Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer is the Co-Founder of The Zeal of the Heel AND Founder & CEO of Bentzen Performance Partners.
Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer is a corporate executive, human capital strategist, author, and executive coach. Working from the time she was 14, her leadership journey began early. A working mom and breadwinner serving in predominantly male-led industries, throughout most of her 30-year career she was the youngest and only female on the executive team.
Navigating a career as a chief executive in gaming, hospitality, and healthcare, while raising two children and pursuing advanced degrees, Cynthia has experienced the joys and challenges of trying to “have it all.” With deep appreciation for those who shined a light for her, and as a social psychologist with a passion to unleash human potential, she feels a personal responsibility to help women claim their agency and amplify their possibilities.
[Q U I C K N O T E S]
- Position: Co-Founder, CEO
- Industry: Human Capital, Coaching, Speaking
- Location: Jefferson City, MO, USA
- Website: Zeal of the Heel, Bentzen Performance Partners
- LinkedIn: Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer
- Instagram: Zeal of the Heel
- Facebook: Zeal of the Heel
- YouTube: Zeal of the Heel
Cynthia, can you start off by telling us about yourself and why you chose entrepreneurship?
I always knew that when I was ready to leave corporate America, I wanted to own my own company. I saw it as my encore performance, essentially in lieu of retirement. When my executive position was eliminated in 2023, I had a decision to make, either go back into another corporate position or accelerate my encore plan. I chose the latter!
Can you tell us what drives you to be successful as an entrepreneur, coach, and author?
I genuinely care about the people with whom I’m privileged to work. It is an honor for individuals to trust you with their growth and development. When I observe people actualize their natural gifts and talents, my cup is full. Whether I’m writing a book, speaking to a large audience or coaching a C-Suite executive, my mission is the same:
By emboldening self-agency and challenging social and self-imposed, we empower each individual to embrace their natural talents so they may unlock boundless opportunities, catalyze exponential personal growth, and uncover, nurture, and joyfully actualize their extraordinary potential, all while living a life deeply rooted in their most profound sense of purpose.
Tell us about your vision of your company in the next 2-3 years.
Our vision is to ignite a worldwide movement that inspires and empowers women and those who love them to unleash their unlimited potential and achieve personal and professional dignity, fulfillment, joy, and purpose in their Now, Near, and Next.
What’s the one or two accomplishments that you’re proud of?
Without a doubt, as a career mom, I am most proud of my adult children. My biggest job was to launch a daughter and son who are incredible humans. Second to that would be the completion of my first book, Now, Near, Next. The book represents a 25-year dream come true.
What advice do you have for other up-and-coming woman entrepreneurs?
First and foremost, surround yourself with people who believe in you and your work. You don’t have to go it alone. Put your dreams into the universe, don’t expect people to read your mind!
Are you active on social media professionally? If so, what platforms work best for engaging your followers?
For us, LinkedIn is most aligned with our target audience. We are active on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, but those mediums round out our marketing strategy.
Who was your biggest influence?
My mom and my high school English teacher. My mom and dad had me very young. My mom was a Junior in High School. She received her GED. She went on to own and operate two businesses and received her BS degree at 40 years old while raising my sister and me. Mrs. Engelbrecht saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. She pushed me to take myself and my talent more seriously. She held me to a higher standard!
What is the most challenging part of your work as a CEO?
As a new entrepreneur and business owner, I don’t know what I don’t know. As a small start-up, I’m figuring out everything from how to build a master slide deck in PowerPoint, setting up QuickBooks, and selling myself and our business. I’m sure the challenges will grow in complexity after I have the basics covered!
What do you have your sights set on next?
We are in the early stages of researching our next book focused on equipping women to identify and plan for their encore careers. We believe there is more to life than pickleball!
What is a day in your life like?
I’m an early riser; my day starts around 5 am. We are deep in the pre-launch of our book, so I spend a lot of time preparing for presentations, guest appearances on podcasts, following up on book sales, interacting through LinkedIn, and developing our marketing strategy. It isn’t very glamorous. There is a lot more sitting in front of a computer than is probably healthy.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to write, spend time with my family, and travel. When the weather is nice, I’d always rather be outside!
What makes you smile?
A great glass of cab, the smell of coffee, music, water (beach/lake), my grandchildren, and seeing dreams fulfilled.
What are you never without?
Water! I carry it with me everywhere!
What scares you?
Snakes.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
I love Playa del Camen and Vail. However, Kimberly and I are traveling to Spain and Italy in April, so I may have a new favorite!
Other work, published articles, interviews or accomplishments:
- NOW, NEAR, NEXT℠ – Energize Self-Agency, Ignite Intentionality, Actualize Potential
- Effects of Attribution and Appraisal of Control on Emergency Department Nurse Stress When Treating Patients with Severe Mental Illness
- Improving HR Performance
- Podcast on Coruzant Technologies
~ Cynthia
