Hi, I'm Cindy!
Coach, strategist, and serial entrepreneur challenging high achievers and leaders to break the rules, design their own path, and live life unapologetically on their terms.
A little bit (or maybe a lot) about me...
Hey there - I'm Cindy and here's my story...
I’m a Certified High-Performance Coach, Business Strategist, and Speaker who believes you can have it all – if you’re willing to get clear, do the work, and step fully into who you are meant to be.
I’m also a rebel with a strategic mind, a lifelong learner, a speaker, a writer, a traveler, a mom, a partner, and an entrepreneur who knows what it takes to build a life and business on your own terms.
My Story
For years, I followed what I thought I should do. I climbed the corporate ladder, checked off society’s boxes, and reached a level of success that looked impressive from the outside. But inside, I felt disconnected. Like I was living someone else’s life.
In my late 40s, I hit a wall. Burned out, unfulfilled, and completely stuck, I knew there had to be more – I just didn’t know what that was.
So, I started the real work. I invested in coaches, dove deep into personal development, and stripped away the expectations to uncover who I truly was and what I really wanted.
Fast forward to today. I’ve built a life and business I love. I travel full time with my partner Dave in our RV, work with incredible clients, and wake up each day grateful to live life unapologetically on my terms.
Now, I help others do the same – with more clarity, courage, and strategic action than they ever thought possible.
My Philosophy
Success isn’t just about titles or bank accounts. It’s about living with authenticity, fulfillment, and purpose. It’s about having the courage to dream bigger than you ever have – and the strategy and discipline to turn those dreams into reality.
As a coach and consultant, I blend proven strategies with powerful mindset work to help you break through limitations, lead with confidence, and build a life and business aligned with who you truly are.
If you’re ready to stop playing small, break through your ceiling, and create the life you crave, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
My life in photos...
Adventure Girl shots from over the years. You just never know where I'll show up!
Quantum Speaker
Inspirational Motivator
Do you lead a team or organization, and are you looking for a non-traditional speaker for an upcoming conference or event? If the answer is YES, let's chat!
From keynote presentations to workshop facilitation on topics around Leadership, High-Performance Living, Personal Development, Career, Entrepreneurship and my favorite - How to Create and Live your Life by Design - I've had experience in all.
(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"
The Magic of High Performance Coaching
Certified High-Performance Coaching (CHPC) is the highest-regarded coaching curriculum in the world. Across 100,000 3rd party rated sessions, the average client satisfaction rating is a 9.7 out of 10, the highest in the industry, ever. Each year Brendon Burchard, Founder of the High-Performance Institute, personally trains 300 Certified High-Performance Coaches - I'm one of them.
The curriculum is based on deep scientific research with proven results. Trust the process and you'll get the results you are looking for.
Brendon Burchard
Brendon Burchard, Founder of the High-Performance Institute and the Certified High-Performance Coaching Program (CHPC) shares insight into the transformational power of coaching. Take a few minutes to watch the video on the right - #LifeChanging
Stay Connected
What started as your run-of-the-mill marketing and business-centric e-blasts, my bi-weekly missives delivered to your inbox are a deep dive into personal development and a glimpse inside my personal journal. Raw, authentic, to the point, and always a little kick-ass inspiration to get you moving in the right direction. Sign up - give it a go and see why some people can't wait to see what I'll say next.
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.
Fan Mail...
I'm always humbled when I get "fan mail" or someone runs up and hugs me because something I've written, spoken, or helped them work through positively impacted them. What a life I have!
Lauren Zordan
VP, NW CT Chamber of Commerce
Cindy Donaldson is one of the most impactful leadership coaches I’ve ever worked with!
READ MORE
Email Inspo..
Her weekly emails are written as if she’s talking directly to me. I can always relate to her words and take some nuggets of wisdom away from them. If you’ve never witnessed Cindy’s energy and passion for leadership in person, you must! She’s a dynamo and you’ll leave feeling like you can accomplish anything. She lives life by design and isn’t afraid to share the good and bad of the lessons she’s learned along the way. She embodies leadership and I can’t wait for her to publish her first book!
Work with me!
What is your ideal life story? If you could be anyone, go anywhere, do anything and have ___________(fill in the blank) - what is the story?
Most people struggle to answer those simple questions because they've never permitted themself to think that big and BELIEVE they can accomplish anything in life they want - given the right tools.
Whether you want to work with me 1:1 as a life coach delving into that personal bucket list that's never been accomplished or perhaps you are an entrepreneur who simply cannot get your business to where you know it will go - we can work together to get you there.
For individuals craving a like-minded circle with whom you can connect and foster growth together - my Courage Formula Group Coaching program is for you!
Curious if The Courage Formula High Performance Coaching process is right for you? Apply for a FREE Strategy Session and let's dig a bit deeper to find out!
High Performance Coaching Programs
High Performance Life Coaching
Unlock what is holding you back from living a life of joy and fulfillment through a transformational 1:1 coaching process.
High Performance Business Coaching
Unlock your inner courage to elevate your career - be it as an employee or entrepreneur.
High Performance Group Coaching
Connect and work with like-minded people and collectively build high-performance habits