17 - Cynthia Cleveland on Building Empires and Staying Grounded Artwork

Trust Your Innersense™ with Joanne Starkman

Trust Your Innersense ™ with Joanne Starkman invites you to slow down, reconnect, and come home to yourself. Rooted in self-love and everyday rituals, this podcast explores what it means to live with intention—starting with the relationship we have with our bodies, our breath, even our hair. Joanne, a holistic beauty founder and gentle guide, shares real conversations and mindful practices to nourish your inner and outer world.

Each episode feels like a cozy cup of tea with a wise friend—full of heart, honesty, and tools you can actually use. From soulful storytelling to simple shifts in daily habits, you'll find inspiration to soften, listen inward, and move through the world a little more rooted and real. Trust Your Innersense is a quiet nudge toward the truest version of you.

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Trust Your Innersense™ with Joanne Starkman

17 - Cynthia Cleveland on Building Empires and Staying Grounded

July 31, 2025 • Innersense Organic Beauty • Episode 17

Uncovering the Heart of Leadership
In this energizing episode, Joanne sits down with Cynthia Cleveland—a trailblazing CEO, brand builder, and longtime advisor to both Joanne and Greg in their Innersense™ journey. With decades of experience leading billion-dollar brands, Cynthia shares how she unexpectedly found herself in the C-suite and why psychology, intuition, and tools like Myers-Briggs have been central to her success. If you’ve ever wondered what truly makes a powerful leader—or how the people behind Innersense™ continue to grow—this conversation is rich with surprising insights and heartfelt connection.

Female Intelligence as a Superpower
Cynthia reveals how emotional intelligence and authenticity became her greatest strengths in male-dominated industries, and why being vulnerable is actually a power move. She shares stories of mentorship, moments of self-doubt, and why women-led companies often outperform. Her reflections offer fresh permission to lead from your values and embrace the uniqueness you bring to any room.

Breaking Myths and Building Legacy
With honesty and humor, Cynthia busts the myth that strong female leadership harms families—and shares how her kids became more resilient and independent because of it. She also offers her signature mindset shift—“Now what?”—to turn any crisis into a stepping stone for growth. Whether you’re building a brand or navigating tough decisions, her wisdom will leave you feeling grounded and capable.

Connect with Cynthia Cleavland: CEOCoachingInternational or on LinkedIn Cynthia Cleavalnd

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Mentorship

02:35 Cynthia's Unintentional Leadership Journey

04:10 Understanding Personality Assessments in Leadership

06:35 The Importance of Team Dynamics and Diversity

08:00 Influences and Role Models in Leadership

09:30 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

11:44 Balancing Collaboration and Decisiveness

12:42 Navigating High-Pressure Situations

14:09 Shifting Perspectives on Challenges

17:30 Facing Gender Bias in Leadership