How does Barrie Zucal powerlifter stay strong at 80?
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Barrie Zucal is still getting stronger at 80. The global feminist, former marriage and family therapist, executive coach and record-holding powerlifter has spent decades investing in her physical, emotional and spiritual well-being, demonstrating that staying vital with age requires far more than exercise alone.
“I have consistently dedicated resources to my own development — healing myself emotionally, fueling my body with healthy foods, and understanding myself, others, and relationships,” Zucal said. “Then I’ve worked to understand the systems that perpetuate and support positive change, and those that destroy it.”
Zucal’s approach to longevity aligns directly with the themes of her new book, BOLD: How Women Play Big by Leading Instead of Pleasing. The work challenges the conditioning that encourages women to place everyone else’s needs ahead of their own development and ambitions.
“I want this book to inspire women everywhere,” Zucal said. “We were born for this moment. It’s time for women to claim their right to develop themselves and use their talents to create a rich future for themselves, their families, and their world.”
More than a book, BOLD serves as a wakeup call that motivates women to explore who they exist for, why they exist, and how they will exist. Author and CEO of Few & Far Sarah Dusek writes in the introduction that the world needs more women leading unapologetically and promises readers they will emerge with a stronger, bolder, more empowered version of themselves after engaging with the text.
BOLD arrives at a moment when women’s leadership is urgently needed in boardrooms, classrooms and communities worldwide.
BOLD: How Women Play Big by Leading Instead of Pleasing is published by Palmetto Publishing. It carries a release date of October 14, 2026, ISBN-13 979-8822977631 and is available from Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Bold-Women-Leading-Instead-Pleasing/dp/B0HHRGKVRK.
Zucal founded and led a global executive coaching firm with 300 coaches operating in 75 countries. She holds a master’s in Family Studies from the University of Maryland, served as a guidance counselor in war-torn Beirut and worked as a nanny to the Jordanian Royal Family in her late 20s. She has lived and worked in Bucks County, Pennsylvania; Beirut, Lebanon; Amman, Jordan; and Taipei, Taiwan.
At age 70, Zucal walked into a gym, picked up a barbell and went on to break Maryland State Records in both the deadlift and bench press. She now teaches Intersectional Feminism with Conscious Revolution and serves as Chair of the Cultural Committee at the Arts Club of Washington.
BOLD challenges what Zucal calls “debilitating goodness,” the pattern in which women are taught that being agreeable, selfless and accommodating is a virtue even when it comes at the expense of their own ambitions, development and voice. Part memoir, part manifesto and part practical guide, the book helps women recognize conditioning that keeps them seeking approval and begin making decisions based on their own values, instincts, ambitions and purpose.
Endorsements highlight the book’s guidance. Dusek writes that readers who step into the book with courage will emerge stronger and bolder. Tara Jenkins, founder and CEO of Conscious Revolution, calls it a beautiful gift and an ongoing conversation with the best therapist and coach. Ash Brown, founder and CEO of Ash Said It LLC, describes it as a strategic manual for trading pleasing for power. Rev. Kathleen C. Rolenz notes that working with the book grounds the spirit and helps women listen to their own heart’s longing.
Zucal will celebrate the October 14, 2026 book launch with her daughter Jessica and husband Tom. She is also scheduled for a virtual author talk with Brevity & Wit founder Minal Bopiah on women and bold leadership.
