Rachel Simmons

As a Hudson certified coach, Rachel Simmons partners with leaders globally to cultivate their emotional intelligence, resilience and impact. Her clients include leaders at Google, PayPal, Toyota Research Institute, and Nike/Converse.

Simmons’ strength is converting research into practical tools her clients can use to manage complexity, navigate change and advance their leadership. She leverages the science of mindsets, resilience and mindfulness, along with theories of adult development, to support her clients. To the best of her ability, she integrates anti-racist, culturally sensitive and intersectional lenses into her work.

Simmons is known as a masterful listener who asks powerful questions. She brings two decades of experience listening as a researcher, author and interviewer. She is brave enough to challenge her clients, but always with care.

Simmons helps leaders deepen their EQ, elevate their executive presence, connect with purpose, and refine strategic thinking. She believes discomfort is a feature, not a bug, of growth – and she’s passionate about teaching clients the skills to grow their resilience. She is skilled at guiding clients to their growth edge, the place researchers call “desirable difficulty” – the sweet spot where your learning is within reach but still a challenge.

Simmons works with the whole person, not just the “work person.” We are complex humans, and how we lead is invariably shaped by all the stories of our lives.

Simmons is a voracious reader and constantly evolving practitioner. As a member of Cultivating Leadership, she brings with her the resources and insights of her estimable colleagues.