Cindy Donaldson

Business Consultant & Mentor
Keynote Speaker & Trainer
Strategic Communications Expert
High-Performance Coach
Founder of the Courage Formula

Business Consulting

Coaching & Mentoring

Speaking & Training

🎥 Free Training: The Three Shifts to Live Boldly

Learn how to break free from limiting beliefs, build unshakable courage, and take bold action – starting today.

I’m the strategist businesses call when they’re stuck.

I uncover the hidden barriers, create clear paths forward, and drive sustainable growth by blending powerful business insight with strategic marketing & communications and support teams with transformational coaching. 

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Jackie Shirley

(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 Courage Formula

Successful, Fulfilled, and Happy People Don't Rely on Luck...

Hi, I’m Cindy Donaldson, a High-Performance Coach, Business Consultant, and Mentor. I help high achievers uncover their true purpose, become fully present, and reach their next level of success and fulfillment – in business and life.

Here’s what you need to know:

You CAN achieve everything on your bucket list.
You CAN break free from what’s holding you back.
You CAN create greater wealth, happiness, and meaning.
You CAN elevate your business, your team, and your impact.
You CAN build habits that transform your life.
You CAN have it all.

Holistic Process. Rapid Results. Lasting Growth.

When one area of life is off, everything is affected. My high-performance coaching combines science-backed methods with strategic action in an initial 12-week Courage Formula Foundations program. This builds the habits and clarity you need to grow. Many clients continue working with me long-term as we keep expanding their goals, creating lasting results, and building a life and business that truly fulfills them.

Are you ready to create the life and career you truly want?

I believe...

Results Driven. Life Changing.

The Courage Formula Foundations Program

Tom Klonowski

Tom Klonowski
Courage Formula Foundations Graduate

"We've all been told "you can do it", however, how many of us have been shown "how we can do it"? Cindy's Courage Formula program will help you unlock your hidden talents that you never knew were there. She will challenge you, she will ask you questions that will make you really think about where you want to be.

This program has greatly helped me to ease my overthinking, to take a step back and tackle the harder things first (eat the frog), and to know that I am capable." 

 

Work with me!

COACHING & MENTORING

What’s your ideal life story? If you could be anyone, go anywhere, do anything, and have everything you desire – what would that story look like?

Most people struggle to answer these questions because they’ve never allowed themselves to think that big or believe they can achieve it – with the right tools and support.

That’s where I come in.

As a Certified High-Performance Coach, I help high achievers like you break through limitations, silence the inner critic, and create a life and career that truly fulfills you.

Whether you’re ready for private 1:1 coaching to finally tackle that personal bucket list, improve your leadership, and deepen your relationships, or you’re an entrepreneur determined to scale your business without sacrificing your health and happiness, I’ll help you get there with courage, strategy, and unwavering accountability.

If you crave a like-minded circle to challenge and support your growth, my Courage Formula Foundations Program is designed for you. You’ll join a powerful community of individuals committed to becoming the best version of themselves while supporting others on the same journey.

BUSINESS CONSULTING & SUPPORT

I’ve spent decades in the trenches – leading corporate teams, building companies, and navigating the complexities of business operations, marketing, and sales. I know what it takes to build a business that not only succeeds but thrives.

My expertise runs deep in finance and banking, insurance and health care – but my systems work for any business ready to elevate. Unlike many consultants, I’ve been on both sides: leading inside corporations and building my own ventures from the ground up. I understand how businesses operate, how teams perform, and what truly drives sales growth.

And here’s the difference – I don’t just consult. I execute. With a powerhouse team behind me, we handle everything in-house, from marketing strategy and branding to website management, email marketing, and advertising.

Stand out from the crowd.

Whether you need to create a brand that commands attention, build and lead a high-performing team, or identify and overcome roadblocks holding your company back, I’ll deliver clear, actionable solutions to get you where you want to go.

Learn & Grow

A time for healing

By Cindy Donaldson | November 9, 2024

I must admit I’m tired, it’s been an emotionally exhausting 48 hours. Sometimes things don’t go as planned.  I’m taking my own advice today and choosing to not be consumed by the negativity, to focus on what i can control and to just be in the moment.  Yesterday was rough – but the silver lining […]

The Fight is Real

By Cindy Donaldson | November 4, 2024

Happy Monday and Hello November! I’m sitting here in the RV, huddled under my down comforter with coffee by my side. Yea – we are still in my son’s Connecticut driveway wrapping up the final swing of my speaking engagements and work obligations before we pack up and head south to pick up Dave’s mom […]

You do NOT need PERMISSION!

By Cindy Donaldson | April 4, 2024

I cannot tell you how many people I’ve coached around the topic of needing validation or permission to live your life how you want it. Here’s the good news – you can get over the guilt, the uncertainty and yes – you CAN do hard things! Tune in to hear about my journey with the […]

Clients & Affiliations

Are you ready to commit to YOU in 2025?

1:1 Coaching

Experience personalized growth and achievement with 1:1 Coaching and Mentoring tailored to your unique aspirations and challenges. Create YOUR life by design!

Group Coaching

Join The Courage Formula Group Coaching program to harness collective support and inspiration, empowering you to conquer obstacles and achieve your goals. 

Business Consulting

Business and Leadership Consulting for companies and teams ready to uplevel success.  Specializing in banking, insurance, health care, and non-profits. 

Client Stories

This is WHY I do what I do...words that warm my soul.

In the Courage Formula program, Cindy will deconstruct you, show you the obstacles keeping you from moving forward, and rebuild you into a stronger and more tenacious version of yourself. This program is not for those who want to be told what they want to hear, but rather for those who are willing to be told what they must change and do to break through the cycle of constant apprehension and self doubt. If you want to transform yourself, face your challenges, and grow, this program is for you. 

Thank you Cindy! “    

Sam Quijano

Commercial Lines Executive, Power Risk Management

Cindy Donaldson is one of the most impactful leadership coaches I’ve ever worked with!  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! 

CINDY FOR PRESIDENT! 😊

Lauren Zordan

VP, NW CT Chamber of Commerce

I have been following Cindy for several years and I find her to be nothing short of amazing!  Her weekly emails are always inspiring and motivating.

Several of the books she has recommended I have read and are some of my favorites. I have also spoken with her one on one when I needed a little guidance, and her advice was spot on.  If you are considering working with her I can assure you, you will not be disappointed. She is down to earth, honest and unstoppable. 

Rebecca St. Germain

VP Benefits, Tooher Ferraris Insurance Group

Cindy is a Force!

A force of creativity, curiosity, commitment, insight, energy and practical, expertise. And she’ll be the force behind you, beside you and ahead of you  – every step of the way.

I wish I’d known about Cindy from the start of my business! Her marketing expertise has taken my social media presence – and me – to an entirely new, authentic and relatable level. And that’s the thing. When you work with Cindy, your marketing presence will grow, but so will you.  And that where Cindy really distinguishes herself from the competition.

I contracted with Cindy to revamp my website. She presented me with what she calls a 3-month marketing “sprint” to accomplish these goals. Here’s what I didn’t know that came with the package: Cindy as my marketing coach.

Cindy listened for the authentic me – and then formed it into words.  Then she pulled, persuaded and cajoled me into new places so that clients would see me – know me – choose me – if we were the right fit together.

I took some work. I chickened out numerous times – so much change….But Cindy’s positive energy is positively contagious. It’s impossible to get stuck in the weeks with her because she’s fun – and very funny, making everything lighter and easier.  Laughter is part of Cindy’s secret sauce.

She’s also fantastic writer and OMG the beauty she creates on a website. She took the muddle of ideas in my mind and made them concrete and assessable.

Like any good coach, no question, no concern, is too big or too small for Cindy.  She’s genuinely interested, commitment and devoted to your success – to my success.

I have a quote in my bathroom: Leap and the Net will appear. We entrepreneurs understand this well! Cindy will guide you through the leap to a new you with your social media presence, and she’ll also be the net to catch your every detail and every need.

I recommend Cindy to absolutely every committed entrepreneur ready to take the next steps.

Deene Morris

Founder and CEO of Inspire Leadership

This year the Connecticut Bankers Association “Women in Banking” event was held virtually. I am not going to lie this was disappointing to me as I really love attending these events in person and feeling so uplifted and inspired from these events. After all, how much are you really going to get watching this virtually? I could not have been more wrong. Let me tell you about how one woman was able to give me the courage to be brave, vulnerable, and put myself out there. One of the speakers was Cindy Donaldson. I found her to be intriguing from the start. She was in one of my breakout sessions during the lunch meet and greet time. Little did I know that this woman was going to open my eyes more than I had ever imagined.

Cindy is real and raw at times, but that is what makes her such a great speaker. I can see why CBA selected her to be the ending speaker. There are times that you do not need to sugar coat things, being honest with one’s self means more than hiding in the shadows. I do not know what everyone else took from this session. But I can speak for myself and it was amazing. This will be one of those days that I will always remember and hold close to me.

Cindy, I cannot thank you enough.  I wanted to give you a peek of my thoughts during your speech and how much you have impacted me. I can see myself talking about this day years from now, as this has inspired me to be more. Thank you,

Renee Miller

AVP Business Bank Manager/Guilford Savings Bank

Your presentation at the Connecticut Bankers Association - Women in Banking event was the BEST part of today’s conference!! SO REAL!!!!!  You ROCK!!!!

Lori Heath

VP, Collinsville Savings Bank

We've all been told "you can do it", however, how many of us have been shown "how we can do it"? Cindy's Courage Formula program will help you unlock your hidden talents that you never knew were there.  She will challenge you, she will ask you questions that will make you really think about where you want to be.   This program has greatly helped me to ease my overthinking, to take a step back and tackle the harder things first (eat the frog), and to know that I am capable.

Tom Klonowski

Commercial Lines Risk Manager, Power Risk Management

Thank you for the past 12 weeks!  I am so glad that I took the leap and joined your Courage Group 😊 I still have a lot to work on and this gave me a great start.

Nancy M.

Business Owner

I have worked with Red Barn Consulting for several years now. During this time we have done some major website changes.  Not only was everyone we dealt with at Red Barn a pleasure,  but also knowledgeable and timely. They stayed on top of everything and kept us in the loop during this important project. Cindy’s big picture attitude and vision was just what we needed. All of us at DiMatteo Insurance loved working with their team during this process.

On another note,  Cindy’s unfiltered wisdom with her Monday and Thursday morning briefs keep us all engaged and force us to think out of the box and take action.  Her ability to get folks motivated and feel the success is second to none.   I have also had the pleasure to work with Cindy in a very relaxed coaching environment and she truly makes you think and see the light.  We are more than blessed to have found Red Barn Consulting as a working partner.

Kim DiMatteo

Cross Insurance

Cindy is a marketing and insurance expert.”

The Horton Group began working with Cindy at Red Barn Consulting a little over a year ago on digital strategy, content planning and development. She has an impressive level of knowledge about effective strategies to build and promote your brand across multiple channels.

Margaret Taylor

The Horton Group

“Cindy Donaldson and the Red Barn team are an indispensable resource to Aartrijk. A true trusted partner.”

We have enjoyed working with Cindy for years. She always does the right thing by the customer. Super positive attitude. Fun to be around. And really savvy about what must happen in marketing and communications to reach today’s insurance consumer.

Peter Van Aartrijk

The Aartrijk Group

“The team at Red Barn was tenacious about deadlines, deliverables and assigning responsibility…”

The Bank’s legacy Website was obsolete and the technology was limiting the economic value to the Bank for addressing the needs of our customers and prospects. Red Barn Consulting was engaged to develop a new website; including the right integrated digital strategies to deliver our marketing messages, products and banking functions. Red Barn Consulting has the subject matter experts to understand the banking industry, technology platforms that best fit our needs and the creative staff that delivered function as well as great aesthetics. In the end, the new Website was delivered on time, on budget and all of our expectations were met.

Gary Roman

Collinsville Savings Society

“Cindy Donaldson of Red Barn Consulting acted as the marketing arm of our insurance agency for several years.”
We are not large enough to warrant a fulltime marketing person and Cindy has filled that role nicely. She keeps us apprised of the latest marketing techniques and constantly is making suggestions to improve our sales efforts. Particularly adept at social media advertising, her firm has managed to keep our name out in front of potential customers for minimal cost. Some of her duties and accomplishments include direct mail target marketing to affluent prospects, design and updating our web site, regular newsletters to our clients, organizing client/prospect seminars as well as planning and running social events for clients and prospects. She is always willing and very responsive to jump in and help us with any project. She has been invaluable to our firm.

Dennis Dressel

Founders Insurance Group

“Cindy and her team are amazing!” Even when you think you have a good marketing program, they may make suggestions that are outside of your comfort zone, however, if you trust them, the recommendation are always “spot on”!

Susan Cook

Cook Funeral Home

February, 2018 I started working with Red Barn Consulting to start my marketing business. In April, 2018 I left my 9-5 job to pursue my business.I’m not sure where the end of 2018 will take me, but I’m so looking forward to seeing so many more positive changes…

Mike Valetta

Local Libationist

RBC gets people talking about you and your business…they create a buzz which gets the phone ringing!

Donna Bak

Sandler Training

Our company was in need of marketing support from product launches to setting yearly initiatives. We came upon Red Barn and thought they looked like a perfect partner. Cindy and Jenn connected with everyone on our team to understand how we got to where we are and what we want to project into the future. Working with Red Barn was a great experience from the start.

They work to complement what our current marketing team can provide and helped us connect with new areas of the market. Red Barn has enabled us to branch out or our comfort zone, pushed us to challenge timelines, and helped us accomplish more than we could have imagined. Cindy and Jenn are great at what they do, extremely responsive, and have delivered items on time every time. We have seen an increased email click-through rate and overall more email engagement as well as more traffic on our social media.

Our experience thus far has been great and we look forward to seeing what else we can accomplish this year with their help!

Abby Marinack

NeuroScience

Red Barn is part of our team.”

As an Administrator and COO of a very diverse healthcare delivery system, it is important to ensure that our marketing strategies effectively reach a vast constituency of potential stakeholders.

For the past two years I’ve employed the services of Red Barn Consulting.  Red Barn is part of our team.  They assist in strategic development, execution strategies and utilize a comprehensive system to get our message to those who have the greatest need of the services we provide.

Bill Pond

Noble Horizons

The Cindy Donaldson Show

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