Meet Sabine Charles

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sabine Charles a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sabine, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience is deeply rooted in the history of my Haitian ancestors and in the personal struggles and triumphs of my parents. This legacy of endurance was born from Haiti’s history as the first black nation in the Western Hemisphere to gain independence. This is a testament to our collective strength amidst centuries of instability. My parents, immigrants who navigated the challenges of adapting to life in the United States, instilled in me the values of perseverance, flexibility, and self-love. Through my observation, my father maintains his unwavering sense of self-worth regardless of his job title, to observing my mother’s relentless pursuit of her nursing dream despite language barriers. I learned the importance of self-advocacy from my grandmother who taught me that resilience is about thriving, not just surviving. These lessons have shaped my personal and professional journey, inspiring me to tackle obstacles with courage and optimism. My family’s story is a powerful representation of the human spirit’s adaptability, persistence, and the enduring belief in the possibility of a brighter future—a legacy that continues to guide and motivate me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
In 2011, driven by the conviction that the audit process has the power to transform lives, I founded Charles Financial Strategies LLC. My goal was to redefine internal audit as a profession capable of strategic innovation. For 12 years, Charles Financial Strategies LLC has been at the forefront, offering clients specialized services in internal audits, risk assessments, and corporate training, celebrating a legacy of empowering professionals.

Our services are designed around a unique three-phase approach, combining Business Strategies, the Science of Human Behavior, and Education. This methodology not only fosters business growth through strategic action plans but also delves into understanding human behavior through emotional intelligence, psychology, and neuroscience. Our educational initiatives leverage diverse learning techniques to drive leadership success in the workplace.

At the heart of our mission is the provision of comprehensive reviews, risk assessments, and corporate training aimed at delivering insightful analysis and recommendations to enhance organizational value and propel professionals towards industry excellence. In 2016, we expanded our offerings to include the Transformational Audit Practitioner Apprenticeship (TAPA) Institute, supporting professionals in passing certification exams and acknowledging that business growth extends beyond technological advancements.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a shift towards remote working environments, highlighting the need for individual development outside traditional office settings. This insight led to the creation of the Leadership MEQ framework, integrating Mindset, Emotional intelligence, and leadership Qualities in an AI-driven world. Our professional development summits and new live executive leadership conferences, such as the upcoming “Gratitude and Growth” October event in St. Croix, provide platforms for knowledge exchange and personal growth, emphasizing leadership mastery and life balance techniques.

For more information on our innovative approach and upcoming events, visit www.drsabinecharles.com.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The journey to establishing Charles Financial Strategies LLC and contributing to the fields of internal audit, risk assessment, corporate training, and leadership development has been enlightening and transformative. Reflecting on this path, three core qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as pivotal to my success and impact: strategic innovation, understanding human behavior, and educational adaptability. Here’s how these elements have shaped my journey and may serve as guidelines for those at the beginning of theirs:

1. Strategic Innovation
Innovation in strategy was crucial in redefining the role of internal auditing from a traditional, compliance-focused function to one that drives strategic value and change within organizations. Embracing innovative practices allowed me to develop unique services that address the evolving needs of businesses and professionals.

Guideline: Cultivate a mindset that looks beyond conventional boundaries. Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and emerging business models. Encourage creative thinking and be open to experimenting with new approaches in your work.

2. Understanding Human Behavior
The integration of the science of human behavior into our services, using insights from emotional intelligence, psychology, and neuroscience, has been a game-changer. This understanding has enabled us to tailor our educational and training programs to the nuanced needs of individuals, fostering more profound and lasting impacts on their professional development.

Guideline: Invest time in learning about human psychology and behavior. This can be achieved either through formal education, online courses, or self-study. By gaining insights into what motivates people, how they learn, and what drives their decision-making can enhance your ability to lead, educate, and inspire others effectively.

3. Educational Adaptability
Adapting our educational initiatives to cater to diverse learning styles and the changing landscape of professional development, especially with the shift towards virtual environments, has been essential. This adaptability ensures that our programs remain relevant, accessible, and impactful.

Guideline: Embrace flexibility in how you learn and teach. Be willing to explore and integrate various educational technologies and methodologies. Understand that learning is a continuous journey and being adaptable in your educational approach will allow you to stay ahead in your field.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace these qualities and areas of knowledge wholeheartedly. Pursue continuous learning, be open to change, and always look for ways to innovate in your field. Seek mentors and communities that support your growth, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks and to ask questions. Remember, your unique contributions can impact your community and add value to society.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is someone who embodies a forward-looking mindset, deeply committed to both growth and excellence. They are not only open to embracing innovation but also actively seek out personal and professional development opportunities. These clients understand the critical role of strategic planning, risk management, and the cultivation of leadership skills in achieving success. They are driven by a desire to enhance their skills, whether it’s through gaining certifications, engaging in leadership training, or adopting new learning methodologies. They seek my expert guidance to navigate today’s complex business and professional landscapes with an emphasis on impacting the community and society in a positive manner.

Contact Info:

 

Image Credits
JFP Studios Natural Eye Photography

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