Meet the New McDonough Faculty: Rachel Pacheco

We are pleased to welcome new faculty members to the Georgetown McDonough community this fall. 

In our Meet the New McDonough Faculty Series, learn more about the interests, specialties, experiences, and personalities behind the talented academics inside the Rafik B. Hariri Building on Georgetown’s campus. 

We spoke with Rachel Pacheco, assistant teaching professor of management, about what she hopes to accomplish at Georgetown through her engagement with students, research, classroom teachings, and beyond.

What are you most looking forward to when it comes to working at Georgetown McDonough?

Interacting with the students! As an undergraduate alumna (COL ’04), my Georgetown experience was such a huge part of who I’ve become today.  I am so excited about being a small part of such an influential time in the lives of both undergraduate and graduate students.

What institution or previous line of work are you coming from?

Previously, I was on the faculty at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in the management department. 

What is your area(s) of expertise and which subject(s) are you most passionate about? 

My research and teaching focuses on interpersonal dynamics in the workplace, specifically on power and conflict.  I am most passionate about translating this work to aspiring and new managers in fast-growing organizations and specifically, how managers can quickly build tactical skills to help them become better bosses.  I feel very strongly that managers have an outsized impact on how someone experiences his or her day, and if I can help managers be better at what they do, employees will be happier, more fulfilled, and overall just have more positive days.

What is your favorite quote and why?

My favorite quote changes frequently! But right now, I am loving: “There’s no way out but through.” It’s a good reminder for me to be in the full experience of something – the good, the bad, and the ugly.  It’s a reminder to be okay to fully feel and embrace the emotions, the pain, and the joy of whatever is currently being worked through – and be okay with that!

What is your favorite podcast or book and why?

My publisher would be unhappy if I didn’t say that my favorite book was my own that came out this past year:  Bringing Up the Boss: Practical Lessons for New Managers. On a personal level, my favorite book that I keep coming back to at different points in my life is Untethered Soul by Mickey Singer.

How would you describe yourself in a few words?

I am empathic, quirky, efficient, mission-driven, and competitive at meaningless contests.