TEDx speaker Cynthia Bee shares leadership lessons, community impact strategies, and purpose-driven career insights during WBIL’s Impact DEN event. Her story inspires action, resilience, and meaningful career transitions.
In an inspiring and deeply personal session, sustainable design expert and TEDx speaker Cynthia Bee joined the WBIL Impact DEN Virtual Meeting to share her journey through nontraditional career paths, volunteer-led community transformation, and lessons in leadership, purpose, and resilience.
Cynthia reflected on how pivotal experiences—including spearheading Utah’s largest playground build as a volunteer and later creating conservation initiatives—shaped her professional path. With humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom, she emphasized the power of systems thinking, passion balanced with purpose, and taking action even when the road ahead seems unclear.
One of the most memorable stories involved Cynthia's grassroots effort to rally 6,000 volunteers, raise over $400,000, and build a community playground in just 10 days—despite having no funding, staff, or experience at the outset. She reminded attendees that “every incredible opportunity I have ever had come as a direct result of something I did for free,” encouraging all to invest their skills in meaningful ways beyond traditional roles.
Cynthia also spoke candidly about overcoming detractors and self-doubt, especially as a woman in leadership. She stressed the importance of finding your tribe, building systems to support your vision, and embracing “imperfect action” over endless planning. Cynthia also shared advice on handling criticism, launching ideas with limited resources, and navigating career transitions with courage and clarity.
As Cynthia so beautifully expressed, “The meaning of life is to give that purpose away.” Her story is a powerful reminder that with vision, structure, and the support of a strong community, even what once felt impossible can become reality. Cynthia’s journey was deeply inspiring and genuinely motivating. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to hear her speak and learn from her experiences.
If you weren’t able to attend the Impact DEN event, I highly encourage you to watch the full session on our YouTube channel—you won’t want to miss it!
