Increase your power with ease.
Leadership Coach
& Consultant
Helping people is what I’m passionate about. Solving problems is what I’m good at.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve been a political candidate, start-up executive, non-profit leader, brand marketer, and business consultant. Whether I’m working with Fortune 500 companies or launching a start-up, I work with progressive leaders to hone their vision and achieve their goals.
I'm a deep thinker, active listener and collaborative problem solver who challenges norms and systems, activating people to break through barriers to produce impactful results.
Services
Leadership Coaching
I help progressive leaders move toward their desired future in their lives and through their work.
Impact Driven Consulting
I help individuals grow their businesses & campaigns by identifying roadblocks, offering solutions and prioritizing tasks that lead to clarity and forward progress.
Who I Work With
Progressive founders, non-profits, small businesses. Progressive candidates and campaigns.
About Cyndi
Cyndi (she/her) is a mother, leadership coach, former political candidate, non-profit leader, and an award-winning marketer. Cyndi coaches progressive candidates, activists, and visionary leaders like you to take consistent action toward your goals.
Cyndi is an innovative thinker, dedicated community member, and purpose-driven businesswoman. Cyndi has a passion for building brands, businesses, and social movements. Cyndi Co-Founded Women Forward Coaching to close the gender leadership gap. She offers values centered, high-impact coaching for visionary changemakers.
Cyndi is an ACC, ICF certified leadership coach with over 160 hours of coaching experience.
She lives in Los Angeles on occupied Tongva land.
Follow Cyndi on Instagram @cyndiotteson.
Specialties
Leadership Coaching
Community Organizing
Civic Engagement
Messaging Strategy
Advocacy & Actions
Fundraising & Development
Testimonials
Dr. Rocío Rivas
Los Angeles Unified School District
District 2 | LAUSD Board Member
Cyndi has been instrumental in my journey as a newly elected LAUSD board member. She partnered with me throughout my first year, encouraging me to stay curious, trust my instincts, and use my authentic voice to invite people into my vision. With Cyndi's support, I've been able to navigate complex political situations with ease and have built a diverse coalition of partners. Together, we're building healthier public schools and communities where students can thrive.
David Kim
U.S. Congress
CA-34 | Candidate
Working with Cyndi has been fruitful and enjoyable for me, both professionally and personally. Cyndi possesses a strong work ethic and discipline, always prioritizing and executing on things that need to get done, while also being insightful, resourceful, and acting with integrity. Because of her consistent support, encouragement and affirming partnership, I've been able to step more into my power and leadership. I'm truly grateful for Cyndi.
Mia Livas Porter
CA State Assembly
AD51 | Candidate
I have absolutely loved working with Cyndi on my campaign. As a first-time candidate, Cyndi has been an incredible resource and support both strategically - from offering innovative fundraising tips to branding - and personally, when I have felt overwhelmed or discouraged. We have built an incredible working relationship based on trust, respect and candor. And she has been an incredible cheerleader, going above and beyond my expectations.
Bryant Odega
LA City Council
District 15 | Candidate
Cyndi made me feel empowered, not only as a candidate running for office, but as a human being. Since working with her, I am even more confident in running my grassroots campaign. Cyndi has given me the tools and strategies necessary in fundraising, marketing strategy, and community organizing to be more effective as a candidate in a way that feels authentic to me and uplifts everyday residents in my district.
Marissa Herrera
Co-Founder/ Exec Artistic Director,
4C LAB | Non-Profit
As an executive leader, I am a visionary and big thinker but I needed help in creating a strategy and a clear plan for growth and sustainability. Cyndi guided me to prioritize goals, be accountable to deadlines and to create a plan of action that now felt achievable and not overwhelming. Cyndi shared her expertise and provided tools and resources of support I now integrate to lead my career with clarity, a tangible strategic plan, and the courage to execute it.
Jaime Lee Palladino
Founder
JLP Design House | Small Biz
Cyndi has been an integral part of my success as a business woman, mother and partner. Balancing multiple aspects of life often left me overwhelmed, putting myself last. With so much to juggle, I needed guidance and accountability. Cyndi helped me gain the clarity I needed to strategize and achieve my goals. She was not only encouraging, but empowering. Working with Cyndi has provided an everlasting skill set that has given me peace and confidence.
Gina Viola
The People’s Mayor
LA Mayor | Candidate & Organizer
Running for office was the most isolating experience of my life. Having Cyndi by my side was the vital key I needed to show up in places that weren't exactly welcoming, and to speak my truth to power. Cyndi not only helped me to stay grounded in my values by offering encouragement, she also kept our campaign organized and running with her practical tips. We share a vision for Los Angeles – a city where everyone has the chance to live and thrive!
Flo Sunoo
Founder
The Underground Rainbow | Small Biz
Cyndi supported me to advocate for and gain approval of an honest history/ethnic studies curriculum at our local school. She also helped me to channel my energy to launch a new company focused on racial justice and under-told stories. Recently I launched my very first book and became a published author! Cyndi has helped me move past my stopping points and redirect my energy on what's most important. Cyndi is invaluable!
“You cannot change any society unless you take responsibility for it, unless you see yourself as belonging to it and responsible for changing it.”
— GRACE LEE BOGGS