Rachelle Thompson

Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Carpenter Technology

Search every verified Rachelle Thompson interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Rachelle Thompson, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Carpenter Technology, discussed the importance of "influencing without authority" during a Career Month appearance. She described the skill as critical for modern workplaces where employees often work across teams, countries, and levels without formal reporting lines. Thompson stated that influencing involves building relationships, listening, understanding others' needs, and sharing ideas in a way that "inspires, not forces." Thompson noted that while she has authority as a leader, she considers not using that tool to be "a far more powerful way of getting things done." She said that focusing on relationships, collaboration, trust, and shared goals leads to better and more innovative results. She encouraged practicing the skill daily by supporting colleagues, giving constructive ideas, and earning trust through actions, adding that influence opens doors based on the value one brings rather than their title.