Women in Wildlife

In this episode, joint CEOs of Lion Landscapes Amy Dickman and Alayne Cotterill open up about what it really takes to lead together as women in conservation. They share how Lion Landscapes was built not just on a shared passion for wildlife, but on a deliberate decision to work differently; more collaboratively, more openly, and with a leadership model that reflects their strengths. The conversation explores how that partnership came together, why shared leadership felt natural to them, and how it has allowed them to build something stronger than either could have done alone. They also speak honestly about the pressures women face in conservation leadership, including the expectation to be excellent at everything at once. From pregnancy and motherhood to fieldwork and international careers, Amy and Alayne reflect on the real compromises and support systems that have shaped their paths. What stands out most is their belief that leadership doesn’t have to look a certain way to be effective- and that women bringing vulnerability, honesty, and collaboration into leadership can be a real strength. For women navigating wildlife careers, their message is clear: you do not have to do it all alone, and you do not have to do it all at once.
If you're inspired by their work, consider supporting Lion Landscapes or sharing their approach to community-led conservation: https://www.lionlandscapes.org/

Any questions or queries contact contact@womeninwildlife.com.au
Links to our resources:
Website: https://www.womeninwildlife.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlife

Welcome back to the Women in Wildlife Podcast! In this episode, joint-CEOs Alayne and Amy share how their charity 'Lion Landscapes' came to life and why their work goes far beyond protecting lions alone. These two powerhouses of conservationists talk about building conservation models that respond to human-wildlife conflict in East Africa, and how the real starting point is understanding the needs of local communities. Rather than approaching conservation as something imposed from the outside, they explain how trust, collaboration, and patience are what make long-term coexistence possible. A major theme in the conversation is the cost of living with wildlife and how Lion Landscapes works to change that balance so communities can see real benefit from conservation. Across the episode, what stands out most is their belief that conservation works best when people are put at the center of it. If you're inspired by their work, consider supporting Lion Landscapes or sharing their approach to community-led conservation: https://www.lionlandscapes.org/
There is a part 2 episode with Alayne and Amy which focuses on their experiences as joint-CEOs in the wildlife sector, so stay tuned for that!
Any questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.com
Links to our resources:
Website: https://www.womeninwildlife.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlife

This episode explores the idea of empathetic distress and why it can be so draining for people who work in caring, high-emotion roles, including those within the wildlife industry. We have emotional intelligence Olivia Oginska as our guest on this episode, who explains the difference between compassion and the kind of emotional exhaustion that comes from taking on the suffering of others, and why the term “compassion fatigue” is often misunderstood. The conversation looks at how empathy, values, and workplace pressures can combine to leave people feeling overwhelmed, especially when they care deeply but don’t feel able to change what they are seeing. Olivia also shares how self-awareness is the foundation for managing these feelings, and why it matters to understand what specifically is triggering the emotional response. She talks about the role of support systems, reframing, and knowing what is within your control, especially in environments where repeated exposure to distress can make hopelessness feel normal. The episode offers practical encouragement for anyone who wants to keep caring without becoming consumed by the emotional weight of the work, and reminds listeners that strong passion can be sustained with the right mindset, support, and boundaries.
Unfortunately, due to technological difficulties, we won't be releasing the part 2 mentioned throughout this episode.
You can learn more about Olivia's work at the Human Savvy here: https://behumansavvy.com/ or follow her on instagram at @vetgonereal
Any questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.com
Links to our resources:
Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlife

In this month's episode of the WIW podcast we explore the journey of Dr. Sharon Mulindi, a dedicated wildlife veterinarian from Kenya. She shares her experiences working in remote areas, facing challenges as a woman in the field, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts. Dr. Mulindi's story highlights the importance of representation, community involvement, and a holistic One Health approach in wildlife conservation.The episode begins with Sharon's childhood inspiration from Nairobi National Park, which sparked her early interest in wildlife medicine. She discusses her journey through vet school and her specialization at Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Sharon provides insights into the realities of working as a wildlife vet in remote and sometimes dangerous areas, emphasizing the vital role of local communities and traditional knowledge in conservation. Sharon shares strategies for building relationships, safety, and trust in challenging environments, whilst also emphasising the importance of representation for women, especially African women, in wildlife careers. We also chat about how having a One Health approach links wildlife, human, and ecosystem health, with Sharon recounting memorable cases, including elephant rescues and translocations. The episode concludes with practical advice for young women aspiring to enter conservation and veterinary fields, offering inspiration and guidance for the next generation.
 
You can follow Dr Sharon on Instagram @sha.ron_mulindi
Any questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.com
Links to our resources:
Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlife
Music by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX

In this month's topic-focused episode, science communication expert and author Zoe Kean shares insights from her book "Why We Like This", delving into the fascinating parallels between wildlife health and human diseases, particularly cancer. She explores the paradoxes of evolutionary biology related to aging, sex, and cancer, and how cancer is an ancient and universal phenomenon in multicellular life. We learn about transmissible cancers in Tasmanian devils, the role of genetic diversity and evolution in cancer resistance among species like elephants, whales, and naked mole rats, and the application of ecological and evolutionary theories to cancer treatment strategies. Zoe also highlights the impact of inbreeding and genetic bottlenecks on endangered species’ health and vulnerability, and the potential for cross-disciplinary research in conservation and medicine. By understanding cancer through evolution, innovative therapies and prevention methods may emerge, offering hope for both human health and wildlife conservation. This episode was a very unique one, offering a fresh perspective on disease and conservation, highlighting the importance of cross-disciplinary thinking in tackling complex biological challenges.
Any questions or queries contact womeninwildlife@outlook.com
Links to our resources:
Website: https://women-in-wildlife.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women.in.wildlife/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077369770841
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womeninwildlife
Music by Thomas Hagen from SLAUX