Rachel Schmidt, BSW, PLC— Mindful Leadership Consultant & Professional Coach
Rachel is a seasoned leadership consultant, professional coach, and contemplative arts teacher who brings a holistic, compassionate approach to personal and professional growth.
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With over 30 years of experience across social work, global development, project management, and teaching, Rachel supports women leaders, physicians, academic leaders, and senior management teams to navigate complexity with clarity, confidence, and care.
Her work sits at the intersection of mindful leadership consulting, coaching, and facilitation, supporting women and values-driven organizations to align purpose with practice and lead in sustainable, human-centred ways.​
Leadership Consulting & Coaching Grounded in Depth Psychology
Certified in Psychosynthesis, a depth psychology approach that integrates mind, body, and the transpersonal self, Rachel helps clients explore not only goals and skills, but the inner forces, values, and aspirations shaping their leadership choices.
Her work is grounded in the belief that meaningful leadership growth emerges when outer action is aligned with inner purpose, and that resilience, creativity, and self-awareness are cultivated through compassionate self-inquiry and reflection.
Supporting Women and Leaders in Complex Systems
For more than a decade, Rachel has supported women, physicians, academic chairs, and senior leadership teams across healthcare, public systems, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations.
Her consulting and coaching work helps leaders:
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build clarity and steadiness in complexity
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strengthen leadership capacity and confidence
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navigate system change and competing priorities
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make meaningful, values-aligned contributions
Rachel is particularly known for her ability to create psychologically safe, thoughtful learning spaces where real conversations and generative ideas can emerge.
Documentary Filmmaking & Global Human Rights Work
As an award-winning documentary filmmaker, Rachel has collaborated with international organizations including the Nobel Women’s Initiative and Rights Action, producing films focused on human rights, justice, and women’s voices.
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Her film Defensora is featured in law school curricula across Canada and the United States, reflecting her long-standing commitment to social change, ethical leadership, and storytelling as a tool for impact.
Nature-Based Mindfulness & Creative Practice
Deeply inspired by the natural world, Rachel integrates nature-based mindfulness, contemplative arts, and creative practice into her leadership and coaching work.
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Through programs such as Land & Body, she supports women in reconnecting with creativity, embodiment, and the wisdom of the natural world — opening new perspectives that support well-being, meaningful change, and sustainable leadership.
A Human-Centred Approach to Leadership and Life
In addition to her professional work, Rachel is a mother, activist, and artist. She finds renewal in paddling quiet lakes, spending time under wide night skies, and continuing to learn through lived experience.
Her approach is warm, grounded, and deeply relational — rooted in a commitment to helping people create purposeful, fulfilling lives and careers shaped by mindfulness, creativity, and self-compassion.
Expertise
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Mindful Leadership Coaching & Psychosynthesis-Based Professional Coaching
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Career and Midlife Transitions for Women Leaders
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Recovery from Burnout, Resilience, and Sustainable Ways of Working
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Contemplative, Expressive, and Creative Arts-Based Practices
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Nature-Based Mindfulness and Embodied Leadership Development
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Organizational Development and Culture Transformation
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Strategic Project Management in Complex Systems
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Small and Large Group Facilitation and Collaborative Learning Spaces
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Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Practices and Cultural Safety
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Complex Systems Change Management and Systems Thinking
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Compassionate and Values-Based Leadership Development
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Women’s Empowerment and Professional Development
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Community Development and Collective Capacity Building
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Loss, Grief, and Transition Support in Professional and Life Contexts
Qualifications
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​Certified Psychosynthesis Coach, The Synthesis Centre, San Francisco 2021
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Documentary Film Program, Langara College 2005
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Bachelor of Social Work - University of Victoria 1991
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Social Work Diploma - Selkirk College 1989
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ADDITIONAL TRAINING:
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Compassionate Leadership, The Kings Fund
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Community Development, Tamarack Institute
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San'Yas Cultural Safety, Provincial Health Services Authority
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Applying "What Matters to You" to Workforce Wellbeing, National Health Service
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DEI Action Framework, NonProfitReady
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Depth Psychology Dreamwork with Dr. Ana Mozel
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Nature Based Mindfulness & Meditation
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Contemplative & Expressive Arts
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Grief and Bereavement
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Yoga Nidra
"Rachel’s compassionate leadership and mindfulness expertise were crucial in helping me find fulfillment at work again. Her deep understanding of complex systems and personal growth helped me redefine my goals and embrace new opportunities with confidence. Thanks to Rachel’s guidance, I’ve experienced significant personal growth and renewed passion in my career."
— Lisa, Senior Manager
"Rachel’s leadership coaching has been transformative for our executive team. Her expertise in psychosynthesis and leadership competencies, provided us with essential tools to lead with empathy and effectiveness. Rachel’s tailored approach addressed our unique needs, helping us build crucial leadership skills, manage complex team dynamics, and create a supportive work environment. Her influence on our leadership has been meaningful and lasting."
— Sarah, CEO
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"Rachel’s contemplative arts program has introduced me to a new level of self-exploration. Her unique approach, blending mindfulness practices with nature and art, has helped me connect with a deeper sense of self. Rachel’s facilitation of self-discovery has been both inspiring and healing, providing me with valuable tools to navigate my life."
— Jasmine, Program Participant