Cindy Rowe
Foounder/Owner at Cindy Rowe, LLC
Leadership
Education: UW-Platteville
Rockford, IL, USA
Biography
Cindy Rowe is an internationally recognized speaker known for transforming organizations through the unexpected power of kindness and heart-centered leadership. Named one of the Top 50 Women Speakers of 2024, she has experience helping leaders and teams harness emotional intelligence to drive engagement, performance, and retention.
Cindy’s unique approach blends real-world business acumen with evidence-based strategies. As the founder of two successful companies, she understands the challenges of leading through change, burnout, and growth. Her customized keynotes and training programs have been delivered across industries—from healthcare and finance to education and construction—earning consistent praise for being both energizing and deeply practical.
She’s been trusted by national associations, corporate clients, and leadership conferences to deliver content that inspires action. Whether addressing the C-suite or emerging leaders, Cindy equips audiences with tangible tools to create psychologically safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplaces.
Audiences leave her sessions feeling motivated and empowered, with actionable strategies they can implement immediately to build stronger teams, lead with empathy, and create cultures where people—and business—thrive.
Passion
I’m passionate about spreading kindness and positivity in everything I do. Each year during my birthday month, I celebrate with 31 days of Random Acts of Kindness—a tradition that reminds me how small gestures can spark big change. I’m also deeply committed to inspiring women to step into their purpose, silence their excuses, and boldly pursue the life they’re meant to live.
Best Story
I didn't learn about kindness in a book; I found it in the challenges and triumphs of real life. Simple acts of kindness that began as a way for me to lift my spirits when I needed it most have become my life mission.
I feel it deep in my soul to share my story because I know others will see parts of themselves reflected in it. Mine is a comeback story and my dream is to inspire others to create the best versions of themselves and realize
that kindness is a strength, not a weakness.
Origin Story
I loved speech class in high school, but I never expected that speaking on stage and telling my story would become my life's work. What I didn't realize then was how my story would unfold; the traumas I would endure;
everything I would overcome over the next 25 years; and the passion I'd feel to use what I'd gone through as fuel to inspire and empower others to use kindness to get the most out of life at home and at work.
Example talks
Kindness as a Leadership Superpower: Creating Teams That Thrive
In this session, discover why kindness is a personal virtue and a leadership strategy that transforms teams and organizations. Research shows that employees who feel valued and supported are 12% more productive, and happier workplaces are more resilient to staffing and retention issues. As a leader, you can set the tone for a culture where kindness fuels connection, trust, and success.
This talk will provide actionable insights into using kindness strategically to inspire your team, attract and retain top talent, and improve your organization’s bottom line. You’ll leave with practical tools to build a compassionate leadership style that positions you as a visionary leader, strengthens workplace culture, and creates a lasting impact.
Key Take-aways:
- Understand the Science of Kindness: Learn how kindness impacts individual and organizational well-being.
- Develop Practical Strategies: Acquire actionable tools to cultivate kindness in the workplace.
- Inspire Positive Change: Gain the motivation and inspiration to lead with kindness and create a more positive work environment.
- Build Stronger Relationships: Learn how to foster stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders through kindness.
LEADERSHIFT: Leading with Humanity in a High-Tech World
The future of leadership isn’t just about automation, AI, or data—it's about human connection in the face of constant change. As technology reshapes the workplace and tight budgets stretch teams thin, leaders must make a pivotal “leadershift”: evolving from process-driven managers to human-centered change agents.
In this dynamic session, you’ll discover how leading with humanity is not only possible—but essential—for creating resilient, engaged teams in the public sector. Grounded in emotional intelligence and backed by real-world practices, this talk provides a fresh perspective on how empathy, psychological safety, and kindness can drive measurable outcomes like improved morale, retention, and performance.
Whether you're managing digital transitions or navigating burnout and staff shortages, this session will equip you with practical tools to lead with authenticity, foster trust, and inspire excellence in your workforce.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the concept of “leadershift” and why emotional intelligence is essential for HR success in a digital era.
- Learn how to build trust, reduce burnout, and improve retention by prioritizing humanity in policy and communication.
- Gain actionable tools to navigate change while maintaining team morale, inclusivity, and connection.
Level Up Your Life: Conquering Work-Life Balance
Are you juggling demanding deadlines, client expectations, and personal responsibilities? This session is for professionals who are tired of burnout and ready to reclaim balance. Discover how top leaders make work-life harmony a reality—without sacrificing success.
You’ll learn practical strategies to set boundaries, prevent burnout, and manage time with purpose. Gain tools to prioritize self-kindness, improve productivity, and create a sustainable career you love.
Key Take-aways:
- Understand the personal and professional cost of workaholism
- Learn how to set clear boundaries and avoid burnout
- Explore time management strategies and self-care practices that stick
Unapologetically Kind: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity. This empowering keynote invites women to embrace kindness, confidence, and bold self-leadership as the foundation for growth in business and life. Attendees will explore how to use kindness as a powerful strategy to build meaningful relationships, make courageous decisions, and create impact on their terms.
The session challenges outdated definitions of success through real-world examples and practical tools. It encourages women to lead with heart, set strong boundaries, and confidently show up as their whole selves. Walk away inspired and equipped to build a life and career unapologetically aligned with who you are.
Key Take-aways:
Kindness is Your Competitive Edge – Discover how leading with empathy and authenticity builds stronger relationships, boosts business growth, and attracts the right opportunities.
Rewrite the Rules of Success – Learn how to define success on your own terms by aligning your values, strengths, and vision—without compromising who you are.
Lead with Confidence, Not Conformity – Gain actionable strategies to set boundaries, own your voice, and make bold decisions that reflect your worth and purpose.
It's All About Me: How to Build a Personal Brand
Creating A Rockstar Social Media Content Strategy that Produces BIG Results
Feel overwhelmed coming up with ideas for social media content? Not sure where to begin? Does Monday creep up and have you lost on what to post? If you answered YES to any of these questions, YOU NEED TO ATTEND THIS SESSION!
In this interactive session, we will go over the importance of great content, where to find inspiration and how to create a content calendar. You will walk away with an actionable plan for creating ROCKSTAR content that will help you secure new clients and grow your business!
Speaking Engagements
2024 NYS SHRM Conference
Digital Summit Minneapolis 2024
AHRA 2024 Annual Meeting
Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit 2024
Women and Leadership Symposium 2024
2023 CGI Integrated Care Conference
2023 Missouri Behavioral Health Conference
2023 HR Nebraska State Conference
Wisconsin Nonprofit Summit 2023
Featured Video
My Podcast
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
I didn't learn about kindness in a book; I found it in the challenges and triumphs of real life. Simple acts of kindness that began as a way for me to lift my spirits when I needed it most have become my life mission.
I feel it deep in my soul to share my story because I know others will see parts of themselves reflected in it. Mine is a comeback story and my dream is to inspire others to create the best versions of themselves and realize
that kindness is a strength, not a weakness.
Origin Story
I loved speech class in high school, but I never expected that speaking on stage and telling my story would become my life's work. What I didn't realize then was how my story would unfold; the traumas I would endure;
everything I would overcome over the next 25 years; and the passion I'd feel to use what I'd gone through as fuel to inspire and empower others to use kindness to get the most out of life at home and at work.
Example talks
Kindness as a Leadership Superpower: Creating Teams That Thrive
In this session, discover why kindness is a personal virtue and a leadership strategy that transforms teams and organizations. Research shows that employees who feel valued and supported are 12% more productive, and happier workplaces are more resilient to staffing and retention issues. As a leader, you can set the tone for a culture where kindness fuels connection, trust, and success.
This talk will provide actionable insights into using kindness strategically to inspire your team, attract and retain top talent, and improve your organization’s bottom line. You’ll leave with practical tools to build a compassionate leadership style that positions you as a visionary leader, strengthens workplace culture, and creates a lasting impact.
Key Take-aways:
- Understand the Science of Kindness: Learn how kindness impacts individual and organizational well-being.
- Develop Practical Strategies: Acquire actionable tools to cultivate kindness in the workplace.
- Inspire Positive Change: Gain the motivation and inspiration to lead with kindness and create a more positive work environment.
- Build Stronger Relationships: Learn how to foster stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders through kindness.
LEADERSHIFT: Leading with Humanity in a High-Tech World
The future of leadership isn’t just about automation, AI, or data—it's about human connection in the face of constant change. As technology reshapes the workplace and tight budgets stretch teams thin, leaders must make a pivotal “leadershift”: evolving from process-driven managers to human-centered change agents.
In this dynamic session, you’ll discover how leading with humanity is not only possible—but essential—for creating resilient, engaged teams in the public sector. Grounded in emotional intelligence and backed by real-world practices, this talk provides a fresh perspective on how empathy, psychological safety, and kindness can drive measurable outcomes like improved morale, retention, and performance.
Whether you're managing digital transitions or navigating burnout and staff shortages, this session will equip you with practical tools to lead with authenticity, foster trust, and inspire excellence in your workforce.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore the concept of “leadershift” and why emotional intelligence is essential for HR success in a digital era.
- Learn how to build trust, reduce burnout, and improve retention by prioritizing humanity in policy and communication.
- Gain actionable tools to navigate change while maintaining team morale, inclusivity, and connection.
Level Up Your Life: Conquering Work-Life Balance
Are you juggling demanding deadlines, client expectations, and personal responsibilities? This session is for professionals who are tired of burnout and ready to reclaim balance. Discover how top leaders make work-life harmony a reality—without sacrificing success.
You’ll learn practical strategies to set boundaries, prevent burnout, and manage time with purpose. Gain tools to prioritize self-kindness, improve productivity, and create a sustainable career you love.
Key Take-aways:
- Understand the personal and professional cost of workaholism
- Learn how to set clear boundaries and avoid burnout
- Explore time management strategies and self-care practices that stick
Unapologetically Kind: Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Success doesn’t have to come at the cost of authenticity. This empowering keynote invites women to embrace kindness, confidence, and bold self-leadership as the foundation for growth in business and life. Attendees will explore how to use kindness as a powerful strategy to build meaningful relationships, make courageous decisions, and create impact on their terms.
The session challenges outdated definitions of success through real-world examples and practical tools. It encourages women to lead with heart, set strong boundaries, and confidently show up as their whole selves. Walk away inspired and equipped to build a life and career unapologetically aligned with who you are.
Key Take-aways:
Kindness is Your Competitive Edge – Discover how leading with empathy and authenticity builds stronger relationships, boosts business growth, and attracts the right opportunities.
Rewrite the Rules of Success – Learn how to define success on your own terms by aligning your values, strengths, and vision—without compromising who you are.
Lead with Confidence, Not Conformity – Gain actionable strategies to set boundaries, own your voice, and make bold decisions that reflect your worth and purpose.
It's All About Me: How to Build a Personal Brand
Creating A Rockstar Social Media Content Strategy that Produces BIG Results
Feel overwhelmed coming up with ideas for social media content? Not sure where to begin? Does Monday creep up and have you lost on what to post? If you answered YES to any of these questions, YOU NEED TO ATTEND THIS SESSION!
In this interactive session, we will go over the importance of great content, where to find inspiration and how to create a content calendar. You will walk away with an actionable plan for creating ROCKSTAR content that will help you secure new clients and grow your business!