Meet Lara Zuehlke, Gene Barnwell Waugh Mentor Award Winner

Written by Hanna De Hoyos.

Lara Zuehlke has more than 18 years of experience in the field of communications. In her current position as an account supervisor at Pierpont Communications, she oversees a diverse portfolio of clients in different industries including healthcare, professional services, consulting and finance/private equity. When Lara isn’t busy helping clients, she is encouraging young professionals entering the field of communications to excel and achieve their dreams.

On May 2, Women Communicators of Austin (WCA) will be honoring Lara with the Gene Barnwell Waugh Mentor Award.

Q; How did you get started in the communications field?
A: I always loved writing and after making a “D” in my freshman biology class, I knew pretty quickly that the sciences weren’t in my future. I moved to liberal arts, earned a journalism degree and never looked back. In those early years, I focused on newspaper and magazine writing for sports and then eventually telecom and business. Over the years, I have contributed freelance work for various magazines such as Inside Texas Running, Insite Brazos Valley and Bicycle Culture.

Q: Tell us about your communications experience and your current position.
A: After earning my journalism degree from Texas A&M University in 1997, I got my start as a writer and then managing editor of two national telecom trade magazines. From there, I moved into organizational communications in higher education, spending the majority of that time back at Texas A&M’s business school as an editor. While at Texas A&M, I helped establish an integrated communications program for alumni, donors, faculty and staff that was the framework of a $50 million capital campaign. It was during this time that I began moving into more of a marketing communications-focused role.

Upon leaving higher education in 2006, I went to a boutique firm, 1400 Words, where I specialized in content development, branding and strategic messaging for all types of clients including L’Oreal, Kyocera/Sanyo, Hewlett-Packard and Corner Bakery. After short periods as a managing editor of a blogging team and launching my own consulting business, I landed at Pierpont Communications in spring of 2013. At Pierpont, I specialize in content strategy, marketing and digital communications.

Q: How long have you been a mentor and what sparked your interest?
A: In the mid-1980s, my parents were part of a cassette club of inspirational and motivational speakers. So I spent my teenage years driving to school in my dad’s 1971 Chevy listening to teachers like Zig Ziglar and Wayne Dyer. I started applying ideas of the power of positive thinking and visualizing at an early age.

I have always loved encouraging, teaching and helping others excel. It was during my time as a staff member of Texas A&M where I began mentoring in a more structured way. I served on the Board of Directors for the Brazos Valley Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), serving as the student coordinator. During those two years on the board, I helped Texas A&M students establish a student chapter of IABC. Additionally, I spent nearly five years mentoring and serving as education coordinator at Texas A&M’s Aggie ALLIES program. In the years since, I have mentored numerous junior employees in my professional roles.

Beyond the workplace, however, I have also been an active mentor and coach in the areas of personal development; mind, body, and spirit connection; and nutrition and food psychology. For nearly three years in Dallas, I served as a trainer and coach with The Institute of Subtle Energy Education (ISEE) Global, where I taught workshops and helped professionals achieve new outcomes using a variety of modalities.

In 2010, I earned a certificate as a food psychology coach with the Spencer Institute. From there, I wrote an e-book in 2011 and through my business, 4Corners Health, I have taught classes and coached women in the areas of nutrition, movement and creativity.

Q: What does being a mentor mean to you?
A: For me, mentoring is about understanding that we are always both a teacher and a student. I seek to bring to every mentoring experience openness and awareness, so that I can learn, give and support others. When I approach mentoring this way, it’s easy for me to create a dynamic of growth that supports the others’ journeys. Over the years, I have had some incredible people spend their time and energy helping me move beyond my own perceived limitations. It is an honor and privilege to help others in the same way.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about mentoring?
A: A storyteller at heart, I love learning about people’s stories—their hopes, dreams, goals and what they believe is holding them back. It is incredibly rewarding to serve and support others in their personal and professional journeys. More specifically, I love witnessing others have those “ah-ha” moments that led them to breakthrough into a new level of success.

Q: What do you find most challenging?
A: The most challenging part of mentoring is staying consciously aware to not put my story—or project my experiences—onto other people. It’s the idea of showing, not telling. It’s being willing to step back, listening objectively and asking the right questions at the right time to help others come to those breakthrough moments that propel them forward.

Q: What is the best advice you have given to a mentee?
A: I think perhaps the best advice I have given is what I have learned from my own mentors and that is to always believe in yourself and be willing to be your own cheerleader. In other words, if you are not willing to stand up for yourself, own your voice, and share your awesomeness in the world, then no one else will. At times, I think this is especially challenging for women. We often look for permission from others to shine brightly. And the thing I’ve learned is that no one will give you that permission slip—you must give it to yourself. To excel in your career, and life, you must essentially take the time to explore your strengths and the things that bring you joy. Joy is where your true power and potential awaits. Dive in, own your strengths, and share them.

Q: What does WCA mean to you?
A: While I am not currently a member of WCA, I have attended several functions and know that WCA is a highly regarded organization in the Austin community that helps women learn, network and advance in their careers.

To learn more about Lara, visit her personal website at LaraZuehlke.com or her business website at 4CornersHealth.com.

Named for a founding member of the Women Communicators of Austin and former two-time Theta Sigma Phi  National President, this award recognizes an individual who has advanced WCA through outstanding service and personal and professional achievement. Not only are the recipients of this award dedicated to the success of WCA, they are respected leaders in the field of communications and people who best represent the most desirable qualities of our membership.

Join WCA on May 2, 2015 at our 42^nd Annual Banner Brunch to celebrate Lara and our other award winners. Learn more and get your tickets here.