Her Story
About Rachyl
Rachyl Drennen is a Director of HR Business Partnership at Vectra AI, where she partners with leaders to develop people strategies that drive business success in the fast-paced cybersecurity industry. With nearly five years of experience in the cybersecurity space and a strong background in talent management, she specializes in aligning human resources initiatives with organizational goals, leading change management efforts, and developing leaders through coaching and mentorship. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes accountability, authenticity, and empowering individuals to perform at their highest potential. Before transitioning into human resources, Drennen served for ten years as an enlisted sailor in the U.S. Navy, an experience she credits as the most influential foundation of her leadership style. She earned a Master of Science in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the University of Southern California and completed coursework toward a Ph.D. in Organizational Development at Alliant University, which she plans to continue. She remains actively engaged with the industrial-organizational psychology community, following the latest research and best practices to strengthen organizational effectiveness and leadership development. Outside of her professional career, Drennen is passionate about travel and enjoys exploring new cultures, cuisines, and destinations whenever possible. As the mother of two eight-year-olds, much of her free time is spent supporting their activities, from baseball games to school events. She also enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, and maintaining an active lifestyle through regular workouts and yoga. A dedicated advocate for veterans, she supports the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Wounded Warrior Foundation through volunteer efforts and remains committed to giving back to the military community that helped shape her career and values.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachyl
01What do you attribute your success to?
I have to attribute my success to a 19-year-old girl who didn't know where she was going in life. She was making all the wrong choices until one day, she made her first big right one. She took a risk and enlisted. I attribute my success to being highly risk tolerant, something I've grown to hone and polish, and my confidence to bet on myself and know that I can find success anywhere. You just have to know what you want and be willing to put in the work!
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy. Growing up in my corporate career, I thought that individual growth was tied to others' progress - something I had to unlearn from the military where numbers and quota meant everything. Look inward for success, not outward. Success isn't a title or a level, it's a mindset and commitment to continuous growth. We all begin our journeys from different starting points and no two careers are identical. Look to others for inspiration, mentorship, and support—not competition. Celebrate their success and learn from their experiences, but don't forget to admire your own and stand proud wherever you are in your journey.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Stand in your confidence and speak your truth. I think many women struggle with perceived incompetence and stay quiet because we don't want to be "wrong" or derail the conversation. I once heard that sometimes the most righteous thing you can do is shake the table. You can interpret that in many different ways, but I've always taken it to mean that not speaking up can keep a team from considering an idea no one has reached yet. Don't be afraid to challenge! And maybe your thought isn't the exact answer, but it could be the spark or key words someone else needs for the light bulb to go off. That's the beauty of a diverse team—we all have a unique perspective and a part to play. Own what you have to offer, trust your voice, and show up with all you've got.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I know this topic is everywhere, but one of our biggest opportunities is AI. The question isn't whether we adopt, it's how we adopt to meaningfully increase effectiveness and efficiency. The challenge is finding the balance between using it and using it well. Is it actually driving better outcomes? Are we moving faster? Producing higher quality work? Or are we simply using it because it's the latest trend? The real opportunity is being intentional about where and how it creates value.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My number one value is authenticity. I believe in showing up every day as my true self and leading with honesty and transparency. No masks. No fake personas. Just genuinely me.
Another core value is spirituality—for me, the belief that our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being must live in harmony for us to reach our full potential. I'm constantly checking in with myself to make sure I'm balanced and not sacrificing one area for another. If I don't, I find myself stressed, burned out, and generally dissatisfied.
To show up as my best for others—both personally and professionally—I have to take care of myself first. Make time each day to fill your own cup. That's where I feel most grounded, and where I can show up as my most authentic self.
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