About

Dr. Cindy Zurchin is a visionary leader with over 30 years of experience in transforming workplace cultures through innovative leadership, motivation, and trust-building strategies. Holding a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Duquesne University, Cindy combines academic expertise with real-world impact to inspire individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. Her top certifications from renowned programs such as “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by the Covey Institute and “Leading Change” by John Kotter further underscore her ability to drive meaningful transformation. Additionally, her certifications in Mindfulness, Chair Yoga, and Yoga for Children reflect her commitment to holistic approaches that integrate wellness into leadership.

A Proven Track Record

Cindy’s career is defined by a history of success in leadership roles that emphasize culture transformation and visionary thinking. As a Superintendent of Schools, she managed a $62 million budget, 500 staff members, and four bargaining units, tackling complex organizational challenges with strategic insight and empathy. One of her most notable achievements was transforming a failing school into a nationally recognized model of excellence. Guided by Blanchard’s principles of leadership and organizational success, Cindy revolutionized the school’s culture, a journey she chronicles in her book, The Whale Done! School, co-authored with a foreword by Ken Blanchard.

Her registered trademark, Helping create schools where students love to learn, teachers love to teach, and parents are proud! ®, reflects her enduring dedication to building environments where everyone thrives. This philosophy extends beyond education, influencing organizations and leaders across industries.

Consulting Experience

As a consultant for the Blanchard Institute, the non-profit arm of The Ken Blanchard Companies, Cindy has worked with organizations nationwide to restore trust, build resilience, and create thriving workplace cultures. Her impact in California—where schools and communities quickly adopted her trust-building models—demonstrates her ability to inspire lasting change. Cindy’s strategies have also proven successful with industry giants like GM, UPMC, Huntington Bank and others.  Dr. Cindy Zurchin can support your organization in person or behind the scenes.  She is a trusted voice in leadership and culture transformation.

Entrepreneur and Innovator

In 1988, Cindy founded Cynthia’s School of Dance & Music, LLC, an arts education center dedicated to building confidence and fostering inclusivity for students of all ages. Under her leadership, the studio has earned accolades such as Pittsburgh’s Favorite Arts Educator and recognition as one of the Best of the Best Businesses in Pittsburgh. Her passion for inclusivity is evident in her children’s book, Ballerina on Wheels – Amazing Ava’s First Dance Recital, which tells the inspiring story of a non-verbal student who uses a wheelchair and achieves her dream of dancing.

Visionary Leadership Today

Currently, Cindy serves as an Assistant Professor at Point Park University, where she teaches Systems and Service Leadership, equipping the next generation of leaders with tools for innovation and impact. As CEO of her consulting firm and Cynthia’s School of Dance & Music, Cindy continues to pioneer strategies that transform workplace cultures and empower individuals.

Living in Pittsburgh with her husband, John, and as the proud mother of two grown sons, Cindy exemplifies the values she champions—building trust, activating potential, and transforming challenges into opportunities. Through her speaking engagements, training sessions, and writings, Cindy inspires leaders and organizations to envision and achieve extraordinary results.