Meet Cyndee Whitney

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cyndee Whitney.

Cyndee, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I believe that creativity is an important force in our lives! When I discovered how impactful creativity is in my own life, I focused my studies on the impact of creativity in human development throughout the lifespan. I now work with older individuals to enhance this time of their lives by applying creative thinking and actions to the challenges and joys of later life.

I started my creative life as an artist working at Disney in animation production and took advantage of the artist development program at the studio. I was promoted to character animator working on the feature films released in the 1970s and ’80s. What impressed me was the enormous difference in creative training and development made in my skills by having experts in the field share their knowledge and abilities. I remained at Disney 24 years and retired as Director of Artist Development in the Consumer Products division.

After leaving Disney, I returned to college and earned a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. The research for both degrees focused on creativity in the workplace. I was able to apply those findings in my next career in the public sector as head of training in two major public entities: the City of Pasadena and Metrolink. My work now focuses on helping older populations use creativity to think about this unique time of life and how to have rich and fulfilling experiences.

I live in an over-55 community that affords the 18,000 residents unlimited access to develop athletic, educational, visual and performing arts, spiritual, and wellness skills. I give lectures on “Gerotranscendence” (living beyond the expectations others have of old age), “The Importance of Creativity Throughout Our Lifespan” and I co-produced and host a weekly television show to encourage and inspire people to get out and try new experiences that keep them active, engaged, and stimulated.

Has it been a smooth road?
At 72, I have had a good many challenges and obstacles. When I left Disney after 24 years, I was unclear about what to do with my life, so I went back to college (as an older learner) and remained there until I earned my doctorate in Human and Organizational Development.

It was difficult, and it was definitely not easy becoming reemployed! I demonstrated to recruiters how being creative as a training and development professional can yield surprising results! Creative solutions to challenges have been the driving force in my life.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I specialize in helping people transition into our 3rd act of life. To be comfortable and excited about the last and longest stage of life and see possibilities in new and creative ways. There is a revolution underway.

As we live longer, we find we are not retiring, but resurging. We’re capable of so much more than passive retirement–advising and coaching new entrepreneurs and business owners, experiencing personal enrichment and growth, contributing to communities through volunteerism, and tapping into our latent creativity.

Learning new skills, writing the great American novel, traveling near or far and learning about the world!

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I consult. I do speaking engagements to demystify the outdated concepts of old age. I challenge the thinking that says older people are frail, sick, dependent, or disengaged.

I can travel anywhere in the SoCal area to enlighten and enthuse people about this emergent perspective. With all the progressive thinkers in LA, why not challenge conventional wisdom here?

Contact Info:

• Phone: (323) 610-6461
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Mark Rabinowitch

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