Daily Inspiration: Meet Rachel Voyles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Voyles.

Hi Rachel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Forsyth County in a very close-knit family with a strong support system of both immediate and extended relatives. My childhood was filled with horses, piano lessons, and plenty of family gatherings, and from an early age I learned the importance of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. Those values shaped the way I approached everything – if you’re going to do something, do it right or not at all; be courageous; and never give up.

For most of my life, I thought those values would carry me into a career as a large animal veterinarian. Horses were my world – I rode growing up, and even my bedroom was tack-room themed, complete with a barn door, a bridle rack, and a saddle. But when I began working with a large animal vet in college, I was blindsided by how different it felt from what I had imagined. After one particularly difficult day when a horse I had once ridden violently passed away, I found myself in tears while the vet I was shadowing calmly moved on as if nothing had happened. When I asked if it ever gets easier, she told me no – you just have to be someone who can separate work from life. In that moment, I knew I couldn’t, and it was devastating to admit that the dream I had built my identity around wasn’t actually mine anymore.

As difficult as it was to let go, that moment became a turning point. It forced me to trust that walking away wasn’t failure, but an opportunity to start fresh. That search for a new path led me to UGA’s Terry College of Business, where I stumbled into the major of Risk Management and Insurance. At first, I imagined it meant selling auto policies, but when I learned more, I discovered a world of strategy, problem-solving, and relationships. It clicked, and I took the leap.

Fast forward to today, I work as an Account Manager for a software company in the risk management space, helping clients get the most out of their systems and serving as a trusted advisor. What energizes me is the problem-solving – finding solutions to complicated challenges and building long-term relationships along the way.

Just as importantly, my career has given me the space to nurture the creative and community-minded side of my life. I’ve always made space for the things that bring me joy and keep me grounded. I crochet, play piano and flute, and love finding creative outlets. I’m part of the Junior League of Atlanta and volunteer with the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy. At home, I care for my 50+ plants, frequent the Pilates studio, experiment in the kitchen, and love being a dog mom to my yellow lab, Wally. Having a career I enjoy gives me the flexibility to pour into these passions, and I think that balance makes me better at what I do.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think it’s supposed to be.

One of the hardest lessons for me was learning to let go of a path that didn’t feel right, even after I had invested so much time into it. That experience gave me confidence that I could handle uncertainty and find my footing again.

In my career, imposter syndrome has been another challenge. Early on, I often found myself as the youngest person in the room, managing big clients and complicated problems. It was intimidating, and there were times I wondered if I really belonged. But I’ve learned to trust myself. With preparation, persistence, and resilience, I’ve found that challenges I once thought might break me have actually strengthened me.

Looking back, every time the road has gotten rough, it’s pushed me to grow. I’ve come to believe that adversity isn’t something to fear – it’s usually where the strongest lessons come from.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an Account Manager at a risk management technology provider, where I work with a handful of clients to make sure they’re getting the most out of our software. That means solving problems, finding creative solutions, and building long-term relationships.

What I’m most proud of is the consistency I bring, both at work and in my personal life. Clients know I’ll go the extra mile to make sure they feel supported, not just serviced. Outside of work, I try to live by the same principle -showing up for myself on my best and worst days. I’ve completed over 600 Pilates classes and currently have a1,250-day Spanish Duolingo streak, and while those things might sound small, to me they represent resilience and persistence. I think what sets me apart is that mix: the ability to handle complicated challenges while staying grounded, steady, and committed over the long term.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is not to be afraid of change – and not to let the time you’ve already invested trap you in something that isn’t right. It’s easy to think, “I’ve already put years into this path, so I should keep going,” but that’s not always true.

I’ve learned that things don’t always work out as intended, and that’s okay. Every step, even the ones that didn’t work out, gave me resilience, perspective, and direction.

I’ve come to believe that trusting yourself is everything. Challenges will come, plans will change, and sometimes you’ll have to start over. But if you’re willing to pivot and keep moving forward, you’ll always end up where you’re meant to be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelvoyles/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rachelvoyles

Image Credits
Arik Sparano, Chelsea Patricia Photography