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Inbal, Managing Director, Programs & Communication at Work on Climate: Advize Career Interview
A career journey from biological anthropology and teaching English in South Korea to a Managing Director role at a climate-focused non-profit, Work on Climate, showcases a dynamic path fueled by a desire for growth and passion.
This professional's current role involves managing a large volunteer team, building a thriving Slack community, and developing a climate workforce ecosystem.
Success, according to this individual, stems from strong management skills, prioritizing effectively, and embracing a "multi-passionate" approach, leveraging diverse skills across sales, operations, and marketing.
The climate industry's innovative nature and constant learning opportunities are highlighted, along with advice for undergraduates seeking entry-level positions—emphasizing the value of transferable skills and networking opportunities.
A key takeaway is that embracing risk, trusting intuition, and actively shaping one's career path, particularly for women in male-dominated fields, can lead to fulfilling and impactful leadership roles.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Inbal Nachman
Managing Director, Programs & Communication
Work on Climate
UC Berkeley - Class of 2012
INSEAD - MBA 2018
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ethnic & Related Studies
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Immigrant
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Career Path Of A Managing Director Programs And Communication At Work On Climate
After graduating with a degree in biological anthropology, Inbal pursued a "meandering career path," taking a year to teach English in South Korea before entering the tech industry via a sales role, a decision motivated by a desire for growth and "opportunities where you're not gonna get stuck in a junior role." This eventually led to an MBA, focusing on their passion for the environment and climate, culminating in Inbal's current position at a climate-focused non-profit.
Main Responsibilities Of A Managing Director Programs And Communication At Work On Climate
Inbal, Managing Director of Programs & Communication at Work on Climate, oversees two key strategies: building a Slack community offering "various services and programs" and developing a climate workforce ecosystem. A significant aspect of the role involves managing approximately 80 volunteers across ten operational teams, responsible for functions ranging from "marketing events" to "member experience."
A Day in the Life of a Managing Director Programs and Communication at Work on Climate
Inbal's role as Managing Director involves a dynamic mix of strategic oversight and hands-on support for the 80 volunteers under their charge, "context switching a lot" between big-picture strategy and assisting with individual tasks, even personal challenges. The variety, "understanding how to make the puzzle pieces fit," is a key aspect of the position and something Inbal clearly enjoys.
Most Important Skills for a Managing Director at Work on Climate
Inbal, a Managing Director at Work on Climate, emphasizes that strong management skills, including "understanding what makes a person tick," are crucial for success, even when managing volunteers. The ability to prioritize tasks effectively amidst limited resources, a skill Inbal describes as "probably one of the most challenging skills to hone," is equally vital for navigating the demands of a role like theirs.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Managing Director, Programs And Communication At Work On Climate
Inbal's favorite aspect of their current role at Work on Climate is "meeting different people," a realization that stemmed from a shift from typical tech jobs to a non-profit setting, where they find daily inspiration from others working on climate issues; this new environment combats feelings of anxiety about the future and provides empowerment.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Managing Director Of Programs And Communication At Work On Climate
Inbal's biggest challenge at Work on Climate, a largely volunteer-run organization, is adapting "company structures and processes" to a more fluid system with frequent volunteer turnover. This experience taught Inbal that different work structures are acceptable and that a willingness to embrace unfamiliar approaches—"if something looks a little different or a little risky, that's not a reason to say no"—is crucial for success in such environments.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Climate Sector Industry As A Managing Director Programs And Communication
Inbal, a Managing Director in the climate sector, finds the industry's "nascent" nature and constant innovation incredibly inspiring, leading to daily learning and a reduced sense of future anxiety. The influx of funding and the inherent "recession proof" nature of climate work further appeal to their career goals and passions.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Climate Industry According To A Managing Director At Work On Climate
Inbal, a Managing Director at Work on Climate, identifies curiosity and risk tolerance as key traits for success in the climate industry, noting the field's "newness and innovation" alongside its challenges. The ability to ask hard questions and explore diverse opportunities within the climate sector is essential for long-term engagement, as "one of the hardest tasks is to understand where you fit into that world".
What a Managing Director at Work on Climate Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Climate Industry
Inbal, a Managing Director at Work on Climate, learned that deep technical expertise isn't a prerequisite for a climate career, wishing someone had told them "to go for it" sooner. The reality, according to Inbal, is that "there's gonna be a lot of learning on the job," with transferable skills proving more valuable than initially perceived.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Nonprofit Professionals
Inbal, a Managing Director at Work on Climate, suggests entry-level nonprofit climate roles such as "coordinator type of jobs" in events, marketing, or operations as good starting points for undergraduates. These positions offer networking opportunities and help individuals "position yourself towards that next step," focusing on long-term career goals rather than immediate aspirations.
Significant Career Lesson From a Managing Director, Programs And Communication at Work on Climate
Inbal, a Managing Director, learned that their "multi-passionate" nature and diverse skillset—moving between sales, operations, and marketing—were valuable assets, contrary to initial concerns. By trusting their intuition and not conforming to expected career paths, Inbal found a leadership role that leverages this "breadth of knowledge" to effectively manage a large organization.
College Experiences That Helped A Managing Director Programs And Communication At Work On Climate Succeed
Inbal's undergraduate success stemmed from "giv[ing] myself the freedom to explore," pursuing diverse experiences ranging from part-time jobs to archaeological fieldwork, which fostered self-awareness. Their anthropology major, focusing on "questions about the human experience," cultivated empathy and sharpened management skills, demonstrating the value of broad exploration and understanding human behavior in career development.
How Identity Has Influenced A Managing Director At Work On Climate's Career
Inbal's career in male-dominated tech industries taught them to intentionally "speak up and make [their] opinions known," building confidence even when initially intimidated. This approach, contrasting with more traditionally valued "male traits," allowed them to develop strong management and leadership skills based on empathy and active listening, ultimately differentiating their career path.
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