EcoStrategist

As humans, we have a natural aversion to vulnerability. It is uncomfortable and can make us feel exposed and powerless. However, vulnerability is not a weakness, but rather a strategic ability that is essential in a cause-driven organization. In this blog post, I will explore the importance of vulnerability in organizational work, drawing on the work of Berné Brown and others, and sharing personal experiences of the power of vulnerability in my own work. Berné Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, is a leading voice in the conversation around vulnerability. Brown defines vulnerability as “uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure,” and argues that it is essential to building strong relationships and creating meaningful change. In her book, Daring Greatly, Brown writes, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpo...

As a mother of two boys and a conservationist for the past 25 years, I have experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of being a working mother in a purpose-led organization. Balancing the demands of work and family life can be a constant juggling act, but I have found that my experiences as a mother have helped me to develop key leadership skills. When my boys were young, I had to be highly organized and efficient in order to balance my work commitments with their needs. This meant developing strong time management skills, as well as the ability to delegate tasks effectively. These skills have proved invaluable as I have taken on leadership roles within the organizations I have worked for, allowing me to prioritize tasks and delegate responsibilities to others. As a mother, I have also developed a strong sense of empathy and sensitivity to the needs of others. This has helped me to build strong relationships with my colleagues and team members, and to create a supportive and nu...

As someone who cares deeply about the environment and the future of our planet, I know that leadership is an essential component of any successful conservation effort. Whether you're working to protect a local park or advocating for global climate action, being a good leader can make all the difference. But what does it take to be a great conservation leader? In my experience, one key skill that is often overlooked is empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It involves being able to put yourself in someone else's shoes, and to see things from their perspective. This skill is essential in many areas of life, from personal relationships to professional settings. And in the world of conservation, empathy is especially important. When we talk about conservation leadership, we often focus on technical skills like data analysis or project management. But as Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, has said, "Empathy is...

As someone who has been working in conservation for a long time, I have had the privilege of learning from some remarkable leaders in the field. But what makes a great conservation leader? Effective conservation leaders are not only knowledgeable and skilled but also value collaboration, trust, and innovation. They have a clear vision and are good at communicating it, and they help others to become leaders in their own right. However, it's important to note that leadership positions are not the only way to make a significant impact in conservation. Informal leaders can also play a crucial role in driving conservation efforts forward. These individuals may have no official rank or title, but they have the power of influence, which allows them to lead conservation actions effectively. Wangari Maathai is an inspiring example of an informal leader in conservation. She founded the Green Belt Movement in Kenya, which was dedicated to planting trees, promoting environmental conservation, ...

Forests are an essential part of our planet's ecosystem, and their conservation is crucial for the well-being of nature, people, and the climate. As former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated, "Forests are the lungs of our planet, and we must do everything in our power to protect them." Deforestation and forest degradation continue to pose a threat to the survival of many species and the livelihoods of millions of people. According to renowned conservationist Jane Goodall, "Every individual matters, every individual has a role to play, every individual makes a difference." We all have a responsibility to protect our forests and ensure their preservation for future generations. Forests play a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate, and their conservation is vital for climate change mitigation. As former President of the United States, Barack Obama said, "Forests are a critical part of our effort to combat climate change... protec...

  A Spanish speaker friend of mine, working in conservation, asked me yesterday ... what do you mean when you  talk about accountability? As you may know ... there is no word in Spanish to translate that word, and it seems like responsabilty is not enough to explain it. So here we go ... this is what I think ...conservation is a vital aspect of our society, and it is essential to ensure that the efforts to protect our natural environment are effective. One way to achieve this is through accountability, a term that refers to the responsibility and answerability of individuals or organizations for their actions and decisions. In the context of conservation, accountability is crucial because it promotes transparency, trust, and integrity in biodiversity conservation and management. Accountability in conservation means that those responsible for the management and protection of nature must be answerable for their actions and decisions. This includes being transparent about their g...

Conservation is a critical field that is essential for the preservation and protection of our planet's natural resources. It involves managing and safeguarding natural habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems to ensure their long-term sustainability. While conservation efforts are often focused on the natural world, it is essential to remember that they are also about people. The individuals who work in conservation are integral to the success of these efforts, and creating safe and healthy work environments is essential to ensuring that they can thrive in their work. Leadership in conservation is critical in ensuring that conservation efforts are successful. Good leaders in conservation are responsible for creating a culture that values and supports the people who work in this field. They recognize that conservation is not just about protecting the environment but also about creating a positive work environment where employees can thrive. One leader who has talked extensively about this...