About Me
But my path wasn’t always clear. I’ve experienced what it’s like to feel unseen, unheard, and undervalued.
That journey shaped my mission: to help others break barriers, step into their full potential, and lead in a way that transforms lives—both their own and those around them.
Through keynotes, corporate leadership training, and workshops, I empower leaders to develop emotional intelligence, foster trust, and drive meaningful change. Because leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about people, connection, and impact.
I am a human-centric leader, TEDx & keynote speaker, and author dedicated to helping leaders and organizations unlock potential, tackle quiet quitting, and lead with heart. I believe personal growth is the foundation of great leadership—because when individuals learn to lead themselves first, they create lasting impact in both their professional and personal lives.
Facing the HARD TRUTH...
Prior to becoming a leadership and personal growth expert, I found myself at a crossroads.
Despite significant professional accomplishments, I faced limited opportunities for growth.
I asked myself, Was working hard for minimal advancement, while living away from family, truly worth it?
The answer was NO.
That inner reflection changed everything.
This me led to finally acknowledge that.
I was not purposely growing in a direction that supported my full potential as a human and a leader.
I was out of alignment with my soul needs and was not harmonizing spirit with my professional life.
AND
I also had unprocessed grief over the passing of my mother due to Covid-19 and wished to prioritize family more.
Thus I resigned.
As a result, my inner landscape transformed to one where soul needs and professional needs align.
This alignment gave me clarity, purpose, and harmonized my values with needs.
It also led me one to wake up with an idea; give a TEDx Talk on human growth needs.
During this process i wondered
How many people feel frustrated because their growth needs are not being met?
How many people feel disconnected and out of alignment, professionally and personally?
The answer is a lot more than we think!
Research data points to employee discontent and the reasons for it:
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Lack of opportunity for growth.
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A sense of disempowerment.
BOTH affect our ability to reach our potential.
I see this as not just a lack of career opportunity, but also a
lack of opportunity to fulfill our 'soul' growth needs,
which are often expressed through career growth.
THE HUMAN ELEMENT
Organizations that fail to connect with employees on a human level and invest in their growth will lose them.
The Great Resignation proved that.
People who lack clarity about their personal and professional needs struggle with purpose, which directly impacts their confidence, motivation, and growth.
My Mission
Empowering individuals and organizations to break barriers, unlock potential, and lead with heart—
transforming lives through the power of human connection.
Cindy's TEDX Talk
TEDx San Luis Obispo Presentation Overview
The Power of Recognizing Potential: The Triad of Recognition //
How often do you see potential in others?
And how often do you recognize potential in yourself?
The determining factors are explained by the triad of recognition; you can start using this technique today!
Short Professional Bio
Dr. Cindy Urrutia is a thought leader, TEDx & keynote speaker, and leadership & personal growth expert. She believes personal growth is the foundation of great leadership—helping individuals lead themselves first to create impact in their careers and lives.
She has authored and edited nine books and curated over 20 cultural and multimedia exhibitions featured in major publications. She has also spoken at conferences, led workshops, and facilitated discussions on leadership, empowerment, and human connection.
Dr. Urrutia is dedicated to helping leaders and organizations unlock potential, tackle quiet quitting, and lead with heart. Through keynotes, corporate workshops, and consulting, she empowers individuals and teams to build workplaces and lives rooted in connection, purpose, and growth.
Previously, she served as Director of the Center for Creativity and the Arts at Fresno State, revitalizing the center after years of dormancy. She continues to mentor, consult, and lead transformational leadership and personal growth initiatives.