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.
Project Management, Communication, Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Volunteering
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Inbal Nachman
Managing Director, Programs & Communication
Work on Climate
UC Berkeley - Class of 2012
INSEAD - MBA 2018
Ethnic & Related Studies
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Immigrant
Video Highlights
1. Managing a volunteer-based organization requires building systems and structures that support frequent turnover.
2. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial when working in non-traditional organizational structures.
3. Don't be afraid to explore unconventional approaches and embrace different ways of working; your career path doesn't have to conform to traditional norms.
Transcript
What is your biggest challenge in your current role?
This is probably something more unique to working on climate. We are mostly run by volunteers, so it requires a different type of structure to get work done.
One of the biggest challenges has been understanding how to work with that system rather than against it. For example, you have full-time employees at a typical company; they'll be there and responsible for a certain scope of a task for a long period.
So, one challenge I've faced is how to build systems and structures that support people turning over on a more frequent schedule. There has been a lot of learning for me in understanding that company structures and processes don't have to look the same.
There are many different ways to get things done. So, a good takeaway for you is to remember that if something looks different, unfamiliar, or a little risky, that's not a reason to say no. It is acceptable for your path, work structure, or preferences to look different from others.