What is it about Jean-Luc Charles that keeps him looking so young, like he could hit the track and give the 21-year-old version of himself a decent race? I’m sure diet and exercise play a role, but he’s also figured out what makes him happy.
Jean-Luc is the Vice President of People and Culture, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at fashion brand Eileen Fisher. He’s also the pastor of the First Haitian Free Methodist Church in Stamford, CT. On the surface, one might assume that moving between these two jobs would require considerable context switching, but having learned how Jean-Luc operates, I don’t think they’re as different as they might appear. In both roles, Jean-Luc helps others overcome challenges and become better versions of themselves. Turns out, doing that work fills his tank, fulfilling him in ways most would love to have in only of their jobs, much less two and at the same time.
In this episode, you’ll learn about:
- How Jean-Luc’s Christian faith informs his work.
- His adaptive strategy for helping Eileen Fisher become a more diverse workforce and making all its employees feel like they belong.
- The tools and resources he recommends to anyone who wants to learn about and implement anti-racism in their places of employment.
- His journey to Amherst College.
- The member of the Amherst Class of 1994 that he wants me to interview next. Hector Caraballo wanted to hear from Andy Liu, and Andy wanted to hear from Jean-Luc. I can’t wait to interview the person Jean-Luc tags in this episode.
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