About Cindy
Who is
Cindy?
Cindy is a leader with decades of experience in growing profitable businesses and leading teams of people to personal success. She’s certified as a Life Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), as a Compression Planning Training Facilitator, as a Riva Focus Group Facilitator, and as a Self-Defense Instructor. She’s also a proven entrepreneur. After serving as Vice President of Citizens Banking Corporation, she became an owner and partner in the Oak Brook Racquet and Fitness Club, the #1 ranked health club in the Chicago area according to Consumer Checkbook, a division of Consumer Reports. She has also worked for decades as a management consultant and life coach working with individuals, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations. Cindy also serves on numerous boards, including the Board of Trustees of Loyola University, the Business Advisory Council at Notre Dame University, and more.
Testimonials
Jim Kales , CEO, Aspire
Cindy came to Aspire when I started as CEO of the organization. We were very early in the process of navigating a bold new vision for Aspire. At that time we needed to redefine the mission, vision and goals of the organization. Through the use of Compression Planning and Storyboard exercises we were able to collaboratively chart a future course for Aspire. The impact of these strategic planning sessions on Aspire’s growth and long-term sustainability have been dramatic, and I highly recommend Cindy and Stark Insights.
Corey Jenkins , Founder, CEO Jayinex Inc.
Before I met Cindy, I would say that I had drive, ambition and even guidance on my side. But, Cindy's expertise granted me clarity and laser-like focus. For me, Cindy's no nonsense approach to life coaching is tough/in your face, with the warmth of a Mother's love all at the same time. My life and career have reached new heights and are continually climbing due to Cindy's advocacy, and for that I am forever grateful.
Dawn Siebenhaar , Sales, Membership & Marketing Director
I have had the pleasure to call Cindy Stark my mentor for nearly 2 decades. Cindy possesses a powerful combination of business acumen and family/relationships experience which give her an edge with coaching. Life does not fit in perfect boxes, and even successful executives have families and competing obligations that do not need to take a back seat to a successful career. Cindy helped me find balance.
How I work
How does
Cindy
work?
Every person is unique, and so is every business, so my work must accommodate a dizzying array of variety.
For that reason, I have learned, developed, and built an extensive collection of tactics, tools, and techniques that we can use and adapt as needed, including life wheels, compression planning, one-page business plans, value assessments, culture audits, time management reviews, goal-setting, systems of accountability, and more. No matter your situation, I’ve seen it, and I have a tool and strategy ready to apply to it.
How I work
Still, the process always starts the same because my job is always to serve as a facilitator of change.
That means the process begins by defining the most important attributes of the future you want to build for yourself or your business. Then we eliminate what isn’t important and plan out an efficient, engaging, and laser-focused program capable of translating your newly articulated vision into your new reality.
How I work
Along the way, we keep an eye on the big picture.
That’s because it’s impossible to truly separate personal values from professional values or work life from personal life. High performing people and businesses find ways to create alignment between all the different elements of their experience. I help people and organizations alike to focus on their pivotal issues and develop their own answers in line with their values and their vision. In the end, that’s the recipe for lasting, sustainable success.