The Reader

One of the biggest decisions that an Executive Director or the leadership of an organization has to make is who they recruit to their board.

Let’s be honest, whether you’re someone who gets things done early or someone who waits until the last minute, most of us find it tough to stay on top of…

True leadership lies in vulnerability. It means admitting when something has gone wrong and having the courage to learn from it. These lessons can reshape how we lead, how we grow, and how we support those around us.

What if your path to nature finance didn't start with investors or grants, but with a map, a conversation, and a drawing board?

In this Reader, we speak with the team at the Sustainable Finance Coalition, who share insights on emerging funding models and practical finance solutions that are reshaping how organizations support and fund their conservation work. They reflect on how the landscape is changing and where new opportunities are emerging.

The entire development sector is changing, and things are moving fast. We’re seeing shifts in everything from global politics to funding flows, and these changes have major implications for conservation efforts across Africa and beyond. Understandably, the situation is overwhelming and confusing, as it’s a struggle just to keep up with daily headlines. There are sleepless nights, constant worry, and uncertainty about what comes next. There is no doubt that we’re facing hard and challenging times. 

Everyone talks about the need for better storytelling in conservation. But too often, we’re told why stories are powerful, without being shown how to tell them. This guide is here to give you the tools, not just the theory, to bring your work to life. 

Conservation leaders frequently prioritize the mission over their own health and wellbeing. Many barely take leave (and are always working even while away!). Others frequently fall sick from exhaustion. However, the ability to lead effectively is deeply connected to one’s physical and mental resilience. In this Reader, Dr Vik Mohan offers valuable insights on how conservation leaders can prioritize their wellbeing.

Conservation organizations are no strangers to navigating unexpected crises - they’ve had to become experts at it. From the rhino and elephant poaching crisis (2012–2014) to COVID-19, and from extreme droughts and floods to locust invasions, they have continually adapted to protect both nature and the communities that depend on it. Alongside these challenges are the localized issues that can quickly escalate into crises. Only the most resilient survive.

For busy leaders and teams, taking a pause to step back from the day-to-day for reflection can feel like a luxury. But it’s often from this vantage point where you can see more clearly, and be better positioned to make plans and priorities for the year ahead.