Strategic Growth Solutions for Banks and Credit Unions
Stronger Leaders. Smarter Marketing. Seamless Execution.
We turn your internal challenges into your competitive advantage.
Let’s elevate what’s working - and amplify what’s possible
Banking & Financial Industry Experts
“My work isn’t off-the-shelf leadership training. I help banks build strong, self-led leadership teams that can navigate change, drive results, and actually retain top talent. It’s a blend of strategy, coaching, and real-world execution — and it sticks.” ~Cindy Donaldson, Founder - BankElevate
BankElevate – Transforming Banking Growth
BankElevate is our specialized approach designed exclusively for financial institutions. We integrate decades of banking expertise with proven consulting, marketing, and leadership frameworks to:
- Strengthen your strategic plan and market relevance
- Amplify your bank’s brand with compliant, innovative marketing
- Build confident leaders and cohesive teams ready for what’s next
- Create powerful branded experiences that drive loyalty and referrals
(L) Lesa Vanotti, President Torrington Savings Bank & Cindy Donaldson at the 2023 CT Bankers Association Women in Banking
Partnering with Connecticut’s Banking Leaders
As a speaker, trainer, and sponsor with the Connecticut Bankers Association,
I’m proud to support the growth and success of banks and their teams across my home state of Connecticut.
Leadership Development Training
If you want to differentiate your bank – invest in your TEAM!
Real Results from
Our Leadership Development Clients
Cindy was fantastic from start to finish. Everyone was engaged. The handouts were relevant but not overdone. Class participation was on point and very helpful.
~ CBA Aspire Leadership Participant
What Leaders Are Saying About Our Programs
Victor Gonzales, MBA of NBT Bank and Cindy Donaldson at the CT Bankers Association Aspire Leadership "Leading from the Inside Out" Workshop.
The style was a 10 out of 5. Loved the open discourse and live training and consulting.
I met Cindy at the CT Women in Banking Seminar this year prior to the class and she is an overall impressive person. She has great energy and I love the way she lives her life. She is an inspiration.
Excellent. She was very intelligent, funny, kept the class going, gave breaks so we didn't get tired. She's very easy going and approachable. Excellent energy. Easy to tell she loves her job.
Cindy has an amazing presence when presenting and is able to switch it up to answer questions easily.
This felt like the most relevant course to my workday so far.
Cindy is amazing! Really enjoyed this class!
Cindy was EXCELLENT! Her teaching style and positive anergy kept the class engaged. I would love to have her again as an instructor.
Cindy was fantastic from start to finish. Everyone was engaged. The handouts were relevant but not overdone. Class participation was on point and very helpful.
Can't say enough good things about Cindy. She made class really enjoyable.
Upcoming Featured Keynotes & Trainings
Jan 13, 2026: CT Bankers Association
CT School of Finance & Management Program, Trainer: "The Secrets to Managing that Bankers Stress!"
March 24, 2026: Chelsea Groton Bank
All Team Meeting: Keynote
April 24, 2026: CT Bankers Association - Women in Banking
Sponsor & Attendee
May 1 2026: 2026 ICF Connecticut Inaugural Conference
Speaker: “Who YOU Are IS the Strategy: Building a Coaching Practice That Supports Your Life, Not Drains It”
June 9, 2026: CT Bankers Association - Aspire Leadership Program
Trainer: "How to Be a Better Leader from the Inside Out"
Financial Insights - Featured Articles
Connecticut Bankers Association - Quarterly Magazine
Insights: Transitions in the Banking Industry
Leading Through Change: The Mindset Shift Banks Need Right Now
by Cindy Donaldson, Founder & CEO Red Barn Consulting LLC
The banking industry is on the brink of a generational shift in leadership. Many CEOs plan to retire in the next few years, leaving banks to grapple with more than just filling roles; the real work lies in preparing new leaders for a rapidly evolving industry. Change is no longer something to merely “manage.” It’s something we need to lean into, and the best chance of success lies in readying leaders who can meet it head-on.....
Marketing Done Differently
Because you don't want to be like everyone else
Award Winning Strategies
Thinking outside the box...for the WIN!
Our Strategy: Let’s put our money and energy where it matters – back into the community.
The Result: Amazing customer experience for their clients, an uptick in employee morale, and the bling and recognition they so deserved!
Red Barn client, Litchfield Bancorp, was selected as one of 18 community banks and credit unions throughout New England as a Community Hero by American Business Media, publisher of Banking New England and Centerpoint magazines.. Litchfield Bancorp was chosen for going above and beyond to help aid the community.
In the category of economic development, the Bank was selected and awarded Gold Standing for their Community Cash Mobs. These Cash Mobs are held monthly to help increase different business’ brand awareness and create potential repeat business by supplying employees with a stipend to spend at selected local businesses. Litchfield Bancorp employees “mob” the business of the month with sales and promote the activity on social media to bank customers and followers alike.
COO Paul McLaughlin said it best…
“We are so thankful and proud to have received this tremendous award. One of our fundamental missions here at Litchfield Bancorp is to give back to the businesses and communities we serve. Hopefully this award represents that, while also pointing out all of the LBC heroes we are so grateful to work with each and every day!”
Pictured left to right: Paul McLaughlin, Laura Murphy, Donald Mayland, Mickie-Ann Budny, Tiffany Hussey, Thomas Villanova and Tania Damota.
What our Clients have to say
“The team at Red Barn was tenacious about deadlines, deliverables and assigning responsibility…”
The Bank’s legacy Website was obsolete and the technology was limiting the economic value to the Bank for addressing the needs of our customers and prospects. Red Barn Consulting was engaged to develop a new website; including the right integrated digital strategies to deliver our marketing messages, products and banking functions. Red Barn Consulting has the subject matter experts to understand the banking industry, technology platforms that best fit our needs and the creative staff that delivered function as well as great aesthetics. In the end, the new Website was delivered on time, on budget and all of our expectations were met.
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For over 30 years I've been delivering content to our community of like minded driven individuals who are striving to live their life by design, have a successful career that fulfills them and who just want to be happier! CD
