Let’s add a touch of zeal to women’s career evolution.
ZEAL (NOUN): GREAT ENERGY, FERVOR, PASSION, OR ENTHUSIASM EXHIBITED IN THE PURSUIT OF A CAUSE OR AN OBJECTIVE.
What sets Zeal apart is our practical experience, decades of research, and an unwavering commitment to empowering women in their careers. For organizations and associations alike, we offer a fresh perspective and a flexible approach that resonates deeply with the women in your space.
Our methodology, Now, Near, Next, isn't just innovative—it's relatable and, most importantly, actionable. We provide speaking engagements and workshops that can be tailored to suit your audience's specific needs, learning preferences, and scheduling requirements.
We understand that organizations investing in affinity groups seek a tangible return on their investment—that's where Zeal of The Heel truly shines. Our approach covers the spectrum, from crafting effective operational plans to identifying, developing, and nurturing women as key contenders in your succession planning initiatives.
We are your dedicated partner in empowering women's career success. We invite you to explore how our fresh perspective and flexible offerings can make a significant impact within your organization or association. Connect with us, and let's redefine success together.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
DR. CYNTHIA L. BENTZEN MERCER
CO-FOUNDER OF THE ZEAL OF THE HEEL AND FOUNDER AND CEO OF BENTZEN PERFORMANCE PARTNERS
Dr. Cynthia is a national USA Today bestselling author, international speaker, board certified coach, and distinguished talent and organizational development strategist. With over three decades of global executive leadership experience across multiple industries, Dr. Cynthia's expertise centers on her ability to actualize human potential, which is detailed in her book nationally bestselling book, Now, Near, Next: A Practical Guide for Mid-Career Women to Move from Professional Serendipity to Intentional Advancement.
Dr. Cynthia has a Ph.D. in social psychology from Walden University, an MBA, and a Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR) designation. Her work with organizations like Deaconess Health, Edward Jones, Ardent Health, The Wynn Las Vegas, Al Faisaliah Group, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) ranges from providing educational content to employee resource groups, keynote presentations and c-suite executive coaching and consulting worldwide.
Her contributions have earned her recognition, including being featured in Ingram's "50 Missourians You Should Know," Becker's "143 Women Leaders of Hospital and Health Systems to Know," a St. Louis YWCA “Leader of Distinction” and one of St. Louis's “Most Influential Businesswomen.”
Blending her professional and philanthropic passions, Dr. Cynthia lends her time, talent, and treasure to women’s organizations that focus on liberating those who are poor, underserved, or marginalized, including Dreams to Reality, YWCA, and Marian Middle School.
Kimberly K. Rath MBA
CO-FOUNDER OF THE ZEAL OF THE HEEL AND CO-FOUNDER AND CO-CHAIRMAN OF TALENT PLUS®
Kimberly, an innovator and visionary, has been at the forefront of thinking about talent her entire career. A bestselling author, executive coach, and speaker, she helps leaders achieve their highest potential through talent-based strategies and solutions. Kimberly is committed to helping others realize their potential and create a leadership legacy that has an enduring impact and ensures a fulfilling and meaningful future for others.
Through her leadership, Kimberly has delivered tremendous outcomes for some of the world’s most well-known brands, including Estée Lauder, Ferragamo, Delta Airlines, UCLA Health, University of Kansas Health System, The Ritz-Carlton, and KSL Resorts.
Kimberly has an MBA from Pepperdine University and an undergraduate degree from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She has received the Great Place to Work Institute ALL Leadership Award, the Business Excellence Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the national Delta Gamma Shield Award. Kimberly is a Wall Street Journal and two-time USA Today bestselling author.
Passionate about giving back, Kimberly sits on four boards—Nelnet, Provider Trust, Tabitha, and Artists for Trauma, is a trustee for the University of Nebraska and Lincoln Community Foundations and sits on several global future of work consortiums.
CYNTHIA AND KIMBERLY HAVE CO-AUTHORED THEIR FIRST BOOK, "NOW, NEAR, NEXT," A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR MID-CAREER WOMEN SEEKING TO TRANSITION FROM PROFESSIONAL SERENDIPITY TO INTENTIONAL ADVANCEMENT.
Stay tuned for their second book, tailored to support women as they approach their encore careers!
OUR
MISSION
By emboldening self-agency and challenging social and self-imposed norms, 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.
AS WE EMBARK ON THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER, REMEMBER THE WORDS OF ELIZABETH GILBERT:
“Embrace the glorious mess that you are.”
It's within that beautiful mess that we discover unique strengths and chart a path toward a vibrant, intentional future. That’s why we’re here to remind all women to look up, step forward together, and create a future that truly lights them up.