Now, Near, Next: A Practical Guide for Mid-Career Women to Move from Professional Serendipity to Intentional Advancement

*USA TODAY BESTSELLER*

For many women, mid-career feels a lot like a merry-go-round. You start off, eager to jump in. You pick the pink pony and hold on tight. Uninhibited, you move to the zebra during the first stop. Look, Mom, no hands! However, at some point over the next twenty-plus years, you look up, and you’re still on the same ride, with the same cast of characters, going in circles. You need a bigger playground!

Now, Near, Next debunks the myth that putting your head down and working hard is the best way to realize your fullest potential. Energizing self-agency means taking control of your path ahead. Instead of conforming to social norms or other people’s expectations, you look forward with intentionality, action, and reflection.

It is time to amplify your potential by making room for yourself, bringing forethought to your journey, and developing a road map to your Now, Near, Next.

Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, cofounder of Zeal of the Heel and founder of Bentzen Performance Partners, is a business 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 progressive career as a chief executive in gaming, hospitality, and health-care, 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.

Kimberly Rath is a bestselling author, cofounder of Zeal of the Heel, and cofounder and cochairman of Talent Plus.® An innovator and visionary, Kimberly has been at the forefront of thinking about talent her entire career, helping others discover and develop their unique strengths. Through her leadership at Talent Plus,® she 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, The Ritz-Carlton, and KSL Resorts.

Kimberly is passionate about giving back, sitting on several boards, and supporting various foundations and professional organizations. Kimberly is also the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of Business Success Secrets.