Cyndy Stead

National Project Manager & Principal Advisory

My journey didn't begin in a classroom or corporate boardroom—it started in the real world, where I learned that the most meaningful work happens when you're balancing complex stakeholder needs while keeping your eyes fixed on what truly matters: building something that lasts.

Growing up in Newfoundland & Labrador shaped who I am as a leader. This province teaches you resilience, the power of community spirit, and how to solve problems by bringing people together rather than going it alone. These aren't just nice values to have on a website—they're the foundation of how I approach every challenge.

Over two (2) decades, I've had the privilege of working across multiple sectors - from tourism and education to the fishery. This might seem unrelated, but it has taught me everything about not just project management but, more importantly, strategic leadership.

I managed a UNESCO Global Geopark, where I discovered how environmental stewardship and economic opportunity aren't competing forces - they're partners when you know how to bring them together. Later, I led the Government of Canada's 50-30 Challenge. This initiative opened my eyes to the systemic barriers facing women in leadership and showed me what's possible when organizations commit to real change in gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Through professional roles and volunteer work with boards, municipalities, and advisory councils, I've navigated Canada's complex organizational ecosystem. I've worked with co-operatives rooted in community values, mission-driven non-profits focused on sustainable development, growth-oriented private companies, and government agencies juggling multiple stakeholder demands. Each experience taught me something different about the delicate balance between competing interests and shared goals.

The numbers tell part of my story—driving multi-million-dollar projects at regional and national levels, and leading organizations through transformative growth. But what really matters is what I learned from these experiences: I kept encountering organizations with incredible potential. They had exceptional products, innovative ideas, passionate teams—everything you'd think they'd need to succeed. Yet many struggled to translate these strengths into sustainable economic growth.

It wasn't about capability or dedication. The gap was strategic navigation - it was about having the ability to jump into initiatives to chart a course through modern economic complexities while staying true to organizational mission and values. That's when I realized what I was meant to do.

What Drives Me

I believe that thriving communities begin with inclusive strategies that elevate diverse voices and strengthen our social fabric. This isn't just idealism - it's practical wisdom I've gained from lessons learned and years of seeing what works and what doesn't.

I work with executive teams, community leaders, and business owners who understand that sustainable economic growth requires more than good instincts. Success demands strategic vision, keen market awareness, and the courage to make transformative decisions even when they're difficult.

My Approach

Unlike traditional consulting and advisory firms that focus primarily on operational improvements, I have a different philosophy: Organizations don't just need advice - they need strategic partners who can see around corners and guide them through the complexities of sustainable economic growth.

CSTEAD Advisory brings together everything I've learned about building bridges between competing priorities, fostering collaboration across diverse stakeholders, and strategies that create meaningful change for the broader communities you serve.  This is more than advisory services. It's about being the strategic partner you need when the path forward isn't clear, but the destination—sustainable growth that serves your community—is non-negotiable. 

Professional Accreditations & Specialized Expertise

Core Credentials:

  • Economic Development Certificate – University of Waterloo

  • Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) – University of Toronto

  • Human Resources & Labour Relations Degree (With Distinction) – Athabasca University

Leadership & Governance Experience:

  • National Board Director – Canadian Geopark Network

  • UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals implementation and strategic planning

  • Cross-Sector Partnership Development – Government, nonprofit, and private sector collaboration

Specialized Competencies:

  • Multi-Stakeholder Engagement – Managing 40+ organizational partnerships nationally

  • Project Management – Systemic change initiatives across tourism, education, and economic development

  • Strategic Planning & Implementation – Municipal economic development and destination planning

  • International Partnership Development – Knowledge exchange networks and collaborative agreements

Research & Analysis Capabilities:

  • Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies – Health Canada and Dalhousie University partnerships

  • Community Needs Assessment – Rural aging, tourism development, and workforce planning

Recognition & Impact:

  • Editor & Contributing Editor – Published success stories across multiple sectors

  • Outstanding Project Delivery – Consistent positive feedback from internal and external stakeholders

  • Innovation in Community Development – Created scalable models (Geopark Café), adopted by international partners

What People Are Saying:

  • "As a seasoned professional in the non-profit sector, Cyndy stands out for her ability to coordinate multifaceted projects across multiple regions while maintaining a strong focus on quality and timeliness. Notably, she successfully collaborated with over 40 external partners across Canada, demonstrating excellent resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication skills, which are key components in any project's success."

    — Marie Bassey, President | Women's Economic Council

  • “Collaborating with Cyndy Stead on strategic national initiatives within the Canadian Geoparks Network has been both productive and inspiring. Her ability to foster meaningful partnerships and drive forward-thinking projects has significantly strengthened the network and advanced its impact.”

    — Manda Maggs | Canadian Geoparks Network (CGN)

  • "Cyndy's approach to project management and specifically her ability to recognize the value of everyone's contribution and roles, enabled greater engagement and depth of learning throughout the initiative. If you are looking for support in the areas of organizational change, community engagement, or facilitation and/or project management, I highly recommend Cyndy."

    — Chanel Grenaway | Chanel Grenaway and Associates Inc.

Let’s Work Together.

Get in touch today to find out how we can help you achieve your strategic goals. We can’t wait to hear from you!