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Impactpool Podcast - Navigating the Intersection of Public and Private: listen to insights from UNHCR's HR Director, Catty Bennet Sattler

Author photo

by Merlijn Angad Gaur
Director, Talent Solutions

Our next guest on our new Impactpool podcast series is Catty Bennet Sattler. Catty is the Director of Human Resources at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).  

Catty began her career as a lawyer, focusing on international humanitarian and criminal law, working at tribunals and in the field.

After about ten years in the UN system, she shifted to HR due to a growing interest in preventing workplace issues. Before commencing the role of the Director of Human Resources at the UNHCR, she has worked with several UN organizations (UNDP, Unicef, UN Peacekeeping). She has experience working in the private sector at Siemens. Before her current role, she worked as HR Director at the ICRC.

Photo provided by Catty Bennet Sattler.

In this episode, we discuss what it means to have worked both in the private and public sector, the differences between the two, and the similarities… 

“...different sectors, but ultimately, you're dealing with people if you're working in HR. So there's a lot that's similar. The transferable skills relate to the subject matter of what you know and what you do. And I found that there are more similarities than differences.” says Catty. 

Catty also speaks about HR and transformation to bring a positive and more compelling experience to the employees of an organization. 

“We weren't valuing good people management enough. We weren't putting a premium on that, recognizing managers that your main job is actually to manage people, not just the budget or do the subject matter…”  

 What does it take to be a ‘good’ leader, and how do you create an environment to help your employees grow and develop?

And, of course, we speak about what it takes to apply for a role in the humanitarian field. What should you do, how to prepare, and what is important here? 

 
 
Listen on Apple Podcasts HERE