Author: CIO Times

Meg Nocero is a powerhouse of transformation, resilience, and inspiration. A former federal prosecutor turned motivational speaker, award-winning author, and advocate for joy, Meg has dedicated her life to helping others embrace their inner light and live with purpose. After two decades in law and the profound loss of her mother, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery, walking the Camino de Santiago—a pilgrimage that led her to redefine success and fulfillment. 

Today, she is a TEDx speaker, the creator of the Webby-honored podcast ‘Manifesting with Meg’, and the founder of S.H.I.N.E. Networking Inc., a nonprofit committed to empowering individuals through connection and storytelling. With expertise in happiness studies and coaching, Meg continues to inspire countless people to step into their power, embrace change, and live with no regrets.

Meg holds a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies from Centenary University and is a Certified Happiness Trainer and Coach through the Happiness Studies Academy (HSA). HSA’s mission to lead a happiness revolution deeply resonates with her—it’s about creating personal, interpersonal, and communal well-being through whole-person growth, or what HSA calls whole being. As a graduate, she’s committed to being an agent of positive change in her own life and in the lives of those she serves.

Meg has had the privilege of attending happiness retreats around the world—in Lago di Como, Italy; Cartagena, Colombia; Mexico City, Mexico; and Ivalo, Finland. She has also served as a facilitator with WOHASU, the World Happiness Summit, and is a proud member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), and Love Button Global Movement. She will be collaborating with Luisa Carter’s Powered by Kindness documentary and the Young Shero- Youth Empowerment Global Project this next year.  

Inner Transformation

Meg began her career as a federal attorney first with the Department of Justice, then with the Department of Homeland Security, where she worked for nearly two decades. The role required sharp analytical skills, intense dedication, and a commitment to justice. But while she was doing meaningful work, she was also battling an inner sense that she wasn’t living her purpose. The turning point came after she lost her beloved mother to cancer. Her final words, “Stress will kill you. Have no regrets,” echoed in Meg’s soul and became a catalyst for transformation.

It was grief that cracked her open to the light. After her mother died, Meg realized she had been living on autopilot—checking boxes of success but not fully awake to joy. Her passing gave Meg the courage to ask the hard questions: Am I happy? Am I fulfilled? The answer was no. That realization became her wake-up call.

After her passing, Meg unwillingly embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage that culminated on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, desperate to find peace from the grief that weighed her down. 

She was searching for a lighthouse she had seen in a vision during her mother’s final moments—what she didn’t realize was that she herself was the lighthouse. Along the Camino, Meg discovered that the light is within, and peace is found through mindfulness and staying in the present moment with each breath.

“That experience was life-altering and showed me how strong and resilient I am. I knew I had to pivot—not just for myself but for others who needed permission to do the same. The law taught me how to advocate for others. Now, I needed to advocate for people’s dreams,” recalls Meg.

This awakening led her to leave her government job and follow a deeper calling. Meg founded Butterflies & Bliss, LLC, became a TEDx speaker with her talk “Wake Up” in 2021, authored three inspirational books, and launched her podcast Manifesting with Meg: Conversations with Extraordinary People. Most recently, she was honored with a Bronze Telly Award in the Online Motivational Category for Episode 139: What Do You Want! Featuring the dynamic voices of The Feminist Uprising. 

From Courtroom to Public Stages

As a litigator, Meg learned to construct compelling narratives and seek the truth. She brings that same rigor and integrity to her coaching and public speaking. She is adept at asking transformative questions, identifying limiting beliefs, and helping clients build evidence-based paths toward their goals.

Her background in immigration also made her even more empathetic—she saw firsthand the courage it takes to fight for a better life. Now, Meg channels that compassion into helping others break free from mental or emotional “border walls” they’ve unconsciously erected. It’s about liberation—from fear, self-doubt, and stagnation.

On a Conscious Mission

Butterflies & Bliss, LLC is rooted in the transformational journey of the butterfly—a symbol of awakening, hope, and limitless potential. Meg’s mission is to help individuals wake up to the beauty of their dreams and embrace a life of purpose and bliss, no matter their age or circumstances.

Through workshops, keynotes, retreats, books, and coaching, Butterflies & Bliss offers tools for personal growth, happiness, and spiritual renewal. Meg also leads a global conversation on joy and transformation through her podcast, which has now produced over 140 episodes and has been honored by the Webby Awards.

Looking ahead, she sees the company evolving into a global platform for conscious leaders, artists, changemakers, and seekers. She is hoping to begin a Ph.D. study in Happiness soon and wants to build on an idea to create The Awakening Academy ™, “where soul meets science, and purpose becomes power.”  Having just graduated with a Master of Arts in Happiness Studies from Centenary University, Meg is ready to co-create and collaborate with her colleagues, focusing on how neuroscience and storytelling can help professionals live better lives. 

Handling Challenges

For Meg, one of the biggest challenges in running Butterflies & Bliss LLC is standing out in a space filled with incredible voices and leaders in personal development. It’s also profoundly emotional—holding space for transformation daily requires deep energy, patience, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. A business rooted in personal growth demands constant reinvention, resilience, and the ability to maintain balance without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Meg navigates these challenges by fostering authentic connections and surrounding herself with visionary changemakers who inspire and challenge her. Collaboration is key—she believes in lifting others as she rises, and that synergy creates momentum. Investing in her own growth ensures she shows up fully for those she serves because transformation begins from within. 

“And through it all, I stay grounded in my ‘why’—honoring my mother’s legacy, embodying joy, and guiding others to live without regrets. When I hold onto that purpose, the challenges become stepping stones rather than roadblocks,” says Meg.

Turning Transformation into a Business Model

Meg doesn’t just teach happiness—she embodies it. Happiness isn’t a quick fix or a catchy phrase; it’s a deep practice rooted in both science and soul. As a certified Happiness Studies practitioner, she merges evidence-based strategies with intuitive coaching, spiritual wisdom, and the art of storytelling to create a lasting impact.

Her business thrives on transformation through three key pillars:  

– Content (books, podcasts, keynotes) that inspire change  

– Community (coaching and events) that foster connection  

– Curriculum (courses and future programs) that provide actionable tools  

Everything Meg builds is designed to help individuals shift their mindset, recognize their strengths, and step boldly into their bliss. Transformation isn’t just an offering—it’s the foundation of everything she does.  

Inspiring from a Global Stage

Delivering her TEDx talk “Wake Up” was a transformational milestone for Meg. It gave her a global stage to share her message and challenge others to pursue a life of no regrets. The process taught her how to distill her story into a powerful idea worth spreading—and how to use her voice to inspire others and ignite change.

“The core message of ‘Wake Up’ is this: Don’t wait for a tragedy to start living your truth. You are here for a reason, and every moment is a chance to choose joy, love, and fulfillment. My mother’s final days were my awakening, but I want others to wake up before the crisis.”

Preparing for the talk required discipline and heart. Meg wrote, revised, and rehearsed extensively—walking miles while speaking it aloud, visualizing the audience she wanted to move, and getting feedback from trusted coaches and friends. 

That talk opened doors for Meg to speaking engagements, podcast appearances, and collaborations. More importantly, it affirmed her identity as a storyteller, teacher, and trailblazer. It helped her wake up fully—and gave others permission to do the same.

Meg also introduced a framework she calls the Storyteller’s BAG—a set of tools she believes every person needs to carry with them on the journey of awakening and sharing their truth:

• Believe in yourself
• Align with a mentor or guide in your village
• Gratitude—honor the sacredness of your story

At the end of the talk, she invited the audience to make a Storyteller’s Pledge—to wake up, share their voice, and be awesome in their own unique way.

Another key technique that Meg uses, in TEDx and every presentation, to feel empowered is called “Allyspotting.” Before she speaks—whether in person or on Zoom—she introduces herself to someone in the audience and asks what they hope to learn from her talk. That person becomes her ally. As she speaks, she looks for them, shares a smile, and lets their presence center and uplift her as she does her best to address what they ask for. That single connection becomes a bridge to the whole room, spreading positive energy and reinforcing the message that storytelling is a shared experience, not a solo performance.

Growth and Storytelling

Storytelling is everything, believes Meg. Our stories carry the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire. They remind us we’re not alone. When Meg tells her story—of grief, awakening, and courage—she’s not just sharing her journey, she’s inviting others into theirs.

One of the most transformative stories she shares is her walk along the Camino de Santiago, which became both a literal and spiritual journey. Meg walked over 100 kilometers with the weight of grief, searching for answers. What she found was this: we all carry a lighthouse inside us, and when we pause to breathe, we can access deep peace and divine clarity. That story has inspired many to look within rather than chase healing outside themselves.

“Stories bypass the intellect and go straight to the heart. They’re mirrors, doorways, and roadmaps. In every keynote, podcast, or book, I use storytelling as the bridge between pain and possibility. As I always say: When you find your voice, you find your freedom,” shares Meg

Debunking Myths about the Industry

Meg often comes across people who believe coaching is just cheerleading or that motivational speaking is surface-level hype. In truth, both are deeply transformative when done with authenticity and skill. She challenges the notion that joy is naive or that happiness is frivolous. It’s not—it’s revolutionary.

She also debunks the myth that one has to be “fixed” before one can inspire others. 

“Your mess is your message. Vulnerability is strength. And coaching isn’t about giving answers—it’s about helping others find their own,” she insists.

In a few years, Meg sees the industry becoming more evidence-based, inclusive, and global. People are hungry for real tools, not just inspiration. She believes coaching will merge more deeply with science—positive psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral change.

She also believes storytelling and the arts will play a bigger role in transformation. Hybrid models—like podcasts, theatrical productions (she’s developing a musical based on her memoir Butterfly Awakens), and immersive retreats—will rise. The future is soulful, intersectional, and experiential.

Aspirations Ahead

Over the next five years, Meg sees Butterflies & Bliss evolving into a global brand and educational platform that uplifts individuals and communities through the science and art of transformation. Her goals include:

• Recording Audiobooks for her books, The Magical Guide to Bliss, Sparkle & Shine, and Butterfly Awakens.
• Publishing The Magical Journal to Bliss, a companion to her bestselling book.
• Completing her Ph.D. and deepening her academic expertise.
• Touring with her Butterfly Awakens musical and speaking on international stages.
• Growing her Manifesting with Meg platform to reach 1M+ listeners globally.
• Most importantly, founding The Awakening Academy™—a learning space grounded in positive psychology, creativity, and soul—to teach the principles of eudaemonia in both virtual and institutional settings. 

The world is facing a crisis of meaning, burnout, and disconnection. High performers are hitting emotional walls, and institutions are searching for deeper, values-driven leadership. The Awakening Academy™ provides an antidote—through a strategy of joy and flow, we guide individuals and organizations to reconnect with what truly matters. This academy will not just be about personal development—it’s about igniting purpose, cultivating emotional intelligence, and creating a ripple effect of conscious transformation in families, workplaces, and communities.

“I envision teaching flourishing not just through coaching and speaking, but also within academic environments—partnering with universities or launching certificate programs to train future leaders, educators, and changemakers. The future is rooted in joy, purpose, and collaborative growth,” concludes Meg.

Rachel Choong is a highly accomplished Technical Professional with over 25 years of expertise in Program and Project Management. Throughout her career, she has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions for a diverse portfolio of clients, spearheading multi-million-dollar projects that have propelled businesses forward in their respective industries. 

As a Subject Matter Expert in project management, Rachel is adept at requirements gathering, risk mitigation, resource allocation, project planning, and establishing critical milestones for success. Her ability to navigate complex programs has earned her recognition from executive leaders, including the CISO, who have entrusted her with business-critical projects that enhance security and save companies millions by mitigating system vulnerabilities and information breaches.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Rachel is a published author of “54 Inspired Leaders,” where she interviewed top executives to uncover insights on leadership, resilience, and personal growth, inspiring professionals to pursue success with renewed determination.

The Inspiring Journey 

Best known for her ability to turn around troubled projects and deliver the desired outcomes, Rachel has built a distinguished career managing complex projects across cybersecurity, technology implementation, and digital transformation.

Her entry into this field came somewhat serendipitously – after graduating with an IT degree, Rachel’s first position happened to be in consulting and project management. What began as a chance quickly developed into a passion as she discovered her natural aptitude for coordinating complex technical initiatives and delivering results.

She excels at taking on challenging, high-stakes projects and delivering them on budget, ahead of schedule, without compromising quality. Rachel’s talent for meticulous risk assessment, resource allocation, and strategic planning has repeatedly transformed potential project failures into notable successes.

What has been most rewarding in her journey is watching her responsibilities grow naturally over time. “I still remember my first project with a modest budget compared to the multi-million-dollar programs I now lead. With each new challenge, I have pushed myself to deliver faster, while managing greater complexity — not because it was expected, but because I thrived under pressure and found deep satisfaction in exceeding expectations together with my teams,” says Rachel.

At Coles, she implemented critical security infrastructure that protected sensitive customer data while enabling technological innovation. At NBN Co, Rachel delivered an Access Management solution that protected Australia’s broadband network by implementing ACSC Essential Eight mitigation strategies.

Throughout her career at NAB, Telstra, and other organizations, she has consistently turned around troubled projects, often completing the work in a fraction of the expected time — such as delivering a major security project at NAB in just three months against a projected one-year timeline.

Rachel’s exceptional work has earned multiple awards, including the Telstra CEO Awards for SmartHome, the CIO Award for the Block Charging project, and the OSS Inventory Solution Centres Award for NBN. She has also received nominations for the Director’s Choice Award and NAB’s Value – WIN Together recognition.  

“To me, success is measured not only by the quality level expected by customers and company but also by delivering ahead of schedule and under budget. I have a rare combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate complex organizational challenges that have made me the go-to professional for business-critical programs that enhance security and save organizations millions in potential damages,” shares Rachel.

Unraveling the Author in Her

The inspiration for the book “54 Inspired Leaders,” came from an unexpected source—Rachel’s husband. He would often return home from business dinners and share inspiring stories about the leaders he had met. Listening to these accounts of resilience, wisdom, and achievement, Rachel realized these powerful stories deserved a broader audience. She thought: if these stories could brighten her evenings and change her perspective, what might they do for others who need encouragement?

That curiosity led her to ask her husband if she could interview his friends. They embraced the idea, introducing her to even more leaders eager to share their journeys. Rachel started publishing these interviews on LinkedIn, simply wanting to spread inspiration and wisdom.  

Soon, her interviewees suggested compiling these stories into a book. That’s when ‘54 Inspired Leaders’ was born. At its core, this book is about learning from remarkable leaders, finding motivation in their experiences, and embracing the lessons that drive success.  

The Perils of Being a First-Time Author

As a senior cybersecurity professional managing critical projects, finding time to interview 54 leaders, transcribe conversations, organize content, draw out the key messages, and assemble the book was Rachel’s biggest challenge. Arranging meetings with busy high-level executives across various industries, including C-suite leaders, required persistent networking and considerable scheduling flexibility. She overcame this by being extremely organized with her calendar and remaining flexible to accommodate these leaders’ busy schedules, sometimes conducting interviews late evenings.

While she possesses exceptional listening skills that have served her well throughout her career, translating hours of nuanced conversations into concise, impactful written content presented a different kind of challenge. Rachel discovered that the same deep listening that made her effective in project management also generated an abundance of rich material, almost too much. To overcome this, she relied on her common sense to determine which insights to retain.

“I asked myself, ‘What will truly inspire readers?’ and ‘What unique perspective does this leader offer?’ This filtering process helped me distill the essence, without losing the authentic voice of each contributor,” she shares.

As a first-time author focused on leadership and inspiration, when her primary expertise is in cybersecurity rather than publishing, navigating the book production process was a steep learning curve. From editing to design to distribution, Rachel found herself in unfamiliar territory. She approached this challenge the same way she tackled complex technical projects — by breaking it down into manageable phases and seeking expertise when needed. After publishing, balancing “subtle positioning” while effectively promoting the book required careful attention to stay true to her authentic voice while ensuring the positive messages reached those who could benefit.

The most unexpected challenge was transforming intimate conversations into structured content that would truly inspire readers. What worked in spoken conversation did not always translate to the page. Rachel overcame this by applying the same methodical approach she uses in project management—organizing content thematically, identifying patterns across different interviews, and creating a coherent narrative that preserved the unique wisdom each leader shared.  

“I personally benefited from the learnings and inspirations from these leaders that I had the privilege to interview,” she says.

Creating a Legacy

In a world often filled with negative headlines, Rachel wanted to create something different — a collection of authentic voices that could inspire others to keep moving forward, even on days when getting out of bed feels impossible.

What drives her is knowing that somewhere, someone might pick up this book when they are struggling and find the exact words they need. As she was taught as a child, doing good deeds and spreading positive words creates ripples far beyond what we can see.

Rachel’s greatest hope is that “54 Inspired Leaders” serves as a reminder that we all face challenges, but with the right mindset and support, we can take small steps toward seemingly impossible dreams. The wisdom these remarkable leaders have shared is not just about success — it is about resilience, purpose, and finding light during dark times.

Philosophies Mirroring Life

Throughout “54 Inspired Leaders,” several core philosophies that have guided both Rachel’s personal life and her 25-year career in technology and cybersecurity come to light:

• Optimism as a transformative force: Her book consistently emphasizes that positivity can help people overcome obstacles. As she states directly: “The goal of this book is to remind others to be positive in life and be confident that eventually, good days will come”. This mirrors her approach to complex programs, where maintaining optimism while facing technical challenges has been crucial to her success in delivering solutions ahead of schedule.

• The power of connection and sharing wisdom: By bringing together leaders from various backgrounds and fields, Rachel’s book embodies her belief that we can learn valuable lessons from people with different life experiences. Throughout her career managing diverse teams across organizations like Telstra, NAB, and Coles, she has seen how shared knowledge accelerates problem-solving. The book creates a platform where successful leaders share insights with others who might not otherwise have access to such mentorship.

• Service to others: What inspires her is to give others a second chance in life. Rachel’s personal philosophy is centered on helping others and lifting them up. This value drives both her book project and her professional approach, where she focuses on implementing solutions that protect organizations and ultimately the people they serve.

• Resilience through difficult times: Many of the featured leaders discuss overcoming challenges, reinforcing Rachel’s belief that greatness often begins with a small spark of positivity or a shift in perspective. In her cybersecurity work, resilience is not just a personal quality but a critical system attribute — the ability to withstand attacks and recover quickly. Both the technical systems she has implemented and the leadership stories she has collected demonstrate that with persistence, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

These philosophies are not separate from Rachel’s technical expertise but rather inform how she applies it – focusing on solutions that empower people, building resilient systems, and maintaining optimism even when facing complex challenges.

In her book, one of the interviewees – Head of Technology Operations said, “I had to build higher and deeper fences, better netting for the trees, and I got better at defense over many seasons”. 

What struck Rachel was how perfectly this paralleled modern cybersecurity: “Life was a bit like cybersecurity: defend against attackers, always building higher, stronger and deeper fences”.

In our security world, we often focus on sophisticated tools and frameworks, but his story reminds us of the fundamentals – persistent improvement of our defenses, learning from each breach that we read about in media, and understanding that security is never ‘done’,” she explains.

Nurturing High-performing Teams 

Throughout her 25 years leading technology and cybersecurity projects, Rachel has developed a framework for building teams that consistently exceed expectations in high-pressure environments:

• Foster collaboration with open communication where team members feel empowered to contribute ideas and raise concerns. This creates an environment where everyone understands our collective goals and their specific role in achieving them — critical for navigating the rapid changes in competitive industries.

• Embrace challenges as growth opportunities. Rather than shielding her teams from difficult problems, she encourages them to tackle challenges head-on. She provides guidance without unnecessary intervention, which builds their problem-solving capabilities faster than any formal training could.

• Lead with respect. She found that teams who feel genuinely respected are more willing to go the extra mile and support each other through difficult phases and with empathy.

Technology – Transforming Industries

Technology has fundamentally transformed how organizations across industries operate by revolutionizing our relationship with data. In every sector Rachel has worked in – from telecommunications to healthcare to banking – what was once physical interaction has been digitized, making data the primary product and currency of business.

The most dramatic transformation, she points out, is visible in banking, where most customer interactions now occur through digital transfers, completely reshaping the customer experience and operational model. This shift has transformed not just how services are delivered but the very nature of risk and competitive advantage.

This digital transformation has elevated cybersecurity from a technical concern to a strategic business imperative. Organizations must now manage an integrated ecosystem of people, processes, and technology to secure their data assets. For Rachel, as a project manager in cybersecurity, understanding all three components has become essential — a significant evolution from when technology management was compartmentalized.

“Perhaps most transformative is how security has emerged as a key business differentiator. Organizations that prioritize cybersecurity build greater trust with customers, partners, and regulators, while those that neglect it risk business continuity. The transformation is complete: security is no longer just about protecting data – it is now about ensuring business resilience, maintaining stakeholder trust, and ultimately, organizational survival in a technology-driven landscape,” she says.

Defining Trends in the Industry

There are two trends – artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. 

The rise of AI agents represents the most transformative trend reshaping the technology landscape today. As highlighted by industry leaders, these AI agents are fundamentally changing how we interact with software, potentially disrupting traditional cloud-based SaaS applications.

Drawing from her 25+ years in cybersecurity and project delivery, Rachel sees four key impacts of this trend:

1. Productivity transformation through automation of routine tasks, allowing teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
2. Seamless data integration across previously siloed systems, providing comprehensive insights without managing multiple applications.
3. Democratized technology access through conversational interfaces that eliminate steep learning curves.
4. Personalization at an unprecedented scale that adapts to individual users’ specific needs and preferences.

This shift is accelerating rapidly across industries, with early adopters already gaining significant competitive advantages. Organizations that embrace this trend strategically will position themselves for future success.

However, the security implications cannot be overlooked. The evolution of AI agents demands corresponding advances in:

• Privileged access management
• Comprehensive monitoring systems
• Strong authentication protocols
• Clear data governance frameworks
• Regular security assessments

Looking ahead to five years, organizations that successfully balance innovation with robust security measures will thrive in this AI-driven future. The key will be implementing cutting-edge solutions with security integrated from the start — not added as an afterthought — a principle Rachel has championed throughout her career implementing major technology transformations.

Quantum computing poses a significant cybersecurity threat by potentially breaking current encryption methods that protect sensitive data and communications. This may lead to massive data breaches exposing sensitive information. While quantum computing technology is still developing, experts believe quantum computers capable of breaking encryption will emerge in the coming years. Organizations need to mitigate by taking proactive security measures before quantum threats fully materialize. They should begin planning and implementing security measures now, particularly for sensitive data with a 10 to 15-year lifespan.

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

“Make learning your competitive advantage – The cyber landscape evolves constantly, making continuous learning non-negotiable. Dedicate time each week to expand your knowledge through industry certifications, online courses, technical blogs, and reading articles. In cybersecurity particularly, yesterday’s solutions often do not address today’s threats. Learn to view security incidents not as failures but as valuable learning opportunities that strengthen your defenses,” advises Rachel.

She further says, “Build meaningful connections – In my journey interviewing leaders for “54 Inspired Leaders”, I was struck by Michael Lappen’s approach to mentorship. He shared, “You have to give to get. By offering to help, his mentors would observe what he was doing, offer advice to improve, and they would discuss challenges”. This wisdom applies perfectly to cybersecurity. Offer assistance or share your knowledge through write-ups. The cybersecurity community values those who contribute before asking for favors.”

The Next Milestone

Writing “54 Inspired Leaders” opened Rachel’s eyes to something quite special — the power of capturing wisdom that might otherwise remain hidden in private conversations. Looking ahead to the next five years, she is drawn to expanding beyond her cybersecurity roots. She sees herself curating more leadership stories, perhaps through a second book that dives even deeper into what makes exceptional leaders tick.

Rachel’s goal is not to become famous but to build meaningful connections that open doors to unexpected collaborations. LinkedIn has become her garden for growing these possibilities — planting seeds of inspiration weekly. The next chapter of her professional life will be about leveraging the credibility the book has built while staying true to why she wrote it — to help others find their spark of motivation when they need it most.

Through writing, she will continue to showcase unique leadership skills and apply them in new professional contexts beyond just authorship. She is leveraging her strengths to do good deeds. 

“Few people can interview dozens of leaders and identify the common threads while appreciating the unique qualities of each and find connections across different leadership styles and industries. I am not just collecting quotes – I am engaging in a thoughtful dialogue with these leaders and inviting readers into that conversation. These same skills that made my book unique will carry forward into whatever new leadership roles and projects I pursue, whether through further writing, speaking engagements, or entirely new professional opportunities,” she explains.

Lessons from the Leader’s Journey

Throughout her development, Rachel has learned that effective leadership starts with deep listening. Leadership is not about having all the answers but about creating environments where the best solutions can emerge collectively if we understand others’ perspectives before offering guidance.

Leadership is also about putting the team’s growth and success ahead of personal recognition. It is about acknowledging each other’s contributions rather than one’s own existence.

“I aspire to leave a legacy of empowerment – helping people discover capabilities within themselves they didn’t know existed. I find deep fulfillment when my team approaches me and says: “Rachel, I never thought we could deliver that”, they claim with new confidence,” she concludes.

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