SHINE’ing The Spotlight on…

Cindy Scott

Cindy Scott is a Canadian-born, a Mum, wife and entrepreneur. She is an eternal optimist and can always see the potential in people, places and systems. Cindy believes if you intend it, you can create anything you want in your life. Cindy loves meeting people, creating ideas and collaborating to create greater outcomes. She is a two-time survivor of breast cancer and am now determined to make the most of her life and make a genuine difference in the world in her unique way. In the midst of cancer treatment, Cindy created the Healing Journal: The Gift of Cancer for women journeying cancer treatment which was hugely healing for me. And this is just the start!

Cindy, you’ve had an extensive corporate career working in a number of areas, tell us about your roles and skills you have learnt along the way…

Early in my career I realised that I had a love of business and the people (and their behaviours) that ran them. Human Resources seemed like the perfect place to blend these two passions. I followed my now ex-husband around for the betterment of his career and in so doing, landed some amazing and senior positions for myself given the rural and regional areas we lived in.

I worked in various HR Management roles for 12 years until my marriage fell apart and I needed to re-invent work that would support my new role as single Mum. My divorce ended up being an awakening which thrust me on to a new path both personally and professionally as I embarked on training to become an Executive Coach.

Although it was among the toughest times of my life, I can now look back and hold so much gratitude for it all as it has led me to now. As there were no career opportunities in the small town I was living in, I had little option to start my own business. It was something I had always wanted to do but it was probably a bit earlier than I had intended.

As luck would have it, my business morphed into a coaching and training business which supported my son and I and gave me the much needed flexibility to toggle both well. For the past 14 years, I have coached 100s of leaders and worked with scored of corporate teams to strengthen their teams, their leadership, empower women, build resilience and well-being.

In recent years, you’ve gone through a traumatic experience which has led you to create a Healing Journey. How has this helped you personally and what is your goal with the release of the Journal?

In Feb 2020, when my life was pretty amazing I was diagnosed for a second time with breast cancer. I took some much needed time to down tools and gift myself the time I needed to have surgery and chemotherapy.

During this time I began to write in my journal to quell the cocktail of emotions swirling within me. One day a girlfriend suggested I put my writings together to help other women navigating a cancer journey and so I did. Amidst my darkest days I created the most divine and stunning Healing Journal, a project I am so proud of and would love to gift every woman having to endure the same path.

My goal is to share the Healing Journal with every woman who wants to address not just the clinical (physical) aspects of cancer but dig deeper to explore and heal the psycho-social parts too. I wanted to heal fully from cancer so I don’t have another recurrence.

My lofty vision is to see a world free from cancer. I will do my part in helping this cause. Proceeds from the Healing Journal will go to cancer research.

What traits and qualities do you feel will help you to make an impact and build awareness in this healing/charity space?

I am an incredibly passionate and driven person which I feel is infectious with others. I have also been told I am a masterful networker and connector so I trust these qualities will help me connect with those people that share my vision and desire to help those facing cancer.

What skills have you used personally to help you through difficult time and how has this made you a stronger person?

Someone said to me recently, “a fortunate life is not fortunate… that it is adversity which is our greatest gift”.

I am no stranger to adversity and in some ways feel like much of my life has been an uphill climb. I know that I am a resilient person and can handle just about anything life throws at me. I now see that many of life’s tests have taught me valuable lessons and honed my skills to cope, adapt and thrive in the toughest of times. I believe I am now called to share those lessons with others.

How have you juggled working on your health, your writing and your business in recent times? You’ve been through a lot but have continued to assist others which is so inspiring.

Having experienced cancer twice, I would say I handled my first experience or what I affectionately call my ‘test’ run poorly compared to the second time through. During my first diagnosis, I soldiered on, continued working through, refused much of the treatment and shared my health situation with very few people. I was terribly alone, sad and unsupported.

My second experience was vastly different thanks to the encouragement of my husband who urged me to share my experience with family and friends. To let others see me fall apart, to be vulnerable, to receive support and take the necessary time I needed for treatment and healing. I called 2020 ‘My Soul Sabbatical’ and focused on my healing like a project. Writing in my journal and creating the Healing Journal was a passion project and one that gave me focus, direction and a great deal of healing.

And what’s next on the agenda for Cindy Scott?

My mind is filled with so many ideas for what’s next…
I am currently building an online cancer coaching program to help women navigate their emotions through cancer treatment. The Healing Journal will be the companion for this program.
I am already writing the next book which will help women re-build their life after cancer and will incorporate a number of practical coaching tools to enable them.
I am just about to launch a range of essential oil blends and tea blends that will support people through adversity along with self-care kits to gift yourself or others facing tough times.

Favourite movie and why?

The Notebook… because I am a hopeless romantic and I think this is such a gorgeous love story.

Coast or City?

I loooove the Sunshine Coast but it’s an equal tie between the sparkle of the ocean and the deep green of the bush.

What mantra do you live by?

The world gives back what you put into it.

To find out more about Cindy and The Healing Journal head to:

Website
healingjournal.co

Book Launch Details – 24/7/21
https://healingjournalbooklaunchjuly2021.eventbrite.com.au

Facebook
@evolvingwomenco