My time in the backcountry has shaped not just who I am, but how I lead, how I teach, and how I partner with clients.
It’s taught me how to stay steady in uncertainty, how to support others through high-stakes decisions, and how to keep moving forward even when the path gets unclear. Most importantly, it’s shown me that no one gets to the summit alone. Progress - whether on a mountain or in an organization - is always a shared effort.
If your team is ready to move toward something better, I’d be honored to be your partner on that climb.
Over the years, I’ve served organizations across the nonprofit, government, higher education, and private sectors, covering topics like leadership development, DEI, change management, communication, compliance, and strategy.
I come from a family of educators, so naturally, I was determined to do something entirely different. That led me to social work. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and I started by providing assistance to low-income families experiencing homelessness. Six years in, I had all the passion in the world — and none of the tools I needed to sustain it. I was burning out.
That turning point led me into learning and development, designing training programs for the social service staff supporting the homeless families I had previously been working with. I wasn’t working directly with vulnerable clients anymore, but for the first time, I had the skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact — and the work lit me up. Since then, I’ve worked in nearly every corner of learning and organizational development: as a trainer, facilitator, curriculum designer, coach, keynote speaker, moderator, project manager, and executive leader.
Over the years, I’ve served organizations across the nonprofit, government, higher education, and private sectors, covering topics like leadership development, DEI, change management, communication, compliance, and strategy. That breadth has taught me how challenges - and opportunities - show up differently across industries, teams, and individual roles. It’s also given me a deep appreciation for the shared human dynamics at play in every workplace, and how to meet people where they are, whether they're the learner, the sponsor, or the management team.
Breidster Consulting began as a side-hustle when former colleagues started calling, asking me to design and deliver learning experiences for their teams. I said yes and realized that what I loved most was having the freedom to work on the subjects I care deeply about, with clients who are equally invested in creating change.
It’s funny: I spent years trying not to follow in my parents’ footsteps, and yet here I am — working in education, just in my own way. From designing public health programs, to leading L&D departments, to coaching executives, I’ve spent my career helping people learn. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Not so Straight Path to the Work I Love.
I come from a family of educators, so naturally, I was determined to do something entirely different. That led me to social work. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and I started by providing assistance to low-income families experiencing homelessness. Six years in, I had all the passion in the world — and none of the tools I needed to sustain it. I was burning out.
That turning point led me into learning and development, designing training programs for the social service staff supporting the homeless families I had previously been working with. I wasn’t working directly with vulnerable clients anymore, but for the first time, I had the skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact — and the work lit me up. Since then, I’ve worked in nearly every corner of learning and organizational development: as a trainer, facilitator, curriculum designer, coach, keynote speaker, moderator, project manager, and executive leader.
I come from a family of educators, so naturally, I was determined to do something entirely different. That led me to social work. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and I started by providing assistance to low-income families experiencing homelessness. Six years in, I had all the passion in the world — and none of the tools I needed to sustain it. I was burning out.
That turning point led me into learning and development, designing training programs for the social service staff supporting the homeless families I had previously been working with. I wasn’t working directly with vulnerable clients anymore, but for the first time, I had the skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact — and the work lit me up. Since then, I’ve worked in nearly every corner of learning and organizational development: as a trainer, facilitator, curriculum designer, coach, keynote speaker, moderator, project manager, and executive leader.
Over the years, I’ve served organizations across the nonprofit, government, higher education, and private sectors, covering topics like leadership development, DEI, change management, communication, compliance, and strategy. That breadth has taught me how challenges - and opportunities - show up differently across industries, teams, and individual roles. It’s also given me a deep appreciation for the shared human dynamics at play in every workplace, and how to meet people where they are, whether they're the learner, the sponsor, or the management team.
Breidster Consulting began as a side-hustle when former colleagues started calling, asking me to design and deliver learning experiences for their teams. I said yes and realized that what I loved most was having the freedom to work on the subjects I care deeply about, with clients who are equally invested in creating change.
It’s funny: I spent years trying not to follow in my parents’ footsteps, and yet here I am — working in education, just in my own way. From designing public health programs, to leading L&D departments, to coaching executives, I’ve spent my career helping people learn. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I come from a family of educators, so naturally, I was determined to do something entirely different. That led me to social work. I knew I wanted to make a difference, and I started by providing assistance to low-income families experiencing homelessness. Six years in, I had all the passion in the world — and none of the tools I needed to sustain it. I was burning out.
That turning point led me into learning and development, designing training programs for the social service staff supporting the homeless families I had previously been working with. I wasn’t working directly with vulnerable clients anymore, but for the first time, I had the skills to make a meaningful, lasting impact — and the work lit me up. Since then, I’ve worked in nearly every corner of learning and organizational development: as a trainer, facilitator, curriculum designer, coach, keynote speaker, moderator, project manager, and executive leader.
Over the years, I’ve served organizations across the nonprofit, government, higher education, and private sectors, covering topics like leadership development, DEI, change management, communication, compliance, and strategy.
That breadth has taught me how challenges - and opportunities - show up differently across industries, teams, and individual roles. It’s also given me a deep appreciation for the shared human dynamics at play in every workplace, and how to meet people where they are, whether they're the learner, the sponsor, or the management team.
Breidster Consulting began as a side-hustle when former colleagues started calling, asking me to design and deliver learning experiences for their teams. I said yes and realized that what I loved most was having the freedom to work on the subjects I care deeply about, with clients who are equally invested in creating change.
It’s funny: I spent years trying not to follow in my parents’ footsteps, and yet here I am — working in education, just in my own way. From designing public health programs, to leading L&D departments, to coaching executives, I’ve spent my career helping people learn. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
That breadth has taught me how challenges - and opportunities - show up differently across industries, teams, and individual roles. It’s also given me a deep appreciation for the shared human dynamics at play in every workplace, and how to meet people where they are, whether they're the learner, the sponsor, or the management team.
Breidster Consulting began as a side-hustle when former colleagues started calling, asking me to design and deliver learning experiences for their teams. I said yes and realized that what I loved most was having the freedom to work on the subjects I care deeply about, with clients who are equally invested in creating change.
It’s funny: I spent years trying not to follow in my parents’ footsteps, and yet here I am — working in education, just in my own way. From designing public health programs, to leading L&D departments, to coaching executives, I’ve spent my career helping people learn. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Best Lessons are Learned on the Edge
When I’m not working with clients, chances are I’m tied into a rope, hiking into the wilderness for a multi-day trek, or route-planning for the next big climb. I’ve been a rock climber, backpacker, and mountaineer for all of my adult life - not just as a hobby, but as a way of thinking, a way of relating, and a way of learning.
Contrary to popular perception, being in the backcountry isn’t about adrenaline seeking for me. It’s an exploration of silence, clarity and growth. It’s a way to examine myself, my world, and how I exist within that world. Big, bold adventures require radical self-honesty, thoughtful planning, and extraordinary attention to detail. And when the natural environment deals you a wild card, they also require responsibility over ego, agility over ambition, and the ability to let go of the current objective to ensure you’re around to pursue many more. In responding to a wide variety of unforeseen challenges over the years (Stuck in 45-degree water in a flooded canyon with no wetsuit? A thousand feet up a cliff and the rope gets stuck? Surprise heatwave causes rapid glacial melt making streams into raging rivers that become uncrossable?) I’ve developed a better understanding of my own motivations, fears, limitations, and abilities. I’ve learned to trust myself- and know what’s needed in a team to be able to trust and collaborate with others.
While my initial interest in the outdoors was incredibly personal and almost spiritual, over the years, I’ve come to see how deeply the wilderness mirrors the workplace. Whether you’re 1,000 feet up a wall with only an inch of ledge underfoot or navigating a complex organizational change, the same core skills apply: communication, trust, resilience, agility, decision-making, and collaboration. On a climb, a single miscommunication or lapse in trust can have real consequences. And while the risks look different at work, the impact of unclear expectations, broken trust, or siloed problem-solving can be just as serious - and just as avoidable.
The Story Behind the Work
"Rachel was just what the doctor ordered."
Rachel Breidster is a talented presenter who thrives on helping leaders recognize their full potential. Rachel led us through a compelling exploration of what it means to be focused on the "growth mindset" and she provided realistic strategies to help us translate that thinking into our daily work lives, while also making an effort to understand our agency’s specific challenges and tailored her presentation to meet our needs. We had a variety of professions and perspectives in the room, but Rachel was able to reach everyone.
Jennifer Hoerup, Director of Training
NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs
"If you’re considering working with Rachel, I recommend you go for it- she won’t disappoint!"
Rachel has an awesome ability to command her audience’s attention with her energy. By developing trust and creating a positive atmosphere, she helps people feel seen and heard. She asks great questions, thoughtfully provides her opinions, and challenges the listener to consider his/her/their own views and perspectives. Her contributions to our panel discussion on leadership were welcomed and appreciated by all of our participants.
Carol Guarrieri, Head of Talent
The Female Factor
"Working with Rachel has always been seamless and informative."
She has vast experience in the entire development process from needs analysis to researching and drafting curricula to delivering content. She is innovative and adaptable, easily changing with the direction her projects take, and equally fluid in classroom training and online delivery. Her background is essential for any company looking to stay current and/or updating their policy training for employees. I highly recommend her for all your employee training needs.
Stephen D. Wood, Director
Workforce Learning & Development / Policies and Analytics
NY State Department of Transportation
"We found Rachel to be a trusted and valued resource for our organization."
When NYSUT needed a skilled and knowledgeable professional to create and provide a training about gender identity, Rachel Breidster was our first call. She was able to design a program that met our specific needs and delivered it in a manner that well exceeded our expectations.
Lauren Ryba
NYSUT
"Rachel can handle just about any training needs."
Rachel Breidster is both a knowledgeable and capable trainer for any corporate or small business who wishes to engage employees in meaningful and impactful conversations regarding policies and procedures, discrimination, harassment, and best-practices for fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment. She has a quick turnaround time and did outstanding work in our custom session.
Susan Dunckel
CEO Stacks Espresso LLC
"Wow. Just...wow."
I’ve been to a lot of diversity and DEI trainings, and yours was hands down the best I’ve ever attended. Your approach made everything so accessible - you took topics that can immediately shut people down and got everyone excited to participate in the conversation. Wow.
Audrey Barksdale, Training Specialist
Higher Education Services Corp.
Curiosity
Curiosity invites us to explore rather than judge — to ask questions, seek understanding, and stay open to perspectives that challenge our own. It creates space for honest reflection and real learning. In my work, curiosity is the starting point for growth, especially when navigating complex or sensitive topics.
Communication
Communication is the foundation of effective teams and thriving organizations. Without it, strategy stalls, intentions are misunderstood, and morale suffers. I help leaders and teams build communication that is clear, honest, consistent — and human.
Compassion
Compassion recognizes that everyone brings unique experiences, beliefs, and needs to the table. It allows us to respond with empathy, flexibility, and respect. It’s essential for creating inclusive environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to contribute.
Connection
We all want to feel that we belong, that we matter, and that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Connection is what allows teams to trust one another, collaborate effectively, and stay engaged. My work fosters spaces where people connect deeply — to each other, to their purpose, and to the work at hand.
Culture
Meaningful growth often requires discomfort, risk, and the willingness to be misunderstood. Courage fuels the ability to speak up, try something new, or challenge the status quo. In organizational development, courage is what turns learning into lasting change.
Courage
A strong culture doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through shared values, intentional behaviors, and clear expectations. Healthy workplace cultures foster inclusion, accountability, and growth. I partner with organizations to define and shape the culture they need to succeed.
Six C's.
One Purpose.
Six C's. One Purpose.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Honesty.
Whether you like it or not! I pride myself on doing the best job possible for all of my clients. Which means that if I disagree with your vision - or your strategy for achieving that vision -I will let you know. If I have an idea for a solution, but I can’t guarantee results, I will let you know. And if I don’t believe that I’m the best person for a particular project, I will let you know that as well. I do the work I love and believe in. Being honest about what that work is enables me to do it well.
Human-Centered Approach.
My (original) education was in social work. And you can take me out of the field, but you can’t take the field out of me. Throughout every interaction, every recommendation, every component of a program I develop, you can expect that I’ll be keeping you - and your people - at the center of my process.
Evidence-Based Solutions.
It might not have been a cool thing to say in high school, but the truth is, I’m a total nerd. I am constantly reading books, journal articles, and case studies to make sure that my recommendations to you are not only based on my experience, but the collective wisdom of the top thinkers in the industry!
Responsive Communication.
I can’t very well list communication as one of my values and then not be communicative with you during our work together! But seriously, even if I didn’t have it listed as a value, you would see it in our work together. As a general rule, I communicate proactively and consistently, and will always let you know when I’ve received your messages and when I will be able to provide a response.
Flexibility.
You may think you know where you’re going. I may think I know the best way to get you there. As projects evolve and circumstances change, you can expect that I’ll be ready to adapt, adjust, and deliver in the way that best meets your needs in the moment.
Partnership.
Sure. I’m an external consultant by title. But I consider every working relationship to be a partnership. Throughout every step of our working relationship you can trust that your goals are at the forefront of my strategy, and your input and feedback will be solicited, welcomed and incorporated throughout the process. We’re in this together.
Whether your team needs clearer communication, stronger leadership, or a renewed strategy, I’m here to help you make work better - for everyone.
People do their best work - and organizations thrive - when teams feel valued, aligned, and empowered in their roles. That kind of organizational culture doesn’t happen by accident. Whatever your organization needs to make that happen, I’ll work as your development consultant to help you envision it, build it, and sustain it.
Want to Peek Behind the Curtain?
Check out what I’m thinking, musing, reading, or reflecting on these days!
Let's Build What's Possible - Together.
I work with intention, empathy, and a focus on meaningful impact. I partner with people who care deeply about their teams and want to do better—for themselves and those they lead. If this resonates with you - whether you need a thought partner, a guide, or a clear path forward - I’m here to help.
