Employee Spotlight: Rachel’s Journey to Chief of Staff
At Savance, we know that great companies are built by great people. That’s why we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Rachel Leuenberger, our former Executive Assistant who recently stepped into her new role as Chief of Staff!
A Career Built on Growth and Challenge
Rachel has been with Savance for a little over a year, however, her transition into this position has been a natural evolution, given her strengths in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
Before joining Savance, Rachel had been working for several interconnected companies, where she believed she maximized her potential in her previous role. While she loved the work, she reached a point where she wanted more personal and professional growth. That drive led her to seek new opportunities–and Savance stood out as a company where she could challenge herself, expand her skillset, and contribute in meaningful ways.
Stepping Into Her New Role as Chief of Staff
Transitioning from Executive Assistant to Chief of Staff has been an exciting challenge for Rachel. This role places her at the center of strategic decision-making, cross-functional collaboration between departments, and leadership development.
Many aspects of an EA are transitional to CoS, and I have been performing within the role for some time without the title. The most exciting aspects include the broader impact, strategic influence, various day-to-day challenges, leadership growth, and collaboration.
Ultimately, she sees this role as an opportunity to be a trusted advisor, a problem solver, and a catalyst for meaningful change within Savance–and we have no doubt she’ll make a lasting impact.
Family, Marathons, and Career Lessons That Shaped Her
Outside of Savance, Rachel thrives in an active and engaging lifestyle, with a deep passion for animal rescue and spending time with her husband, Adam, and their two sons, Ellis and Emmet–as well as their three dogs, Bella, Finn, and Pluto. Running is also a huge part of her life, and she participates in a race at least once a month and is currently training for a half marathon in May.
(Fun fact: she’s pretty good at making balloon animals too!)
When asked about her greatest achievements, Rachel doesn’t hesitate–her family comes first. Being a mom to her boys and seeing their unique personalities shine makes her feel like the luckiest person on earth.
Professionally, she considers joining Savance a significant achievement. Stepping into an unfamiliar industry and committing to learning and growing every day has been both challenging and rewarding.
Her father’s career advice has played a big role in shaping her work-life balance. He once told her, “Never give a company more than they give you, and never let the important things, like family, suffer for a dollar.” Watching him navigate business while valuing relationships taught her the importance of balance, integrity, and making thoughtful decisions.
Anytime I get too caught up in work, he’s the first to remind me of the importance of having a job where I can say, “Hey, my son has something going on–can I leave early?” and actually having that flexibility here. That lesson has shaped the way I approach my career, and I’m incredibly grateful for it.
But whether she’s on the go or finding creative outlets to express herself, Rachel thrives on staying busy both physically and mentally.
A Problem-Solver at Heart
Rachel’s work style is communicative, proactive, hands-on, and solution-oriented. She thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys taking initiative to solve problems efficiently, and values collaboration by leveraging the strengths of those around her.
I am self-aware enough to know that I do not know everything and do not have all the answers, but I am willing to learn and find people who are more knowledgeable than myself on that subject matter. Above all, I remain adaptable, continuously learning and adjusting as needed to drive the best possible outcomes for given situations and circumstances.
Looking Ahead
Rachel’s transition into Chief of Staff is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. With her drive, leadership, and problem-solving mindset, we’re confident that she’ll continue to make a positive impact at Savance Workplace. We’re incredibly lucky to have her on the team!
