We had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Barley, Vice President of Global Enrollment Services at Boundless Learning, to hear about his experience leading high-impact enrollment teams and navigating challenges with resilience and innovation.

In our conversation, Chris shares how he leverages AI-driven technologies to enhance the learner's experience, and how his adaptable leadership style empowers a globally diverse team. With nearly two decades of experience in enrollment, Chris offers an insightful, people-first perspective on driving results while keeping learners at the heart of every decision.

“With over 18 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my career to building, coaching, and empowering high-performing sales teams — particularly within the education sector. Prior to joining Boundless Learning, I developed deep expertise in enrollment at Pearson, where I held progressively senior roles across diverse initiatives.

At Boundless Learning, I lead our global enrollment team, overseeing both enrollment strategy and operations. This team plays a vital role in guiding learners as they embark on their educational journey.

My leadership is driven by a commitment to fostering meaningful connections, boosting engagement, and achieving measurable outcomes. I aim not just to exceed expectations, but to inspire my team to transform lives through education.”

“Establishing measurable goals starts with a deep dive into data to uncover performance trends, strengths, and areas for growth. I collaborate closely with my team to set ambitious yet attainable stretch goals that serve as clear direction for both individuals and teams. These are translated into targeted sales objectives tailored by role, creating alignment, purpose, and accountability.

To track progress effectively, I implement stage-specific conversion metrics such as benchmarks and layer in behavior-based KPIs tied to daily activities. By aligning these metrics with each role’s core responsibilities, team members stay focused on the actions that drive meaningful outcomes.

Regular check-ins and performance reviews promote transparency and create space for real-time feedback, support, and course corrections. This structure not only tracks progress but empowers the team with the clarity and tools needed to excel.”

“To keep the department at the forefront of innovation, I take a strategic, data-driven approach to evaluating and integrating AI-powered platforms. It begins with identifying operational pain points through performance metrics and direct feedback from both learners and team members. These insights reveal where targeted AI solutions can make the greatest impact.

From there, I lead a comprehensive review of potential tools — assessing functionality, scalability, and user experience — with a clear focus on how each solution can streamline operations and elevate the learner experience.

But adopting AI is more than implementing new technology. It’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, empowering teams to embrace change, and using smart tools to deliver truly exceptional outcomes for learners.”

“To exceed ambitious targets, I begin by zeroing in on high-impact daily activities. Breaking larger goals into manageable tasks enables the team to focus on “micro-wins” — small, measurable achievements that build momentum and keep morale high.

Next, I foster cross-functional collaboration, bringing in key partners like marketing and operations to align strategies and ensure a unified push toward the goal. This integrated approach turns siloed efforts into collective progress.

Above all, I prioritize honest, motivating communication. Celebrating milestones reinforces a sense of shared purpose and pride.”

“Boundless Learning’s enrollment team stands out for its agility, talent, and unwavering dedication to learner success. While each team member brings deep expertise, it’s our shared sense of purpose that truly sets us apart.

Our agility enables us to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, regulatory shifts, and evolving learner needs — keeping us ahead of the curve.

We foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, where team members are empowered to think creatively, share insights, and drive continuous improvement. This mindset not only enhances internal operations, but also elevates the learner's experience.

Above all, we invest in our people. Through training, mentorship, and professional development, we support individual growth and collective excellence, ensuring our team is always equipped to deliver their best for our learners.”

“Leading across global regions demands flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and emotional intelligence. My approach begins with in-depth research — investing time to understand each region’s cultural norms, legal frameworks, and operational realities. This foundation helps me build trust and align more effectively with local team dynamics.

I prioritize open, transparent communication to uncover the personal and professional drivers of each team member. Through active listening and meaningful engagement, I tailor my leadership approach to inspire and motivate individuals based on what matters most to them.

Regardless of geography, my goal is to ensure every team feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed.”

Learn more about our acquisition and retention capabilities here.

About Chris Barley: Chris brings over 18 years of experience in building and leading high-performing enrollment teams. As the head of our global enrollment operations, he oversees teams that support learners throughout their educational journeys, ensuring both operational excellence and a learner-first approach.

Chris’ expertise spans enrollment strategy, operations, call center leadership, data and analytics, and product and performance management. Known for his transformational leadership style, he leads with emotional intelligence, high energy, and a deep commitment to developing talent and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.