Hi, I'm Raquel. I'm an expert in systems thinking—engineering-minded, business-driven—with 10 years of experience turning the planet's boldest moonshot visions into actionable, executed strategies.
I partner with CEOs building high-complexity, category-defining companies. My approach is grounded in uncompromising Strategic Integrity—because exceptional mission clarity makes every decision faster and every part of the business stronger.
Whether you're entering a new growth phase, tackling product development or investor challenges, or in the earliest days of preparing for your first launch, I'll help you pair your boldest imagination with operational processes that honor the real-world stakes of your mission.
"Raquel is one of the people I go to when I want to reason through a new idea. She immediately grasps the technical considerations and cuts quickly to the chase around strategic decisions. Having her on a call brings clarity I wouldn't get to as quickly otherwise."
- Investor ($B+ AUM)
"So much of my confidence in our ability to succeed on big commercial milestones centered on Raquel's mind-boggling tenacity, optimism, and ability to make the impossible possible."
- Product Lead @ Series A climate tech company
"In just one conversation with me and the CSO, Raquel gave us the tools we needed to completely re-think our R&D roadmap. I think of her often when I advise people on how to build an R&D organization."
- R&D Lead @ growth-stage hard-tech company
"Raquel has been a stalwart champion of our potential for transformation and disruption. Her enthusiastic insistence that I tell our impact story as well as I tell our business base story is matched with rigorous detailed story support and fundraising support."
- Founder/CEO @ seed-stage climate fintech company
Developing a business concept; launching a pilot program; building an investor deck; deciding on a next product or new market; kicking off scaled manufacturing spend — these pivotal moments raise big strategy questions.
We'll help you build and manage your launch strategy to make a data-informed plan that is maximally mission-aligned. Get the operational support you need to make pressing tough decisions while keeping a clear eye on the big vision.
An advisor to the strategy and systems leader at the company (typically CEO). Elevating strategic processes and strengthening operational systems to develop and drive the company's critical path.
At times, partner to the Head of Engineering or Head of Business to develop your integrated technology-business roadmap.
In rare cases, I can take on a more embedded temporary role. As a COO, chief of staff, or first program manager, I set up agile internal communications, company KPIs, hardware dev processes, a new manufacturing facility, or lead a critical project.
A recruitment partner for hard-to-find technical talent, powertrain, and hardware leadership roles.
I spent the last decade working alongside the best engineering leaders on the planet — my approach is hands-on and my insight on strategic fit is battle-won.
Let's build your search profile.
The Gearworks Group is a boutique advisory for category-defining, impact-first companies. Raquel primarily works with emerging technology founders & women with niche expertise in high-impact areas. Please reach out for a call, to discuss fit, or to request case studies.
Raquel runs The Gearworks Group, a boutique advisory for businesses making outsized impact. She personally works with emerging technology founders & women with niche expertise in high-impact areas.
Previously: Raquel led Tesla’s mass-market battery program and commercialized hard climate technologies with emerging startups. She served as the Engineering Programs Leader for Vehicle Battery Pack & Solar Product Leader @ Tesla, Head of GTM @ C16 Biosciences, Early Innovation Consultant @ Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and Strategic Advisor @ Aigen Robotics.
She holds a BS, MS, and MBA from Harvard.
The future of climate tech companies are human companies. Let's provide outsized leverage where it matters.
Reach out to discuss portfolio-company advising, investment theses, co-investing, or venture partnerships.
For my perspectives on Strategic Integrity, rigorous tools and resources, and highlights of companies, projects, and leaders I support, enter your email below.
For a timely discussion or question, feel free to schedule a Strategy Session directly.
If you're seeking real-time navigational support in a critical moment, or want to chat about what you're building ASAP, feel free to schedule a call directly.
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