Episode 167: Flexible, Focused, and Future-Ready—L&D at Wright Service Corp.

Published: June 25, 2025

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we sit down with Rose Christensen, Senior Learning & Development Leader at Wright Service Corp., to explore what it really takes to grow leaders across dispersed, specialized, and fast-growing teams. With over 6,000 employees spread across North America and roles ranging from field-based technicians to executives, Wright Service Corp. has had to rethink traditional leadership development models. Rose shares how they’ve scaled programs across levels, embraced hybrid flexibility, and met employees where they are—with mobile learning, tailored cohort programs, and a culture rooted in trust and business partnership.

Guest Bio

Rose Christenson is the Director of Training & Development with Wright Service Corp., a shared service organization servicing 6,200 employees in the environmental services and utility vegetation management industry throughout the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Rose’s department of 10 supports the Wright family of companies through three teams that include: Talent & Leader Development, Business Systems & Operations, and Learning Management System support.

Rose has been in the Learning & Development space the past 20 years in a variety of industries and organizations. Rose holds her Master of Science degree from Drake University in Education, specializing in Adult Learning, Performance & Development.

Key Points

Flexibility Fuels Opportunity
The shift to remote and hybrid work enabled Wright Service Corp. to tap into a wider, more diverse talent pool—prioritizing skills over geography.
Leadership Development Must Be Layered
One-size-fits-all programs don’t work. Wright built tiered development pathways for first-level leaders, mid-level managers, and executives—scaling content to match job scope.
Field-Based Teams Require Mobile, Bite-Sized Learning
For the 4,000+ employees working in the field, leadership development had to be accessible via mobile and delivered in shorter, more digestible sessions.
Connection Still Matters in Hybrid Models
Hybrid learning experiences, culture clubs, and in-office events help foster belonging and reinforce organizational values—even across distances.
Trust and Business Acumen are Foundational
Rose emphasizes that strong relationships and a deep understanding of the business are essential for L&D to be seen as true strategic partners.

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and join in a conversation about their latest research in leadership development. Find out more information and register here.