
Cynthia is a powerhouse inspirational speaker, trailblazing entrepreneur, and 2 times #1 best-selling author. A bonafide communications pioneer, she founded influencer marketing and brand communications; her work has reshaped the cultural landscapes. As a conscious living advocate and social activist, Cynthia created the 501C3 nonprofit SoulTech Foundation to utilize the arts, AI, and education to teach others about the power of higher consciousness and its value to individual life and the collective community. Her work includes initiatives to reignite the American Dream for younger generations, achieve equal opportunities for all, and teach conscious living practices to turn the tide of the mental health crisis. Cynthia has authored three books, including the self-love memoir “Memory Mansion” and her latest release, “A New American Dream,” which envisions a rebirth of the American Dream through AI. She hosts the foundation’s high-ranking Apple podcast, “GlowUp with Shaman Isis,” and co-hosts Goodpod’s #1 marketing show, “The Billy Dees Podcast.” Cynthia’s groundbreaking contributions have earned recognition in the LA Times, NYT, Vogue, WSJ, and New York Magazine, establishing her as a luminary in thought leadership and transformation.
We are delighted to announce that Cynthia will be speaking in Austin, Texas this March as part of our Wellbeing at Work Summit US. We caught up with her to find out how she’s feeling in the run up to the summit.
Hi Cynthia, we are thrilled you will be speaking at our Wellbeing at Work Summit US in March. Our first and most important question is, how are you doing today?
Thank you for asking! I’m feeling inspired and energized to be part of this incredible event series. It’s always an honor to engage in conversations that are shaping the future of workplace wellbeing.
As a leader based in the region, what are the main challenges you are facing when it comes to employee wellbeing and mental health?
One of the biggest challenges is shifting the perception of mental fitness so that it is valued and discussed as openly as physical fitness. The global mental health crisis is intensifying, and organizations must recognize that true workplace wellbeing encompasses not just physical health, but mental and emotional resilience. When businesses prioritize holistic wellbeing, they cultivate a culture that fosters creativity, innovation, and sustainable success.
What strategies have you seen developing over the past 6 months, both internally and externally, that are moving the dial on wellbeing in the workplace?
The stigma surrounding mental health is gradually eroding, which is a major step forward. Companies are increasingly understanding that employee wellbeing is not just a perk—it’s a business imperative. Organizations that integrate mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and conscious leadership into their culture are seeing tangible improvements in productivity, employee engagement, and retention. The conversation is evolving from reactive mental health support to proactive, preventative wellness strategies that empower employees to thrive.
Why is employee wellbeing so important to you personally?
For years, I masked my own struggles with anxiety and depression in high-pressure environments, believing that resilience meant enduring rather than healing. That approach eventually led to burnout, forcing me to reevaluate everything. My personal transformation was so profound that it became my life’s work. Now, I share the lessons I’ve learned through my conscious living books, workshops, and retreats, guiding others to build a strong foundation of wellbeing that fuels both personal and professional success.
What impact is AI having in your organization and how are you managing that?
As a futurist and industry disruptor—having pioneered influencer marketing and brand communications—I’ve always been an early adopter of transformative technologies. At my agency, Dreamweaver Brand Communications, we recently launched AI Brandgineering to help brands integrate seamlessly into AI-driven language models. Meanwhile, at my nonprofit, the SoulTech Foundation, we’re harnessing AI to teach conscious living and wellbeing practices, making these transformative tools more accessible.
I’ve been advocating for a strategic approach to AI for years, and my third book, A New American Dream, explores how we can harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution to reignite the economy. AI isn’t just reshaping industries; it’s redefining the way we work, learn, and grow. Businesses that embrace AI mindfully—balancing innovation with human-centered strategies—will be the ones that thrive.
Other than AI, are there any challenges that you are seeing for the first time and how are you addressing them?
One of the most pressing challenges we face is the erosion of long-term economic and cultural stability. For decades, America has shifted from a producer economy to a consumer- driven one, relying on short-lived, disposable goods. This shift has not only impacted our global standing but also contributed to a deep sense of disillusionment, particularly among younger generations.
I believe we need a renaissance in production, innovation, and skill development—one that empowers individuals and communities to build, create, and contribute in meaningful ways. Businesses have a vital role to play in shaping this future, and the organizations that invest in upskilling, creative problem-solving, and sustainability will lead the way.
What areas do you think employers should be focused on over the next 12 months?
We are in a period of profound transformation. Employers must anticipate the jobs that will emerge in the near future and proactively train their workforce to fill those roles. AI will reshape every industry, and companies that strategically integrate AI-driven efficiencies while nurturing human creativity and adaptability will thrive.
Additionally, organizations should focus on leadership development through mindfulness and emotional intelligence training. The ability to navigate uncertainty, cultivate resilience, and foster high-trust teams will be key to long-term success.
Do you feel that investment in employee wellbeing in the region is increasing or decreasing and is that a direct reflection on HR leaders’ increasing ability to demonstrate effective returns of their strategies to leadership?
HR leaders are making a compelling case for wellbeing as an essential business strategy, and the ability to measure its impact on retention, productivity, and overall performance is driving investment. The next step is embedding wellbeing into the core business model, making it an integral part of leadership training, strategic planning, and company culture rather than a standalone initiative.
How has your organization been leading the way?
Through the SoulTech Foundation, we’ve been at the forefront of promoting conscious living and wellbeing as transformative tools for both individuals and businesses. For years, we’ve traveled the country hosting workshops, retreats, and speaking engagements, sharing evidence-based practices that improve mental resilience, emotional intelligence, and workplace harmony.
By integrating the latest research with time-tested mindfulness practices, we are helping businesses and communities create environments where wellbeing isn’t just supported—it’s celebrated.
Cynthia will be speaking in Austin, Texas at the Wellbeing at Work Summit US which takes place in New York, Austin Texas and virtually. Further details on the Summit can be found here.