Rachel Sullivan, MAcc CGMA

I attribute my success to my drive to just keep going—no matter what.

Growing up, my life expectancy was only 28. Then everything changed when I started Trikafta, and now it’s likely closer to 80. That shift completely changed my perspective on life.

I don’t take a single day for granted. I focus on taking life as it comes, while still pushing forward and fighting for more.

That mindset - to keep going, even when things feel uncertain - has shaped who I am.

It’s built a level of resilience that I carry into everything I do.

And now, that same drive fuels my passion to help others, especially those who are struggling, because I know firsthand what it means to keep moving forward when the odds feel stacked against you.

The best career advice I have received is to stop thinking about jobs as isolated steps and start thinking about your career as something you’re deliberately positioning.

Instead of just chasing salary increases, focus on building leverage… skills and experiences that multiply your impact and aren’t tied directly to time.

The more your work influences decisions, revenue, or strategy, the more valuable and secure you become.

Alongside that, aim to develop a rare combination of skills rather than a single identity. It’s the intersection of abilities - like finance, analytics, and storytelling - that makes you stand out and opens doors others don’t even see.

It’s also important to stay close to where money flows.

Roles connected to revenue, cost savings, or financial risk will always carry more weight in an organization, which translates into better opportunities and faster progression.

But doing great work isn’t enough on its own - you need to make your value visible.

Document what you do, share insights, and build a body of work that speaks for you.

That’s how you move from chasing opportunities to attracting them.

At the same time, be intentional about the environments you choose.

The right manager, team, and company culture can accelerate your growth far more than a title ever will.

Protect your energy just as seriously, because burnout quietly limits your potential more than failure ever could… and instead of thinking about your next move in isolation, zoom out and consider where each decision puts you in five years - every role should build skills, increase your earning power, or expand your options.

Above all, put yourself in rooms where you feel slightly out of your depth, but where your future self belongs.

That’s where real growth happens.

First and foremost, do what feels right for you.

Don’t let anyone - whether it’s parents, friends, or peers - pressure you into a path you’re not truly sure about, especially when it comes to education and your career.

College can be an amazing route, but it’s not the only one.

There are so many different ways to build your skills and create a successful future, and it’s important to choose the one that genuinely aligns with you.

Be proud of who you are, and don’t let anyone dull your shine. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you’re not enough - because you are. You bring value, strength, and something completely unique to the table.

If I could go back and speak to my younger self, I would tell her to trust her instincts and follow her real dreams… not the ones shaped by expectations, but the ones that truly feel like hers.

And in an industry like finance and holistic financial wellness, that authenticity matters.

People don’t just need knowledge, they need connection, trust, and someone who genuinely understands them. So stay true to yourself, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take your own path.

One of the biggest challenges in this field is that so many people grow up without ever having open conversations about money. In a lot of families, it’s almost a taboo subject… something that just isn’t discussed.

That often carries into adulthood, where people feel uncomfortable talking about their finances, especially with someone they don’t know well. I can relate to that personally, because I came from a similar background where money wasn’t openly talked about.

So I understand how difficult it can be to open up about something so personal.

Because of that, one of the biggest challenges (and also one of the biggest opportunities) is helping people feel comfortable enough to have those conversations. When people do start to open up about their finances, their goals, and their concerns, that’s when real progress can happen.

That’s something I genuinely love being part of - helping people move past that discomfort and feel more in control of their financial lives.

Another major challenge is the lack of financial education, especially in schools.

Many people leave education without understanding the basics: how to manage money, how to save, or even the details of the loans they’ve taken on.

It’s not that people don’t want to be financially responsible; they’ve just never been taught how.

That’s where I see a huge opportunity in the industry - bridging that gap through education, guidance, and more open, supportive conversations.

Personally, I’m really passionate about making financial knowledge more accessible and starting that education earlier, so people feel more confident and empowered when it comes to their finances.

The values that are most important to me, both personally and professionally, are respect, trust, and integrity.

Respect is at the core of everything I do… whether that’s in my personal relationships or in how I work with clients.

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and valued. Alongside that, loyalty and trust are incredibly important to me.

I want the people in my life (and the clients I work with) to know they can rely on me, that I’m consistent, and that I genuinely have their best interests at heart.

Integrity is another key value. In a field like finance, where people are trusting you with something so personal, it’s essential to be honest, transparent, and ethical in every interaction.

Happiness and fulfillment are also central to how I approach life.

I believe success isn’t just about financial outcomes… it’s about building a life that feels balanced, meaningful, and sustainable. That’s why I place such a strong emphasis on both mental and physical health.

To me, they’re deeply interconnected, and taking care of both is essential for overall wellbeing.

Finally, I value empathy and a genuine desire to help others.

A big part of what drives me is being able to support people - not just financially, but holistically - so they can feel more confident, secure, and in control of their lives.