Natalie Deschamps

Before coming to HBS from Toronto, Natalie worked with a start-up that produces sustainability research for investors, companies and policy makers. Prior to that, she worked as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where she was particularly drawn to clean tech projects.

Now she is working to refine her understanding of sustainability challenges and solutions in industry, and how they could shape her career.

In addition to her studies, Nathalie is focused on networking with experts and like-minded students.

“Environment isn't a defined ‘industry,’ per se, so you need help to navigate the options and uncover opportunities,” she says. “HBS is a terrific place to build that support network.”

In just her first semester on campus, Natalie participated in an academic conference on sustainability hosted at HBS, as well as a seminar on responsible investing at the Kennedy School, where she had a long talk with a leading entrepreneur in the field. She also participates in BEI’s mentorship program, which she says offers access to an impressive list of professionals.

To meet classmates with similar interests, Natalie is putting together a team to compete in a global sustainable investing competition. Also, she is working with the BEI to plan a ‘brown bag lunch’ series that will give students exposure to the research interests of HBS professors concerning business and environment topics.

“I ultimately want to build, grow or invest in companies that are consistent with a more sustainable world.”