Rachel Patchen | Grant Thornton

At Grant Thornton,
I lead teams through change

I didn’t start my career with a fixed plan. I was drawn to work that would keep me learning across industries, teams and new challenges. Over ten years later, that’s still what keeps me here. What I’ve learned is that not having a set path isn’t a limitation — it’s what’s allowed me to grow.

I stayed because the work grew with me

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I stayed because the work grew with me

I joined the firm for the variety and stayed because the work kept changing. Every project brought something different, whether it was meeting a new organization, learning a new technology or adapting to a new way of working. I’ve learned from fantastic mentors, colleagues and clients, which has kept me engaged and growing throughout my career.

I lead by turning complexity into action

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I lead by turning complexity into action

On many projects, I work alongside highly technical teams building complex systems. My role is to support the “people side of change,” translating technical concepts into real-life application and helping individuals learn and adapt to new processes. That’s shaped how I work: leading with empathy, meeting people where they are and helping them adjust through times of transition.

I create space for teams to make change work

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I create space for teams to make change work

On one engagement, a client was struggling to connect a major transformation to how their teams actually worked. My team and I brought people into the process, connected teams and made the change clear and usable. By the end, communication had become a strength, and teams were driving the change and making it work day to day.

“What’s kept me here for a decade is the chance to keep growing with the work and help people make change real. Not just designing solutions, but putting them into practice for someone’s day-to-day job.”

Senior Manager, Advisory Services

Get to know some of my fun facts

Outside of work…

I enjoy staying involved in my community, from volunteering and mentoring to my time previously on the board of Young Involved Philadelphia.

I studied French in college…

and spent a summer with a host family in France, where I was officially bitten by the travel bug.

I love cooking and baking…

mostly sweets like muffins, cookies and cakes. Sourdough is next on my list!

I recharge with family time…

especially with my daughter, who’s almost two years old. Trips to parks and playgrounds, and even getting her help in the kitchen, are some of my favorite ways to unplug.

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Forget what you expect from a career in professional services. At Grant Thornton, we invite you to bring your own self — empowering you with the flexibility, support and opportunities from day one.

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