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Cynthia Elizabeth Reynolds FRSA | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1970 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Citizenship | Canadian |
| Notable work | Diamond Economics |
| Honours | Top 100 Women Social Entrepreneurs, Transformative Leadership Award |
| Website | https://diamondeconomics.org |
Cynthia Reynolds is a Canadian-Norwegian author, social entrepreneur, and circular economy expert, recognised for her pioneering work in sustainable development and circular economic practices. Reynolds has made significant contributions to the field through her writings, initiatives, and global engagements, including her book Diamond Economics (2025) and her leadership roles in various international organisations and platforms.
Early life and education
editCynthia Reynolds was born in Canada and later moved to Norway. A passionate lifelong learner, she has continually sought new opportunities to expand her knowledge across diverse fields. Originally studying Pure and Applied Science, she chose to leave formal education to pursue a broader, self-directed path as an autodidactic polymath. Reynolds is a strong proponent of education reform, believing that a paradigm shift is needed to create a new, more flexible educational system that fosters curiosity, lifelong learning, and adaptability.
Career and impact
editReynolds is a serial entrepreneur who is passionate about how the combination of technology, innovative business models, and global networks can create significant social, economic, and environmental impacts. With a broad background in technology and a focus on regenerative solutions, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to convert ideas into actions that drive positive societal change. As the Convener of the Circular Economy Coalition[1], she leads efforts to bring together research, academia, and stakeholders from the public, private, and third sectors across 40 countries, accelerating the adoption of circular economy practices through shared tools and resources.
Reynolds sits on 7 of the 8 Leadership Groups for the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform[2] including those on social enterprise, biodiversity, cities and regions, procurement and economic incentives. She is on the Advisory Board for the European Shared Green Deal[3], and is on the Strategic Advisory Board for the Circular Economy Alliance[4].
Circular economy and social entrepreneurship
editReynolds is a founder and key figure behind several initiatives advancing circular economy practices globally:
- Circular Regions: This initiative empowers communities to transition to circular systems through the use of open-source data and collaborative methodologies. Circular Regions focuses on regional hubs, fostering sustainable development across Europe and beyond. The platform has been endorsed by international bodies, including the United Nations [UN SDGs Partnership[5]] and featured in global forums like the World Circular Economy Forum[6]
- Circular Economy Coalition: As founder and convener, Reynolds has established a coalition dedicated to promoting circular economic models and knowledge-sharing on a global scale. More information is available on their [official platform[7]] and they have been spotlighted at events such as the World Circular Economy Forum and had partnership events with the European Economic and Social Committee[8].
- ParadigmShift Press: Reynolds founded this independent publishing house to focus on books and resources that explore transformative economic and sustainability models. The press’s work aligns with her mission to use literature as a medium for social change and environmental awareness [ParadigmShift Press[9]].
- Locals.Global: Cynthia founded Locals.Global alongside her husband, Dag W. Reynolds. The organisation is accredited to the United Nations Environment Assembly[10], enabling influence of global policy.
Diamond Economics
editCynthia Reynolds is the author of Diamond Economics: Tools for Defragmenting the Circular Economy for a Just Transition[11]*, (2025). The book introduces the concept of "Diamond Economics," proposing tools and strategies to transform circular economic systems towards achieving a just, sustainable future. Reynolds draws on her extensive experience and expertise, offering frameworks that integrate societal value, economic policies, and environmental sustainability Diamond Economics.
Advocacy and impact
editReynolds is an influential advocate for circular economy and sustainable practices. She has been recognised among the Top 100 Women in Social Enterprise by Euclid Network for her impactful work. She has presented at numerous international conferences, including the Oslo Innovation Week and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. Reynolds is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) .
Speaking engagements and collaborations
editReynolds has been a featured speaker at several high-profile events, showcasing her expertise in circular economy frameworks and sustainable development.
Publications and media
editIn addition to her book, Reynolds actively publishes articles on circular economy topics. Her insights can be found on her Substack,[12] where she reflects on the evolution of circular practices over the past decade. She has also been featured in various media outlets and forums discussing the impact of circular economy on global and local scales.
Awards and recognition
editReynolds’ efforts have earned her several accolades, including being named among Euclid Network's top women in social enterprise and being featured in the Innovation in Politics[13] webinars. She has also collaborates on policy dialogues concerning the circular economy in cities and regions. Her work with the Circular Economy Coalition was a finalist in the Transformative Partnership Award[14] by the Collective Leadership Group.
- ^ "Circular Economy Coalition | #Circularity4All". Circular Economy Coalition. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform". European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. 2024-10-21. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Home". SHARED GREEN DEAL. 2024-02-19. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Our Team - Dedicated to Advancing Circular Economy". 2022-12-09. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Circular Regions - Circular Economy Coalition | Department of Economic and Social Affairs". sdgs.un.org. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "WCEF2024 Accelerator Session". Circular Economy Coalition. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Circular Economy Coalition | #Circularity4All". Circular Economy Coalition. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "EESC Partnership for Circularity4All - Bridging the Global Divide". Circular Economy Coalition. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Paradigm Shift Press - Driving Economic Transformation through thought leadership". Paradigm Shift Press. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Environment Assembly". Environment Assembly. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Diamond Economics - The Book". Paradigm Shift Press. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ Reynolds, Cynthia (2024-10-21). "How over 10 years, One Image has Bridged the Circular Economy and the SDGs". Cynthia’s Substack. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "A multi-stakeholder Circular Economy". The Innovation in Politics Institute. Retrieved 2024-10-21.
- ^ "Transformative Partnership Award › Collective Leadership Institute". www.collectiveleadership.de. Retrieved 2024-10-21.