Rachel B. Simon
Unlocking the Power of Meaningful Workplace Relationships
Speaker. Executive Coach. Best-selling Author.
Dynamic Speaker
Cracking the Code: Your Blueprint for Authentic Networking in the Workplace
In my keynote address, I enthusiastically share the prime opportunities to build connections that are right before us in the workplace. I teach participants how to unlock the power of relationships in ways they never thought possible throughout everyday work life, virtual settings, and large in-person events – especially for introverts.
By showcasing real email examples from my own inbox, I reframe the concepts of networking, explain why it matters, and provide insights on how to reach out and what to say. Participants walk away with a fresh perspective and actionable insights that lead to stronger collaboration, more joy and fulfillment at work, and even new career possibilities - all through the power of genuine relationships.
The 8 Relationships You Need at Work
In my engaging keynote address, I dive into the 8 essential connections every professional needs to thrive: your boss, mentor, mentee, trusted colleague, advocate, person of influence, and challenger. And most importantly...YOU. Because without a commitment to feedback, reflection, and self-improvement, none of the other relationships can truly grow.
I incorporate real-world experiences, keen insights, and a dose of humor to show your audience how to identify, build, and sustain these powerful relationships - so they can navigate their careers with clarify, confidence, and connection.
Workshop: Building Your Network
During my flagship workshop, I engage participants to understand why networking is important and to reframe negative stereotypes they may associate with the activity. We dive into my 20 tips, each accompanied with real email examples to illustrate each point.
The participants are each given an assignment: to put two of the tips into motion and send me an email within one month to let me know how it went. Although the homework is optional, I have thousands of testimonial emails telling me the assignment was exactly what was needed to get started, as it provided the momentum for their networking journeys. I respond to their emails 100% of the time with encouragement and support.
Executive Coach
After more than 30 years in the corporate world, I’ve seen firsthand what helps people thrive and what holds them back. I also know how life-changing it can be to have someone truly listen, reflect, and guide with care because I was on the receiving end of that kind of coaching. It changed the trajectory of how I see myself as a leader. That experience is what inspired me to become a coach.
As an ICF-certified Executive Coach, I partner with professionals who are seeking more than just a career; they’re looking for deeper connection, clarity of purpose, joy, and personal growth that aligns with who they truly are. Together, we uncover what matters most, strengthen relationships that support success, and chart a path forward that feels both meaningful and sustainable.
What We Work On Together
Every coaching relationship is unique, but common focus areas include:
Leadership Development
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Expanding your executive presence and voice
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Leading with empathy, clarity, and conviction
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Transitioning from doing to leading
Communication & Visibility
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Speaking so others truly hear you
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Sharpening your message and story
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Building influence at every level
Career Growth & Clarity
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Reigniting purpose mid-career
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Preparing for the right next role
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Growing internal networks and visibility
Relationships
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Cultivating connections that support your goals
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Navigating workplace dynamics with confidence
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Leveraging relationships to create new opportunities
Resilience & Change
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Navigating complexity and uncertainty
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Turning challenges into opportunities
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Managing transitions with confidence
Boundaries & Focus
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Making clearer, quieter decisions
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Prioritizing what aligns with your values
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Creating dialogue for what matters most
What It’s Like to Work with Me
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A coach who’s been there, from early career to executive leadership
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Empathy, vulnerability, humor, curiosity, and candor in every conversation
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Coaching rooted in real experience, ICF standards, and deep listening
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Thoughtful, engaging sessions that get to what truly matters to you
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Guidance to create and cultivate meaningful workplace relationships
Whether you're growing where you are or figuring out what’s next, I create a space that’s honest, supportive, and focused on meaningful action.
Best Selling Author
My answer used to be a resounding and wistful yes to those questions, as I was never taught how to successfully network in a manner that resonated with my introverted personality. Attending happy hours and passing out business cards were simultaneously uncomfortable and ineffective. I stumbled through the first few years of my career until I discovered the power of developing authentic relationships one conversation at a time, one cup of coffee at a time. Along the way, I unlocked a hidden secret: when done properly, networking makes people feel really good!
Do you view networking as a daunting, awkward, yet important task?
Do you look upon your well-networked colleagues with envy, awe, and a bit of intrigue?
Do you wish you had a robust network in place to help you gain new perspectives, accomplish your job goals, form mentoring relationships, and increase job exposure opportunities?
In my book, Relationships at Work: How to Authentically Network within Your Company, I share my proven approach to demystify the art of networking. I offer my unique perspective with 20 simple, yet often overlooked, tips to organically build relationships across departments and chains of command. I’ve packed it with over 200 examples, in which I outline practical, tactical guidance for planting and nurturing the seeds of a reciprocal network, and enjoying the blossoms of success.
This book is for everyone who seeks broader and deeper relationships with their colleagues. It's designed with a comprehensive list of strategies to form human connections and create a meaningful impact in the workplace. You will hold the power to improve the way you collaborate with co-workers, accomplish goals, and quite possibly change the trajectory of your career!
About Rachel
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I have loved my 30+ year career as an executive at one of the world’s largest companies and most recognizable brands. I began as a college hire from the University of Texas and have served in key roles in Privacy, Finance, and Customer Care for three decades. Along the way, I’m proud to have been the co-founder of the Women of Finance and the founder of DINE, which facilitates small group discussions centered around inclusion. I’m grateful for the fulfilling connections and meaningful work.
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I love mentoring and coaching – both individually and through workshops and group circles. In the best relationships, I get as much as I give!
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I love my family. I live in Dallas with my husband, Jason, of 25 years and we are the proud parents to two young adults, Abigail and Ethan.
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I love serving the community. In fact, 100% of the profits from my bestselling book Relationships at Work: How to Authentically Network within Your Company go to the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
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