KNOW YOUR COLLEAGUE: INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL WALTER, CHIEF INNOVATION OFFICER FOR ANSRSOURCE

The focus on performance. When I first attended ISPI a few years ago, I saw the emphasis on performance, but at the time it still felt very academically driven. Last year, I returned for the artificial intelligence (AI) track and noticed a significant shift—attendees were now a diverse mix of higher ed, government, and corporate professionals. I met people from all over, but the unifying theme was clear: We don’t train just to train. We train to develop learning and change performance.The theme that resonates with me most is that the work we do goes beyond the transfer of knowledge or developing content; we’re working to solve real performance issues and help the industry keep its focus on driving measurable performance outcomes. This shift in focus is what keeps me engaged and excited about the field.Tough question! If I narrow it down, the common thread is innovation—finding new ways to achieve better results. Three key moments stand out:Embodies Brené Brown’s philosophy that “clear is kind.” I want to retain my authenticity with my direct communication style while respecting the power of thoughtful communication.Nurtures thought leadership through collaboration, storytelling, and simplifying complex ideas to drive meaningful impact.Maintains balance between strategy and execution, innovation and practicality, vision and action.Embraces change as an opportunity for growth and transformation.Rachel Walter drives strategic business transformation through innovative learning strategies. With extensive experience in highly regulated industries like construction and fire safety, she has designed and implemented global training curricula that enhance performance and business outcomes.At Hilti, she led a global learning team and pioneered the “Stop Teaching, Start Learning” strategy, significantly improving onboarding Return on Investment (ROI), employee engagement, and skills development—preparing the company for a seamless transition to remote work during the pandemic.Holding an MBA in data analytics from Oklahoma State University, along with OLA and CPTD certifications, Rachel blends analytical insights with design thinking to solve complex business challenges. She collaborates with leadership across industries, reshaping learning approaches to drive measurable impact.A strong advocate for virtual work and inclusivity, Rachel actively supports LGBTQIA+ initiatives and serves on related boards. Her commitment to learner-centric innovation and strategic transformation makes her a vital force at ansrsource as the company continues evolving to meet the needs of modern learners.I am the Chief Innovation Officer at ansrsource, where I have the privilege of working with brilliant minds to explore new ideas and innovative ways to help our clients achieve their goals. Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-walter-cptd-ba86506/