Home: Chicago, IL. Age: 46. Birthplace: Guam. Profession: Executive coach. Organization: The Leadership Companion. Title: CEO. Significant other: Michael Bouman. Alma mater: Calvin University (B.A.); University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (J.D.).
Current project: Designing a leadership class for twelve girls at my daughter’s high school and now considering how to bring it to a global audience. Recent recognition: “Rachel is a true pro! Her ability to think through problems/scenarios and the way she asks questions to help each of us is inspiring and helpful and I continue to learn from her at every meeting.” Latest accomplishment: Being named Most Empowering Women’s Executive and Leadership Coach (Illinois) by Acquisition International. Latest contribution to others: Helping my aging parents sort through the belongings accumulated during 55 years of marriage, to help them downsize and live more freely. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Deciding to leave the hustle culture behind and pursuing my purpose by launching my own business to help women rise. Recent travel or adventure: A two-month cross-country vacation visiting 15 states, with two weeks in Kauai. Last book read: Anyway: The Paradoxical Commandments, Kent M. Keith. Recently viewed and recommended: Thirteen Lives.
Personality profile: Achiever; assertive, bold. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Driven. Moral compass: My relationship with Jesus Christ. How do you define a perfect friendship? Vulnerable and authentic. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trusted and respectful. What is your greatest joy? My daughter and her friends. What natural talent have you neglected? Hospitality. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Foster parenting. What is at the top of your bucket list? Traveling the world with my family. How do you relieve stress? Journaling. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? The beach and my family.
What three emojis best describe you? 💕🌴🧜♀️.
What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Bugging my sisters. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Sweet Home Alabama. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A picture with Wonder Woman (Linda Carter) and my daughter. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My older adopted sister Leilani. What’s the best advice you received growing up? You don’t need to fit in, because God created you to stand out. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Be willing to find a new table where your voice is welcome. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? My husband. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My stroke in April 2021 and being deemed “a miracle” by the doctor who removed the clots from my brain and lungs.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Helping women of all ages perfect their leadership strengths and take courageous action toward their dreams. What change would you like to see in the world? A world where women are welcomed as their whole, authentic selves. What message do you want to send out into the world? Less sharp elbows and more welcoming hearts. What widely held belief do you reject? That people can’t change and grow.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Raise Hell and Change the World. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Drew Barrymore. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My dear friend Golden. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A judge. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My iPhone. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On the beach eating ice cream cones with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t listen to the haters! What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I learned that my mom and I both passed the California bar exam and officially became attorneys.
Personal mission: To change the landscape of leadership, one woman at a time. Personal motto: Don’t let your current self judge your past self. Favorite quote: “Our greatest glory is not in never failing; it is rising every time we fall” (Oliver Goldsmith). Desired epitaph: She never forgot whose she was.
