(Chesham, UK) Founder & CEO of CAF Services, Cynthia Fortlage, has been named the OUTstanding 100 LGBT+ Executives List for the 4th time. She was listed previously in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Having previously served as CIO of GHY, where she was the only executive to identify as non-cisgender, Cynthia now mentors others through her coaching and consulting startup. She regularly participates in high-profile speaking engagements globally, including Tel Aviv, New York, and Canada. She often appears in TV, radio, blogs, webinars and print media to advocate for trans inclusion. Until recently, Cynthia was Board President of the Rainbow Resource Centre, and Board Chair of Women’s March Canada.
Cynthia Fortlage, CEO of CAF Services, says, "I am humbled to be listed with an impressive group of peers again. Since 2016 I have been focused on sharting Acceptance without Understanding™ to a growing audience worldwide. My inclusion in this years list for the 4th time is an acknowledgement that my work contributes to diversity inclusion success in business. Thank you to the judges for this honour."
All of the 2020 Role Models were nominated by peers and colleagues or put themselves forward for consideration. Every Role Model submitted an application outlining the work they have done for LGBT+ inclusion in business. Submissions were then reviewed by OUTstanding’s judging panel, consisting of Lord Browne, Executive Chairman, L1 Energy; Ashok Vaswani, Global Consumer and Payments Head, Barclays; Harriet Green, Former Chairman & CEO IBM Asia Pacific; Dawn Airey, Independent Director, Grosvenor Estates GBI; Jim Fitterling, CEO of Dow Inc; Suki Sandhu OBE, Founder & CEO, INvolve & Audeliss; Lianna Brinded, Head of Yahoo Finance UK.
Each person was scored on their impact on LGBT+ inclusion inside and outside the workplace, their business achievements, and the seniority and influence of their role. Everyone featured in the lists has given their explicit permission to be included.
Founder & CEO of INvolve, Suki Sandhu OBE, says, “I’m thrilled to be celebrating another amazing group of LGBT+ and Ally Role Models from across the globe who are championing inclusion and inspiring the next generation of talent. LGBT+ discrimination is still prevalent across the world and Role Models are essential to change perceptions and show everyone that you can be successful in business while also being your authentic self at work.”
Cynthia followed the recipe for success as a business executive & board leader to succeed like everyone else. Unlike Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, she did not become self-actualized. What it did actualize was the clarity of the disconnect in her life. For most of her 30+ year career, she coached others; when she coached herself, it became transformative! Her story is one of gender transition and female empowerment in the corporate world.
About INvolve and OUTstanding OUTstanding is part of INvolve, the consultancy and global network championing diversity and inclusion in business. Through the delivery of events, programmes, thought leadership and advisory services, INvolve helps firms drive cultural change and create inclusive workplaces where any individual can succeed.
INvolve also publishes EMpower, HERoes and OUTstanding role model lists annually, recognizing and celebrating business leaders and future leaders who are breaking down barriers at work and inspiring the next generation of diverse talent. www.involvepeople.org
About Cynthia Fortlage
Cynthia is an empathetic senior executive & board leader with over 30 years of business experience. As Founder and CEO of CAF Services, she helps clients remotely as a "solopreneur." She is passionate about helping her clients work on their career goals, personal and professional development. She specializes in helping women and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in her coaching.
She developed the philosophy of acceptance without understanding™ for your life, career, or business. Through this unique view, Cynthia applies the lessons and insights from her over three decades of experience in her coaching practice to create life-changing experiences for her clients.
Press Contact Information
Cynthia Fortlage
Instagram: @cafservices
Twitter: @cfortlage
Email: cynthiafortlage@cynthiafortlage.com