Rachel Cossar
Boston, MA
Regions
- US Northeast
Summary
Rachel blends her unique expertise in business, AI coaching strategy, embodied leadership, and the performing arts in her role as an Ariel facilitator. In addition to Rachel’s work as a facilitator with Ariel since 2020, Rachel is also the CEO at Virtual Sapiens, an AI communication and presence practice platform, which is incorporated into the enhanced programs at The Ariel Group. Rachel has facilitated and led leaders from Fortune 10 companies and beyond in effective communication, with a focus on delivery, body language, and presence as critical factors in ensuring intended messages land. An important foundation to Rachel’s unique perspective is her past experience as a professional dancer with The Boston Ballet as well as a Canadian National Team member in rhythmic gymnastics.
Training Experience
Through Rachel’s consulting practice, as well as her engagements with Ariel, she has worked extensively with clients from a wide range of industries, including software, pharmaceuticals and biotech, legal and financial services, higher education and nonprofits. Select clients include HBS, Aetna/CVS, Pfizer, Capital One, CAC Group, HP and more.
Business Experience
Rachel Cossar is a leader in the field of nonverbal communication and leadership presence facilitation. As a former nationally ranked athlete and professional ballet dancer, Rachel has a knack for translating unique skills into relatable business skills and competencies.
Rachel has worked closely with some of Ariel’s top clients and partners to ensure the successful facilitation of critical business skills. She is also a faculty member at Mobius Executive Leadership and CEO of Virtual Sapiens, an AI communication coaching and presence platform. Rachel’s special perspective is a blend of her deep expertise in nonverbal communication, presence, and performance psychology from years of dancing on global stages.
Rachel thrives in highly professional and pressured settings, where the intent and impact of communication are tantamount. Rachel has facilitated experiential workshops for some of the world’s top companies and organizations, including HBS, GE, BCG, Accenture, McKinsey and Company, Aetna/CVS, and more.
Performance Experience
- Performed soloist and principal roles in major productions with the Boston Ballet, including The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, and Swan Lake
- Toured globally, performing soloist and principal roles on stages across Spain, the UK, Finland, Canada, and at NYC’s Lincoln Center
- Choreographed world premiere to Philip Glass’s Opening for Boston Contemporary Dance Festival
- Performed at Improv Asylum Boston
- Ranked second on the Canadian rhythmic gymnastics team
Education and Credentials
- CORE Business Credential from Harvard Business School online
- Design Thinking for the Social Sector, Stanford d.school certificate
- BA in Political Science from Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne
- Bilingual Certificate (French/English) from Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne
