Member Spotlight, Rachel DeCarlo

Rachel DeCarlo, CCMP, Prosci, ACC

Independent Contractor, Change Management Consultant and Professional

Fun Fact

When not immersed in the world of change management and coaching, you'll find me basking in the infectious laughter of my mini-me daughter, Sofia; slow jogging with Luna May (my trusty canine companion); prepping for sprint triathlons; indulging in international films and k-dramas (guilty pleasure); and embarking on culinary escapades.

Fun fact: I recently wrote a local, whimsical children's book inspired by my daughter's imagination – Lunacorn is about a magical journey through Seward Park where a dog turns into a unicorn. If interested, check it out here.

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Background

I was born in Baltimore, MD, and I’ve also lived in England, South Carolina (where I attended the University of South Carolina), Italy, Los Angeles, and Manila, before finally settling in Seattle nearly two decades ago. At this point, I can call myself a Seattleite, right?

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Path to Change Management

My career in change management began in 2009 after a serendipitous encounter during an MBA class at Seattle University. The idea of change management immediately resonated with me, and I decided to do it full-time after I worked with a professional coach who helped me see this career possibility when I could not see it for myself. My areas of expertise and passion in change are leadership engagement, change advisory, cultural change, employee engagement, and building change competency. I am now also a certified professional coach and am part of the ACMP/ICF (International Coaching Federation) Joint Task Force which explores the intersection and synergies of our two professions – see our joint webpage here, and feel free to reach out to me directly if you’d like to learn more!

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Biggest Obstacle Getting Established in Change Management

I was on the brink of a senior promotion in an influential role at a prestigious tech company with all the bells and whistles but was deeply unhappy. I knew I wanted to make a move to full-time change work but was scared to leap. Getting pregnant was the jolt I needed; I left my cushy job for the prospect of a fulfilling career in change management, so I could be a happier, better parent and role model having a meaningful career to my future daughter.

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Biggest Reward from this Career

The satisfaction of knowing I am right where I belong professionally, and amongst my people

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Bucket List Yet to Accomplish

With wanderlust coursing through my veins, my goal is to visit at least 50 countries before I die. Each stamp on my passport is not just a destination but an adventure that fuels my need for escape, learning, and inspiration.