AAKANKSHA BHATNAGAR
Seattle
Summary
Dynamic Learning and Development Leader and ATD Certified Coach with over 14 years of experience integrating scientific rigor with human performance. Transitioned from a former ISRO Space Research Project Scientist to a strategic L&D specialist, adept at transforming data into actionable insights that enhance evidence-based learning for large-scale organizations (10,000+ employees). Recognized as a Brandon Hall HCM Award Winner for pioneering innovative learning transformations. Expertise includes ROI measurement, executive coaching, and global program management, driving impactful results in diverse environments.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Performance Consultant
Independent Consultant Strategy & Transformation Consulting
01.2025 - Current
- ATD Certified Coach with over 100+ hours of coaching experience with senior and mid-level executives across multiple industries.
- Streamlined communication processes for clients, enabling more effective collaboration and decision-making.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align re-skilling initiatives with organizational goals.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex industry challenges with strategic recommendations.
- Increased client satisfaction by developing comprehensive consulting strategies tailored to each business's unique challenges and objectives.
Manager, Learning & Development
BAJAJ ALLIANZ GENERAL INSURANCE
06.2023 - 05.2024
- Managed a multidisciplinary team of content creators and facilitators, ensuring all in-role programs met high-quality instructional design standards.
- Spearheaded Leadership Development and DEI programs for a headcount of 10k+ employees, aligning learning initiatives with global organizational priorities.
- Built the L&D roadmap for Health, Analytics, and IT divisions, translating business goals into functional and behavioral competency programs.
- Designed and launched the 'Content Marketplace' program, proving a single-source knowledge database for all employees across the organization.
- Overhauled data-driven audit mechanisms for L&D programs, resulting in a 25% increase in process efficiency.
Manager, Learning & Development
TATA COMMUNICATIONS
04.2020 - 05.2023
- Developed the 'Learning Organization Program', reducing external trainer costs by 25%.
- Developed the Global Corporate Induction Program (95% satisfaction rate), contributing to organization’s 'Great Place to Work' certification for three years in a row.
- Integrated AI and Learning Experience Platforms (LXPs) into global leadership journeys to foster a culture of continuous self-paced learning.
- Won Gold and Bronze Brandon Hall HCM Awards (2023) for 'Best Unique or Innovative Learning Program' and 'Best Learning Program Supporting a Change Transformation Business Strategy'.
Independent Performance Consultant
COMMUNISPOND
07.2016 - 03.2021
- Coached 200+ executives in change-related communication, increasing executive change communication satisfaction scores by 20%.
- Collaborated with diverse global clients to identify skill gaps and design impactful learning journeys across programs on leadership development, crucial conversations, and change communication, with all averaging a 97% On-The-Job (OTJ) helpfulness rating and 78% increase in confidence with difficult conversations.
- Delivered hundreds of hours of high-impact workshops, maintaining a 98% Facilitator Quality Score over four years.
Trainer & Analyst
WNS GLOBAL SERVICES
09.2013 - 03.2015
- Led the geospatial analysis of Australian hazard zones, enabling data-driven pricing strategies for insurance products, resulting in a 30% improvement in pricing accuracy and reducing underwriting risks by 15%.
- Led corporate induction training for new employees on Insurance, Underwriting, Compliance, and company specifics for Suncorp Insurance, achieving an aggregate post-program satisfaction rating of 95% over two years.
Project Scientist
INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (ISRO)
09.2011 - 08.2012
- Managed and mentored a team of GIS analysts for the National Watershed Development Project, streamlining workflows and ensuring timely delivery of geospatial insights that supported sustainable watershed management initiatives.
- Directed geospatial data analysis for the National Watershed Development Project, leveraging satellite imagery to monitor and analyze 20+ watersheds, delivering actionable insights that guided key environmental decisions.
- Developed high-impact mapping and data visualization solutions, empowering ISRO to advance environmental and infrastructure initiatives with precision and clarity.
Education
Certified Coach -
01.2025
Certified Leadership Development Strategist - undefined
01.2023
Certified Practitioner – Design Thinking -
01.2020
Master Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) - undefined
01.2019
Diploma in Training and Development -
01.2018
MSc - Geoinformatics
01.2010
BSc - Bioinformatics
01.2008
Skills
- Performance Consulting
- Leadership Development
- Executive Coaching
- Research
- Measurement
- Instructional Design
- Data Analysis
- Program Management
- L&D Communications
- Facilitation
- Design Thinking
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- Process Optimization
- Project Management
- MS Office
- People Management
- Onboarding programs
- Blended learning
- Technical training
- Compliance training
- Articulate 360
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work for any US employer (L2-S status). No sponsorship required.
Timeline
Performance Consultant - Independent Consultant Strategy & Transformation Consulting
01.2025 - Current
Manager, Learning & Development - BAJAJ ALLIANZ GENERAL INSURANCE
06.2023 - 05.2024
Manager, Learning & Development - TATA COMMUNICATIONS
04.2020 - 05.2023
Independent Performance Consultant - COMMUNISPOND
07.2016 - 03.2021
Trainer & Analyst - WNS GLOBAL SERVICES
09.2013 - 03.2015
Project Scientist - INDIAN SPACE RESEARCH ORGANIZATION (ISRO)
09.2011 - 08.2012
Brandon Hall - Certified Leadership Development Strategist,
NFNLP - Master Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP),
Association For Talent Development (ATD) - Certified Coach,
QGLUE - Certified Practitioner – Design Thinking,
ISTD - Diploma in Training and Development,
Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics - MSc, Geoinformatics
Sardar Patel University - BSc, Bioinformatics