Leadership in Conservation Organisations | Chris Lee

How a conservation entrepreneur is tackling snakebite, restoring ecosystems, and building impact from the ground up, with our guest Dr Harry Fonseca Williams.Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine a passion for wildlife with the drive to actually make a difference?Today’s guest is Dr Harry Fonseca Williams - a toxicologist, conservationist, and founder who is working at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and conservation impact.Harry describes himself as a “snakebite scientist” with a passion for toxic animals, and in this episode we explore two sides of his work. First, his role in founding The LEAF Charity - a fast-growing organisation restoring ecosystems and supporting communities through large-scale tree planting and conservation projects. And second, his work with ToxiVen and beyond, developing cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to tackle snakebite - one of the world’s most overlooked global health challenges.We talk about what it really takes to build a conservation charity from scratch, how small ideas can scale into meaningful impact, and why turning research into real-world solutions is so important.We also dive into Harry’s career journey, from studying venom pharmacology to launching companies and leading conservation projects, and the lessons he’s learned along the way - including the importance of collaboration, fundraising, and following your passion.If you're interested in conservation careers that go beyond the traditional path - blending science, startups, and real-world impact - this episode will give you plenty to think about.It’s a snakes, science, impact podcast.Enjoy.---https://www.theleafcharity.com/

How conservation professionals can build strong teams, positive cultures, and deliver greater impact, with our guest Chris Lee.Today we’re exploring something that sits at the heart of every successful conservation project - but often gets far less attention than it deserves - leadership.I’m joined by Chris Lee, Executive Director at Des Moines County Conservation in Iowa, and co-host of the Parks and Restoration podcast. Chris describes himself as an “organisational ecologist” - applying lessons from nature to help build stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and more effective conservation organisations.In this episode, we dig into what good leadership actually looks like in conservation - and why it’s not just about job titles or seniority. We explore how culture shapes performance, why putting people first is essential, and how thinking of organisations as ecosystems can completely change the way we work.Chris also shares his own career journey - from wildlife biologist to organisational leader - including some honest reflections on mistakes, lessons learned, and what it really takes to build a team where people want to show up and do their best work.And we talk about how anyone - at any stage of their career - can develop leadership skills and have a positive impact within their organisation.It’s a thoughtful and practical conversation about the human side of conservation - and how, if we get that right, everything else becomes possible.Enjoy.https://www.parksandrestoration.com/

How SEED Madagascar is working with local communities is key to protecting wildlife and ecosystems, with our guest Dr Aubrey Alamshah.Today we’re heading to southeast Madagascar - a region of extraordinary biodiversity, but also one facing some very real and complex conservation challenges.I’m joined by Dr Aubrey Alamshah, Conservation Research Coordinator at SEED Madagascar - an organisation taking a long-term, holistic approach to conservation by working closely with local communities, alongside protecting wildlife and ecosystems.In this episode, we explore what makes this region of Madagascar so unique, from its hyper-endemic species to its fragile coastal forests. We talk about the realities of conservation on the ground - including climate impacts, deforestation, and mining - and how SEED is responding through research, community partnerships, and practical action.Aubrey also shares what their role involves day-to-day, how research translates into real conservation impact, and how volunteers and local teams contribute to the work.And we dive into Aubrey’s career journey too - from early volunteering and fieldwork around the world, through to a PhD and into a leadership role in conservation research - with some really honest advice for anyone trying to break into the sector.It’s a thoughtful, grounded and hopeful conversation about what it really takes to make conservation work.Enjoy.https://madagascar.co.uk/

From cloud forests to coral reefs - how Opwall blends science, education and conservation impact with Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at OpwallDid you know that Operation Wallacea has taken more than 50,000 students into the field over the past 30 years.But what actually happens on an expedition? How does the science work? And how can an experience like this shape an entire conservation career?In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall, to unpack how their unique model combines rigorous academic research with hands-on field training across nine countries worldwide.We talk about long-term biodiversity datasets, climate change in cloud forests, marine research programmes, and why practical field skills are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s conservation job market.If you’ve ever considered gaining field experience overseas - or wondered how organisations like Opwall contribute to global conservation science - this episode will give you clarity and insight.It’s an expeditions, ecology, and research podcast. Enjoy.---Join CC – www.conservation-careers.com/join Opwall website - https://www.opwall.com/ Opwall Instagram site - https://www.instagram.com/operation_wallacea/?hl=en Opwall webinars - https://www.opwall.com/free-webinar/ Opwall jobs - https://jobs.opwall.com/jobs/

How to build a meaningful career protecting the ocean by working with people, communities, and partners, with our guest Lissa Batey.If you’re interested in building a career in marine conservation, this episode is for you.Today’s guest is Dr Lissa Batey, a marine conservation professional whose work brings together communities, partners, and organisations to deliver meaningful change for marine ecosystems.In our conversation, we explore what a marine conservation career really looks like. Lissa shares her own career journey, what her role involves day-to-day, and how working with people - rather than just species or habitats - is often the key to protecting our oceans in the long term.We talk about the skills needed to succeed in marine conservation beyond technical science, including communication, facilitation, and collaboration. Lissa also offers practical advice for students, early-career professionals, and career switchers who want to work in marine conservation but aren’t sure where they fit, or whether they need to follow a traditional scientific pathway.It’s an honest, grounded conversation about marine conservation careers, the realities of working in the sector, and how to build impact by working with people, not around them.It’s a thoughtful, practical, and people-powered episode.Enjoy.---Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/join Lissa Batey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissa-batey-b2538567/

How the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon is combining science, education and community action to keep the forest standing, with Johana Reyes.If you’ve ever wondered what a sustainable Amazon looks like in practice – how local livelihoods, science and education can work together to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth – this episode is for you.Today’s guest is Johana Reyes, Founding Member and President of the Board for the Alliance for a Sustainable Amazon. Johana joins us from the south‑eastern Peruvian Amazon – a region rich in Brazil nut forests, scarlet macaws and community‑led conservation.We unpack the Alliance’s mission and model – from long‑term biological research and reforestation with local families to education programmes that connect children and students directly with the forest.Johana shares what life is really like leading a small, field‑based team in the Amazon, the insights her work is revealing, and practical ways that you can get involved through internships, volunteering and research placements.Whether you’re a student, career switcher or professional looking to make a greater impact, you’ll come away with grounded career advice – from experimenting early and translating your skills, to building confidence through hands‑on experience.It’s a field‑based, hopeful, and practical episode. Enjoy.Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/joinASA - www.sustainableamazon.org

How the Wildlife Forensic Academy is training the next generation of crime scene investigators for nature, with Dr Greg Simpson.Hi, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.Today we're exploring a lesser-known but vitally important side of conservation: wildlife forensics.My guest is Dr Greg Simpson — a vet, public health specialist, conservationist, and Managing Director of the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa.Greg brings a fascinating blend of experiences — from veterinary clinics and public health to conservation education and wildlife crime scene investigations.In this conversation, we unpack what wildlife forensics actually is — and why it’s becoming such a crucial tool in fighting wildlife crime and protecting biodiversity.We also explore the work of the Wildlife Forensic Academy — the world’s first institution of its kind — which delivers hands-on, field-based training for students, rangers, researchers and professionals.You’ll hear about the Academy’s unique approach, its growing global partnerships, and how you can get involved.Finally, Greg shares personal insights into his role, career journey, advice for aspiring wildlife vets or forensic scientists — and his vision for scaling the Academy's impact across the world.Before we get started, I wanted to give you a quick heads up that whether you’re just beginning your journey in conservation or looking to progress further, we’ve built three membership levels designed to support you at every stage.CC Free gives you full access to our library of career guides and templates, along with bespoke job alerts from the world’s biggest conservation job board here at Conservation Careers.For deeper support, CC Pro unlocks access to all listings our website and adds our private members’ community — a friendly, career-boosting space with training, events, expert guidance, and even the chance to join these podcast interviews live and put your own questions to our guests.And coming soon, CC Pass will give you full access to all our premium training courses. That includes programmes such as the Certificate in Rewilding, Project Management & Design, Fundraising, Communications, Community-Based Conservation, Marine Conservation, and our career development courses — with more added over time.If you’d like to explore any of these options, everything is available at conservation-careers.com, and we’ll pop a link below for you.Righty, let’s jump into today’s podchat with Greg.Enjoy.LinksOur membershipsWildlife Forensic Academy

Hi there, Nick here from Conservation Careers and welcome to the podcast.If you’ve ever wondered how conservation can be truly inclusive, collaborative and community-led — this episode is for you.Today I’m joined by Helen Gibbons, an expert in community-based conservation and our current Expert in Residence at Conservation Careers. With over 25 years of experience working for leading organisations like the Gorilla Fund, WWF, Greenpeace and the Maasai Mara Conservancies, Helen brings a wealth of insight into how conservation can and should work with people at its heart.Together, we explore what community-based conservation really means — not just in theory, but in practice. We talk about trust, respect, and partnerships — and why supporting communities to lead their own conservation efforts is often the key to lasting impact.Helen also shares stories from her incredible career, along with advice for people looking to work in this space — including the skills, experiences and mindset that really matter.It’s a conservation, community, and career episode.Enjoy.LinksCertificate in Community-Based ConservationHelen Gibbons on LinkedIn

When was the last time a piece of art changed how you thought or felt about the natural world? Today’s guest is Rory McCann — a conservation artist and muralist who uses large-scale, community-driven art to inspire awareness, connection, and action for nature.In this conversation, Rory shares what it’s like to create wildlife-inspired murals, and how involving schools and communities in the creative process can help people fall in love with wildlife.We explore the power of art in conservation, education and behaviour change — and how Rory’s own journey, shaped by childhood arthritis and a deep love of nature, led him to forge a creative career outside the traditional path.Whether you’re a career switcher, student, artist or conservationist, this is a beautiful reminder that there’s no one way to make a difference.It’s a bold, personal, and inspiring episode.Enjoy.Linkshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-mccann-artist/https://www.instagram.com/rorymccannart/https://www.facebook.com/RoryMcCannMuralshttps://rorymccannmurals.com/about/

Scotland is a land of breathtaking beauty — from its rugged coasts and misty glens to its rich biodiversity and wild spaces. But like all places we love, it needs care, commitment and community to keep it that way.In this episode, we’re joined by Barry Fisher, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity on a mission to inspire action for a clean, green, sustainable Scotland.Together we explore what makes Scotland so special — especially for wildlife — and why it can’t be taken for granted. Barry shares the charity’s current strategy, how they work with partners across government, schools, businesses and communities, and how they’re tackling issues like biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste.We also explore Barry’s personal journey — from youth development to leading a national charity — and what it’s really like to be a CEO in the conservation space. He reflects on the challenges and rewards of leadership, what success looks like for him, and the pivotal career moments that shaped his path.Whether you’re based in Scotland or just love the idea of community-powered environmental action, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and real-world examples of conservation in action.It’s a reflective, practical, and optimistic episode. Enjoy.www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org