WIN’s Member Spotlight showcases the diverse and experienced talent within our organization. For our latest Member Spotlight, WIN proudly features Cindy Rota, a leadership coach and consultant who launched her own practice in 2024 after spending much of her career at Vanguard. Cindy shares her career journey, the importance of staying open to new opportunities, and why the community she has found through WIN has been so meaningful.
Can you tell us a little about your career journey and what you do today?
I spent the majority of my career in corporate America, including many years at Vanguard, where I held leadership and leadership development roles and worked on transformation initiatives. Whether a business was growing, downsizing, or reimagining how it operated, much of my work centered around coaching, developing, and advising leaders.
I really came to love that space. Once you become a leader, you don’t always receive the same level of development and support, and I found it incredibly rewarding to provide leaders with that coaching, insight, and encouragement.
That ultimately led me to leave corporate America and launch my own practice in 2024. Today, my work includes coaching, team effectiveness, facilitation, organizational development, and other areas. I love the variety and the opportunity to choose the people and organizations I work with while continuing to challenge myself and learn.
What advice would you give someone looking to continue growing in their career?
Be true to yourself and know yourself well enough to understand what makes you happy and what you do really well. At the same time, be open.
Sometimes other people see something in you that you don’t see in yourself yet. Saying yes to an opportunity can stretch you and put you on a trajectory you may never have considered for yourself.
Challenge yourself to grow, but remain open to the people and opportunities around you. Someone with more experience may recognize potential in you that you haven’t tapped into yet.
How has mentorship played a role throughout your career?
I’ve had different mentors at different points in my career. I think depending on what you’re dealing with or the phase you’re in, there can be someone who is exactly the person you need at that time.
One of my former bosses remains a mentor and a great sounding board. We still get coffee several times a year, stay in touch, and he continues to be a big cheerleader for me.
Since starting my own business, I’ve also developed a new community of people who understand the challenges and rewards that come with it. Having people who will cheer you on, be honest with you, and support you through the ups and downs is incredibly valuable.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of WIN?
I joined WIN around 2023 after someone referred me, and I’m incredibly grateful she did. What stands out to me is the professional, experienced, and talented group of women who are genuinely welcoming and supportive of one another.
I’ve participated in other networking organizations, and WIN feels different. It’s not simply about membership. It’s about creating meaningful connections and giving women different ways to engage based on their personalities and comfort levels.
WIN feels like a community. There is a real investment in the women who are part of it, and I appreciate that tremendously. It’s also why I joined the Membership Committee. I believe in what WIN is doing and want to help the organization continue to succeed.
What’s something your fellow WIN members might not know about you?
One thing I’m incredibly proud of is being an advocate for a wonderful woman named Alice, who has intellectual and physical disabilities. We spend time together every month, whether we’re going to lunch or dinner, spending time at her group home, or simply talking on the phone.
I originally became involved because I wanted to give back and be an advocate for someone who needed additional love and support. But the script really got flipped. I’ve received so much more from Alice than I ever expected. Whenever I leave after spending time with her, I feel like my cup is overflowing.
She has become an incredibly important part of my life, and I feel very blessed to know her.
Do you have a favorite WIN event?
I’m torn between two! I love the Nordstrom event. It’s fun, different, and I always leave inspired with new ideas while enjoying time with the other women.
I also love the holiday event at The NEST. It’s such a wonderful way to celebrate the year together and kick off the holiday season.
While those are two of my favorite social events, I also really value WIN’s educational programming. I appreciate having the opportunity to network while also learning from leaders in the industry. That combination helps me continue to grow as a business owner and in the work that I do.