The 2018 Rising Stars of the Profession: Rachel Crocker

In her time at Propeller, Rachel Crocker has led a variety of strategic projects both internally and externally. For clients, she delivered a structured strategy for organizational growth to accommodate an immediate need of 200+ employees. She also led a software implementation project within the healthcare industry that influences and optimizes population health practices and reporting for a large university health system.

In her new role as Practice Director, she is pursuing the development of thought leadership within the Change Management space to increase brand awareness and expertise.

In her mind, her greatest accomplishment (and greatest future challenge) has been the transition into that new role. "I am excited about this new role which allows me the amazing opportunity to grow our brand through thought leadership and focused delivery," she says. " It's both a great honor and a great responsibility to be able to think creatively and strategically to solve the complex problems that our clients face."

At this stage of her career, she says she's excited to grow a practice in which she's personally invested. "As we will undoubtedly face unexpected and complex problems, it's exciting to work with such a talented group of leaders and consultants who have proven delivery experience," Crocker says. "The mentorship and support I've received both before and during this new role at Propeller continues to inspire and motivate me."

As a child, Crocker says her grandmother was a great source of positive influence. One mantra that has always resonated with her, is being able to reframe challenges as opportunities. "This always meant more than the banal idea of capitalizing on a situation; it meant a shift in opinion from negative to positive," she says. "Positivity in the form of humor and alacrity is a fundamental part of my personality, and something I think is important to maintain balance and perspective."