The woman-founded strategic consulting and communications firm that Peggy Lents started as Lents & Associates in 1987 evolved into Lents Mazur & Associates in 2022, after Mazur came on board. Before that time, Mazur had held various roles, from small business owner to congressional staffer. Then, this year, the company rebranded as Mazur & Co., with Mazur stepping into the role of owner and CEO and Lents becoming a strategic partner. Yet a core principle remains at the heart of the firm. “We are communicators,” Lents says. “We have witnessed the pandemic, AI, remote work… We have new tools in our arsenal. But we fell in love with this industry because of the power of communication and the need for it, now more than ever. What we do is universal, and that won’t change.”
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? In a challenging time in this profession, we have continued to grow—staff, clients, revenue and pro bono outreach.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? We are communicators. We have witnessed the pandemic, AI, remote work (and Zoom, Google Meet, Teams and every other platform). We have new tools in our arsenal. But, we fell in love with this industry because of the power of communication and the need for it, now more than ever. What we do is unversal and that won’t change.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? Relationships. As we have the exciting advent of AI…with remote, hybrid, Zoom and every other platform, we need to be mindful about continuing to build relationships. We are certainly expected to be creative wizards delivering excellent outcomes; but we build our work on knowledge of and trust from our clients. For many of us with years of experience, we can bridge the old with the new, but for new practitioners, this could be challenging.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I’ve always had an informal kitchen cabinet—with an expert in legal, HR, etc. I must add that my husband and two daughters are excellent sounding boards who tell it to me straight.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Learn when to say no. I have an inner voice that whispers that I could surely help this client if… I then created my “24-hour rule.” I have learned that when I give myself the perspective of an additional 24 hours, my responses are more reasoned.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? A conversation with Andy Taylor and Michael McMillan would be energizing. Andy and Michael are each changing the landscape or our community. They have figured out what’s needed and have put their time, talent and resources behind their vision. Aren’t we lucky?
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? A more collaborative environment in which something gets done – from a safer, vibrant Downtown to a rejuvenated infrastructure. We must approach our problems in an environment that promotes inclusion and success.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? St. Louis
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? Aside from babysitting from the age of 11, I was a camp counselor when I was 14. Do more than asked. Exceed expectations.
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? B.A. Tufts University MPA from Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? There are so many, but focus on local. St Louis is a foodie town with some brilliant local chefs. Support them.
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Canyoneering
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Harry Truman said, “Not every reader is a leader, but every leader is a reader.” Just read—anything, everything—all the time.
What is your most prized possession? Conversations, cards, and artwork
What is your go-to karaoke song? Oh my gosh! My husband prefers that I not even sing in the shower. My fourth grade teacher asked that I just mouth the words at our holiday concert.
