Client Testimonials

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Client Testimonials •

  • "Cynthia helped me find balance in a fast-paced work environment by setting boundaries that improved my work-life harmony without sacrificing quality. Her insightful coaching helped me become a more intentional and effective leader."

    Lisa Ahramjian, Agricultural Attaché at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

  • “Cynthia embodies every quality you’d hope for in an exceptional coach: she’s deeply empathetic, a sharp and intuitive listener, and completely free of judgment. Cynthia’s style is refreshingly real-world. She cuts through the noise and helps you focus on what matters most.”

    Rachel Bickford, Foreign Service Officer, FAS, USDA

  • “Cynthia helped me prepare for a career planning meeting with my manager. She asked the right questions, provided valuable tips on how to frame responses, and as a result, I felt very prepared going into this meeting.”

    Mary Ellen Frustaci, Associate Director, Janssen R&D

  • “She’s an exceptional listener who offers honest, thoughtful guidance without judgment. Her support helped me improve my networking and communication skills, and most importantly, recognize my value at work and at home.”

    Susan Boohaker, Agricultural Development Officer

  • "Cynthia’s leadership course and coaching helped me identify key growth areas through 360 and emotional intelligence evaluations, and she guided me in creating a clear plan to improve as a leader."

    Kristen Luxbacher, Foreign Service Officer at USDA

  • "Cynthia’s mentorship transformed my USDA internship. Her openness and encouragement gave me confidence and helped me envision my future in public service."

    Karina Peña, International Affairs Student, George Washington University

  • “Cynthia is a leader everyone wants to work for and aspires to be like. She guided me along the way and her patience, great listening skills, and thoughtfulness contributed to my growth. Anyone would be very lucky to work with Cynthia.”

    Herpin Rochet Jateng, Foreign Service Officer, FAS, USDA

  • “Cynthia genuinely cares about her colleagues and staff, always working with junior officers and creating opportunities for growth while improving the overall function of the agency. She leads with empathy and integrity… Cynthia brings deep listening, thoughtful guidance, and a sincere belief in others’ potential to every interaction.”

    Sean Cox, Foreign Service Officer, FAS, USDA

  • “She is a thoughtful and effective leader, known for her empathy and insight. Cynthia excels in change management and coaching, strengthening performance and accountability.”

    Holly Higgins, Agriculture Communicator, Trade Policy Expert

  • “If you are looking for a mentor, or a partner, look no further than Cynthia Guven! Cynthia is a consummate professional, a veteran at international relations and a dedicated and reliable team leader.”

    Melissa Rossi Wood, Director, Team Manager, Gartner

  • “Cynthia demonstrates a keen understanding of leadership principles and professional growth. She crafted a program that was both comprehensive and highly impactful. Cynthia's dedication to excellence and her ability to create meaningful development opportunities make her an outstanding leader.”

    Cheronn Collins, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

  • "Cynthia manages complex challenges and improves hiring and training at USDA while boosting staff morale through open communication. She is an exceptional leader who supported my professional and personal growth."

    Robin Gray, Retired Foreign Service Officer

  • "Cynthia’s leadership course stands out for its focus on cross-cultural challenges. Her global experience and genuine care foster meaningful professional growth."

    Nicolas Rubio, Agricultural Counselor at USDA (FAS)

  • "My coaching session with Coach Cynthia was a phenomenal experience. She listened intently and was strategic about evoking awareness to obstacles that were hidden but necessary to unveil. Her approach led me to nailing down working solutions and those solutions led me to greater results. If you are looking for a skilled executive coach that equips you to identify practical solutions to meet your goals, I highly recommend Coach Cynthia!"

    Carla White, Deputy Chief Information Officer, FSIS, USDA

  • Cynthia helped me slow down and reflect more intentionally on what truly energizes me. Her approach empowers you to connect with your truth and take ownership of your next steps. The clarity I gained moved me from simply exploring the idea to actively pursuing it. The session planted a seed that is now taking root.”

    Roger Mireles, Senior Executive, FAS, USDA

  • “Cynthia is excellent at framing how to approach issues in a thoughtful way…she always came prepared for our discussions and was quick to pivot when I brought up a new issue. Cynthia has a no-judgement manner – every person has areas for growth and all issues are surmountable.”

    Foreign Service Officer, Department of State

  • "Cynthia combines deep expertise with a genuine commitment to helping people succeed. She guided me through key career transitions with clear, actionable steps, honest feedback, and unwavering encouragement. Her ability to blend strategic insight with practical advice has been pivotal to my success, and I highly recommend her to anyone seeking to advance their career."

    Jenny Morgan, Foreign Service Officer, USDA

  • "Cynthia’s distinguished career in foreign service uniquely equips her to coach mid-career professionals toward success. She has mentored teams through complex challenges, overseen hiring and advancement for USDA’s foreign service officers, and worked with stakeholders from family farmers to multinational corporations. Her breadth of experience makes her an exceptional guide for professionals navigating career transitions."

    Andrew Stephens, Senior Advisor, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA

  • "Cynthia is deeply committed to helping you achieve your personal and professional goals by leveraging your strengths and building new skills. She coached me and my team through a critical project, offering expert advice, encouragement, and ongoing support for our careers and well-being. Her dedication, wisdom, and genuine care make her an outstanding coach for anyone seeking career growth."

    Zane Evans, Texas Department of Agriculture

  • "Cynthia combines deep wisdom, strategic clarity, and authentic leadership in a way that inspires teams and drives meaningful change. She has a rare ability to distill complex ideas into clear messages while building trust, shaping culture, and motivating others. As a career coach, her insight, integrity, and mentorship make her an invaluable guide for current and aspiring leaders."

    Pauline Simmons, Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA

  • "I have had the pleasure of working with Cynthia for over a decade and have always admired her vision, expertise, and compassion. As a coach, she brings the same kindness, clarity, and encouragement that made her an exceptional federal leader, offering practical solutions to the unique challenges they face. I wholeheartedly recommend her as a coach and mentor."

    Daniel Nibarger, Foreign Service Officer, Department of State

  • “Cynthia’s guidance was instrumental in my transition out of the US government. With her experience as a former senior diplomat, she helps mid-career to executive federal leaders navigate their next roles with clarity, confidence, and purpose.”

    Luis Perez, CFE, Novo Nordisk Global Product Security Manager

  • “Cynthia is knowledgeable, collaborative, and always goes above and beyond to support others. Her experience across the public and private sectors, combined with her warm and supportive nature, makes her an excellent career coach for government leaders transitioning to new roles. I enthusiastically recommend her.”

    Paul Farris, Department of State

  • “Cynthia combines expertise and professionalism with a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. She fosters collaboration, builds positive environments, and leads teams to success. Intelligent and strategic, she is a true asset.”

    Lihan Wei, Agrifood Systems Strategist

  • “Cynthia has a gift for helping people identify their strengths, gain clarity, and take confident steps forward. She combines strategic insight with genuine empathy, making her an outstanding coach for anyone navigating a career move or preparing for a new role.”

    George Smith, Founder and Managing Director, Midsummer Marketing Ltd Master, The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers

  • “Cynthia is thoughtful, dedicated, and compassionate. She listens deeply, solves complex problems with positivity, and consistently uplifts others — a true joy to work with.”

    Ashley Randle, Commissioner Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources

  • “Cynthia is a top-notch professional with exceptional people skills, leadership, and diplomatic experience. She forges strong partnerships, uplifts morale, and mentors others with empathy and insight — making her an outstanding choice for career coaching.”

    Brian V. Guse, Former Director, Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production

  • “Cynthia is a trusted leader in international agricultural trade, known for her strategic vision, technical expertise, and cultural insight. She consistently delivers results by navigating complex global markets and building strong, productive relationships worldwide.”

    Greg Tyler, President & Chief Executive Officer at USA Poultry & Egg Export Council

  • “Cynthia is a skilled communicator and presenter who connects easily with future leaders. Her deep knowledge of farming, ranching, and international trade, combined with her ability to build strong relationships, makes her highly recommended for any project.”

    Terry Hejny, PhD. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  • “Cynthia’s international affairs and negotiation skills stood out during her time with the International Grains Council, where she earned respect across delegations and provided wise guidance to sustain coalition dynamics.”

    Arnaud Petit, Executive Director, International Grains Council

  • “Cynthia consistently brings out the best in others, connecting U.S. agriculture with global opportunities while mentoring and empowering junior staff. She is highly recommended as a mentor and professional development leader.”

    Joseph Natividad, International Trade Specialist, FAS, USDA

  • "Cynthia is a resourceful, creative, and organized professional who excels at connecting with diverse audiences about career opportunities. She is thoughtful, collaborative, and has been an excellent mentor."

    Herminia Gomez, USDA

  • "Cynthia is a highly skilled and pragmatic career coach with extensive global experience in the U.S. Foreign Service. She is smart, assertive, and an excellent communicator."

    Ken Isley, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg, LLP

  • "Cynthia was amazing to work with! She was a great mentor and always gave amazing feedback. She is incredibly easy to talk to and you can tell that she truly has your best interest at heart! "

    Nora Noble-Christoff, USDA

  • "Cynthia can be relied upon for thoughtful, objective analysis delivered in concise, actionable doses. She understands the importance of developing a good team and keeping participants on task."

    Phil Karsting, Senior Policy Advisor at Olsson Frank Weeda Terman Matz PC

  • "Cynthia is a coach and mentor that really listens and tailors their advice to the client. With a wealth of experience in the government and internationally, Cynthia can leverage her knowledge and network to support any mid-level career professional!"

    Mary Parrish, Foreign Service Officer, USDA

  • "Cynthia is a strategic, thoughtful, and relational professional who goes above and beyond to support initiatives and people, even without personal stake. She excels at connecting with others, understanding goals, and tailoring her communication, leaving a lasting impact on both colleagues and those she mentors."

    Yasmin Yamat, Co-founder and Marketer, HIGH BEAM FOUNDATION

  • "Cynthia is a passionate and skilled career coach who listens deeply, offers practical strategies, and fosters a supportive, motivating environment. Her expertise and genuine care help clients gain confidence and take meaningful steps in their professional and personal growth."

    Michelle Pacheco Turner, PhD, Director, Executive Coach, USDA

  • "Cynthia is an exceptional career coach who combines deep expertise with genuine care, guiding federal leaders through career transitions with clarity, confidence, and results. Her strategic, personalized approach helps clients uncover their value and achieve meaningful career breakthroughs."

    Santi Vorabhanda, OIG, USDA

  • "Cynthia is a wonderful coach, who is genuinely interested in and caring with those she advises. She has great experience in mentoring, drawing from her career as a senior foreign service officer. I would highly recommend Cynthia for anyone looking for an advisor, coach or mentor."

    Victor Mayo Floro IV, Foreign Service Trainee, USDA

  • "Cynthia is a brilliant strategist and collaborative leader who advances policy while inspiring teams through thoughtful listening and creative problem-solving. She is highly recommended as a partner for career growth and professional transitions."

    Jessica Burlow, U.S. Diplomat, Department of State

  • "Cynthia is a proven leader who helps professionals advance from entry-level to senior executive roles by guiding career development, goal-setting, and relationship management, while also supporting the creation of effective and supportive teams."

    Matthew Casper, USDA