A Conversation With SOIL Board Member: Nathalie Marc-Charles

SOIL recently had the pleasure of speaking with Nathalie Marc-Charles, an expert in career strategy, HR leadership, and organizational psychology. With over 15 years in corporate HR and a successful transition to coaching in 2014, Nathalie has guided over 400 clients globally in leadership and wellness. Holding degrees from St. John’s University and Columbia University, Nathalie became a certified Birkman Consultant in 2018. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a mother of three and serves on SOIL's Board of Directors. Join us as we learn more about her incredible experiences. 

1. Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

I have a rich background in career strategy, human resources leadership, and organizational psychology and development. Over the years, I've honed my skills in coaching individuals to enhance their confidence and abilities, ultimately boosting their employability. My career journey includes over 15 years in corporate HR, some of which was spent at Paramount, the parent company of renowned brands like MTV, Nickelodeon, and Comedy Central.

Since 2014, I've transitioned into coaching, working with over 400 clients globally and offering consultancy services in organizational development, executive leadership coaching, and wellness program administration. My educational journey began with a management degree from St. John's University, followed by studies in Organizational Psychology at Columbia University's Teachers College, where I specialized in Adult Learning & Leadership.

In 2018, I became a certified Birkman Consultant, leveraging the Birkman Assessment to assist clients in areas such as career transition, management, personal growth, and leadership development. Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in being a mother to three wonderful boys and contributing to the Board of Directors at SOIL, an impactful organization dedicated to transforming waste into resources in Haiti.

2. How did you get connected to SOIL?

In 2017 the SOIL team in Haiti team sought my expertise to facilitate a Sexual Harassment Prevention training for staff members stationed in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitian. Upon meeting the team, I was immediately impressed by their dedication, perseverance, passion for their mission, and the significant impact SOIL was making within the community. Following the successful completion of the training sessions, I was extended the honor of joining the Board of Directors, a role I continue to fulfill with commitment to this day.

Image

3. What drew you to becoming more involved with SOIL?

I became more involved with SOIL after witnessing firsthand the impactful work they are doing in Haiti. Their innovative approach not only addresses the pressing issue of sanitation in Haiti but also contributes to environmental sustainability and community development.

After interacting with their team during the staff Sexual Harassment Prevention training and witnessing their dedication to their work, I felt compelled to become more involved.

SOIL's commitment to improving the livelihoods of Haitian communities through sustainable practices aligns with my own values and interests. Therefore, when offered the opportunity to join their Board, I enthusiastically accepted! I am now honored to contribute my skills and expertise to support SOIL's mission.

4. In your opinion, what role does SOIL play in empowering Haitian women, both in terms of economic opportunities and environmental stewardship?

SOIL's efforts not only create economic opportunities for Haitian women but also empower them to become environmental stewards in their communities. By promoting gender-inclusive employment practices and fostering environmental awareness, SOIL contributes to the empowerment and advancement of women in Haiti, ultimately leading to more resilient and sustainable communities.

5. How do you hope your involvement with SOIL will contribute to a legacy of positive change and sustainable development for future generations?

My collaboration with SOIL is motivated by a commitment to fostering positive change and sustainable development for generations to come in Haiti. I believe that by addressing environmental and social challenges, empowering communities, and laying the groundwork for resilience, our involvement can leave a lasting legacy of progress.

6. As someone deeply engaged in both HR and community empowerment initiatives, what advice would you give to individuals or organizations looking to make a meaningful impact in sustainable development, particularly in resource-constrained environments like Haiti?

Given my involvement in HR and community empowerment initiatives, I would advise individuals and organizations seeking to make a meaningful impact in sustainable development, especially in resource-constrained environments like Haiti, to prioritize creating a positive culture and empowering staff. Here are some key recommendations:

• Invest in Human Capital: Recognize the value of investing in people. Empower staff by providing them with opportunities for professional development, training, and mentorship. By investing in the skills and capabilities of your team, you can build a workforce that is capable of driving sustainable development initiatives forward.
• Promote Collaboration and Inclusivity: Foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within your organization. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and diversity of perspectives. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and included, you can harness the collective intelligence and creativity of your team to tackle complex challenges more effectively.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate leadership commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility. Lead by example by integrating sustainable practices into your organization's operations, policies, and decision-making processes. By demonstrating a genuine commitment to sustainability, you can inspire others to follow suit and drive positive change.
• Engage with Local Communities: Engage with local communities and stakeholders to understand their needs, priorities, and aspirations. Involve community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable development initiatives to ensure their relevance and effectiveness. By building strong partnerships with local communities, you can co-create solutions that are tailored to their specific contexts and contribute to long-term impact.
• Measure and Communicate Impact: Establish clear metrics and indicators to measure the impact of your sustainable development initiatives. Regularly monitor and evaluate your progress towards achieving your goals, and communicate your results transparently to stakeholders. By demonstrating the tangible impact of your efforts, you can build trust, accountability, and support for your sustainability initiatives.

Through collective action and shared commitment, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

7. Being that you work closely with SOIL as a consultant, can you share a bit about how SOIL supports their staff?

At SOIL, supporting staff isn't just about policies; it's woven into the organization's ethos of genuine care for all involved. SOIL demonstrates this commitment by prioritizing staff well-being, fostering professional growth, promoting open communication, and  ensuring fair compensation and benefits. SOIL creates an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, reflecting its dedication to leading with heart and compassion.

8. Looking ahead, what are your hopes and aspirations for SOIL's future, both in terms of its impact on waste management and its broader influence on sustainable development efforts in Haiti?

Beyond waste management, I hope to see SOIL continue to play a pivotal role in broader sustainable development efforts in Haiti. By championing holistic approaches to community development, including education, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship, I believe SOIL can contribute to building resilient, thriving communities across the country. I envision SOIL serving as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring other organizations and stakeholders to prioritize sustainability and social responsibility in their own initiatives.