EP. 113 From Congress to the Private Sector: Lessons Learned from Rachel Snyder Good

Laurie McGraw is speaking with Inspiring Woman Rachel Snyder Good, who finished her time as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Leadership Office of the 117th United States Congress at the end of 2022.  Rachel began her work in Congress, she expected to be there just two to four years.  This grew to over nine after receiving multiple opportunities.  Rachel began 2023 facing the work of finding a new job which included spending a lot of time networking and learning to take her own advice that she freely gives to others – creating the muscle memory of ASKING.

Hear Rachel talk about:

  Congress taught her many things:

• The difference between policy and politics. Politics helped her to get things done.
• How to deal with power and powerful people, even when you are naturally confident.
• And importantly, governing is

  Deciding when it’s time to leave:

• Deciding how much is enough.
• And the importance of making a clean break.

  Advice she gives to friends (that she is learning to take herself):

• It is hard to ask….AND ….you need to ask.

  What she has learned while networking: 

• People who want to help you will surprise you.

Rachel’s closing advice to other women is what she advises to her friends – when looking for a new job – show up as your authentic self.  Culture fit is important and, for Rachel, a key criteria for where she intends to be next!

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BIO

Rachel Snyder Good most recently served as Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer.  Over her nine year tenure with Congressman Hoyer, she was responsible for legislation across many policy areas, including health care.  Previously Rachel worked as a Legislative Aide for then Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD).  She is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law and The University of Michigan. She currently lives in Baltimore with her husband, Jordan.