Author, global entrepreneur and record-breaking powerlifter Barrie Zucal is encouraging women to rethink how they approach leadership, success and personal fulfillment in her upcoming book, BOLD: How Women Play BIG by Leading Instead of Pleasing.
Scheduled for release in October 2026, the book examines what Zucal calls “debilitating goodness,” a deeply ingrained pattern in which women prioritize meeting others’ expectations and caring for those around them at the expense of their own ambitions and development.
Drawing on her experiences as an executive coach, therapist, feminist and international entrepreneur, Zucal argues that women often find themselves pleasing, performing and striving for perfection rather than embracing opportunities to lead and make decisions with confidence.
She believes changing that mindset is essential not only for individual women but also for organizations seeking stronger leadership and more diverse perspectives.
In BOLD, Zucal combines personal stories, psychological insights, self-reflection exercises and practical strategies to help women recognize limiting beliefs, trust their instincts and pursue their goals without constantly seeking approval.
The book encourages readers to examine who they are living for, understand their purpose and take ownership of their futures. Rather than simply identifying the challenges women face, Zucal offers tools intended to help them develop greater confidence, independence and leadership skills.
“The world needs more women leading unapologetically,” wrote Sarah Dusek, author and CEO of Few & Far, in the book’s introduction.
Zucal’s message is informed by a career that has taken her across industries and international borders. She founded and led a global executive coaching firm employing 300 coaches across 75 countries. Her professional background also includes working as a marriage and family therapist, a guidance counselor in war-torn Beirut and a nanny to the Jordanian Royal Family.
She holds a master’s degree in family studies from the University of Maryland and has spent decades advocating for women’s rights and helping women develop their leadership potential.
Her commitment to personal growth also extends beyond the workplace. At age 70, Zucal began powerlifting and subsequently broke Maryland state records in both the deadlift and bench press.
Today, she teaches intersectional feminism with Conscious Revolution and serves as chair of the Cultural Committee at the Arts Club of Washington.
Through BOLD, Zucal hopes to inspire women to stop diminishing their ambitions to accommodate others and recognize the value of their voices, talents and experiences.
The book arrives amid ongoing conversations about women’s representation and influence in business, politics and communities worldwide.
BOLD: How Women Play BIG by Leading Instead of Pleasing is scheduled for release in October 2026.
For more information, visit BarrieZucal.com.