Association
CT School of Finance & Management Program, Trainer: "The Secrets to Managing that Bankers Stress!"
March 24, 2026: Chelsea Groton Bank
All Employee Meeting Keynote
April 24, 2026: CT Bankers Association - Women in Banking
Sponsor & Attendee
May 1 2026: 2026 ICF Connecticut Inaugural Conference
Speaker
June 9, 2026: CT Bankers Association - Aspire Leadership Program
Trainer: "How to Be a Better Leader from the Inside Out"
It's all about the Experience!
Feedback from The Aspire Leadership Program full-day workshop at the Connecticut Bankers Association.
Topic: How to be a Better Leader from the Inside Out.
Best Class so far! Truly made you think about yourself and what you can do personally to better help your team.
I felt this was the best session yet, which is saying something! The lessons Cindy speaks on are essential for personal life as well as in your career. Cindy's authenticity and passion for the subject made for an engaging session.
By far my favorite class that we have done in ASPIRE! I know a good number of us thought the same thing. Cindy inspired us and really got us thinking on things to better ourselves and in doing that, how we can inspire others. Highly suggest having her in the program in the future. Also suggesting to others to go to the women in banking next year to see Cindy as the keynote speaker.
Cindy is a rockstar!
My favorite class so far.
I think we all need to be reminded more often of the information Cindy was presenting. It was so valuable...
Cindy is very knowledgeable, and I can tell she is very passionate about the subject matter. I appreciated her level of candor and how she engaged the class. I learned a lot about myself.
Best session so far. There was expected participation but it didn't feel forced like the other sessions
Favorite class so far. She was a force!!!
Best ASPIRE class yet! Cindy was wonderfully inspirational, funny, knowledgeable, and caring. I left inspired and immediately put into practice her tips to inspire a struggling employee.
I truly wouldn't change a thing! This was my favorite class thus far (and not because it was short - I wish it were longer!) but because it felt real, not "textbook", and provided some really powerful messaging behind living to your fullest potential!
I appreciate Cindy's enthusiasm. I feel she provided some great insight on being a leader and being a mentor. Also, that being a good leader is the ability to recognize when an employee is not happy and providing suggestion on having a positive/constructive conversation on an topic that may be hard for either the manger or the employee to hear.
Loved it! Cindy is AWESOME!!
This was by far my favorite class since I started ASPIRE. Cindy was amazing and able to provide a great takeaway in a short period of time
Cindy was incredible. There was a buzz in the room the entire time and even during lunch. I know everyone left class feeling inspired in some way.
“Working with Cindy Donaldson was a true privilege. As a brilliant marketer and trusted business coach, she brought not only deep strategic insight but also a gift for connecting with diverse audiences. While I served as Entrepreneur in Residence leading UConn’s Family Business Program, Cindy stood out as both a dynamic speaker and a behind-the-scenes asset — helping our families, students, and partners think more clearly about growth, branding, and long-term value. Her presence elevated the program and made my role more impactful.” — Robin Ann Bienemann, CEO Crimson Rook
Areas of Expertise
Be it a keynote for a convention of 50,000 people, a multi-day seminar event, or a 1-day workshop - I'll bring the energy! My speaking topics are always flexible, as I'm willing to work within your agenda. Let's have a conversation!
My areas of expertise include:
- Leadership Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Personal Development
- Uncovering your Genius
- Resilience & Courage
- Banking Industry
- Insurance Industry
- Non-Profit Industry
- Creating your Life by Design
- Full-time RV Living - Nomadic Lifestyle
Popular topics
I'm flexible! Below are popular working "titles" that can be used for a 30-60 minute keynote, or a multi-day or single-day interactive workshop,
- Becoming a Leader from the Inside Out - understanding YOU first.
- Resilience - How to tap into the power of failure to grow to unlimited heights.
- Achieving Greatness - understanding your genius and learning the art of shameless self-promotion
- What is your Purpose? Why are you here, and why does it matter? Learning to unleash your inner passions to live a fulfilling life.
- What makes a GREAT leader? Understanding the 3 key points of amazing leadership and putting them into action.
- How to be an Influencer - in a GREAT way. Learning the art of persuasion to get what you want out of life.
- Life isn't a dress rehearsal - the Bucket List Challenge
- Minimalism and the Nomadic Life - my story of full-time RV living - how I sold it all to travel.
