About the Author

Rita Mehegan Smith, EdD, MBA, is vice president of enterprise learning for Ingersoll Rand—a $14 billion global, diversified industrial company—and dean of Ingersoll Rand University, which is responsible for developing strategic organizational competencies, providing leadership education, and driving the company’s culture around the globe. She has served for more than 28 years in leadership roles in the learning and development field and has led learning functions in a variety of Fortune 500 companies in industries such as travel, financial services, and high technology manufacturing. She is currently on the Advisory Board for the Wharton School’s chief learning officer program. She is a certified Toastmaster and frequently shares her knowledge and passion for business-centered learning at global workshops and conferences. In November 2008, Ingersoll Rand University and Ingersoll Rand’s CEO were featured on the cover of T+D magazine, highlighting the university’s business alignment and impact.