Empowering Executive Leadership and Unleashing Potential: A Conversation with Founder Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer | Ep 770
Empowering Executive Leadership and Unleashing Potential: A Conversation with Founder Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer | Ep 770  
Podcast: The Digital Executive
Published On: Tue Dec 19 2023
Description: Founder and CEO of Benson Performance Partners and co-founder of The Zeal of the Heel, Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, joins Coruzant Technologies for the Digital Executive podcast.  Cynthia shares her journey from starting work at 14 to becoming a chief executive in gaming, hospitality, and healthcare. As a working mom and the only female on many executive teams, she discusses her experiences in male-dominated industries and her commitment to helping women claim their agency.Cynthia credits her career growth to the mentorship and sponsorship she received, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and relationship-building. She stresses her intellectual curiosity and constant learning as key factors in her career. Her inspiration comes from seeing talent actualized, observing people excel in careers that fulfill them.The discussion shifts to Cynthia’s work in creating remarkable cultures in organizations through individualized strategies. She highlights the role of selection, development, and promotion in shaping and sustaining company culture, emphasizing the need to match individuals with roles that align with their natural talents and interests.Cynthia also talks about her co-authored book, "Now Near Next," which focuses on empowering mid-career women. The book, based on interviews with women from diverse backgrounds, provides tools and methodologies for intentional career planning and development.Lastly, Cynthia shares her use of emerging technologies in her business, including a coach bot for executive coaching and using AI tools like ChatGPT for public speaking and storytelling. The episode offers insights into effective leadership, cultural development in organizations, and the use of technology in enhancing executive coaching and speaking skills.