Founder, Mind Reach Training

Cindy Kottoor

CPA, CA, CIA

Throughout my career, I noticed something surprising: the smartest person in the room isn’t always the most influential.  That realization shaped the path I’ve been on ever since. After teaching tens of thousands of professionals over the past 20+ years, I know that expertise alone isn't enough if your message doesn't land.

‍I began my career in finance, audit, and consulting, where I learned just how much communication shapes careers. I learned what ‘good’ and ‘not-so-good’ soft skills were by watching the leaders around me. I attended leadership training programs along the way, but much of it seemed fluffy as I didn’t understand the real-world application for any of it.  Not surprisingly, as my responsibilities grew, I made plenty of communication mistakes of my own.

When I began teaching technical skills to CPAs, I realized something unexpected. No matter how technically strong people were, the biggest challenges weren't technical at all. That's when I realized you can't separate technical expertise from the communication, leadership and influence skills that turn it into impact.

I’ve never been interested in theory for theory’s sake. That's why every Mind Reach learning experience is practical, engaging, highly interactive, and customized to the people in the room. My goal is simple. Every participant should leave with practical strategies they can apply in their very next meeting, presentation, report, or conversation.

Today, I’m honoured to work with organizations of all sizes – from growing businesses to global companies such as Four Seasons, BMO, CIBC, and Manulife.

As AI continues to transform the workplace, the human skills of critical thinking, communication, and influence matter more than ever. I’ve seen firsthand that, with the right guidance, tools, and practice, smart people can become influential leaders. When that happens, individuals grow, organizations thrive, and great ideas finally get the attention they deserve. Helping people close that gap between expertise and influence is my passion – and the reason I founded Mind Reach Training.