Podcast | Why Conservation Needs More Than Conservationists with Dr Nick Askew
I recently had the pleasure of joining Chris Lee on the About Parks and Restoration Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on conservation careers, leadership, and the future of our sector.
The Parks and Restoration Podcast is designed for parks and conservation professionals who want to become better leaders – recognising that stronger leadership leads to healthier ecosystems, more effective teams, and greater impact overall.
In our discussion, we explored my journey from early inspiration – including childhood fishing trips and a memorable first encounter with a barn owl – through to international fieldwork with BirdLife International and eventually founding Conservation Careers. Along the way, we touched on lessons from my PhD research on barn owl behaviour and habitat connectivity, the evolution of Conservation Careers into a global platform, and what today’s conservation employers are really looking for in candidates.
We also dug into some of the bigger challenges and opportunities facing the sector – from the growing importance of professional and leadership skills, to the need to bring in talent from outside conservation, and why entrepreneurial thinking is increasingly essential for NGOs and nonprofits.
You can learn more about the podcast at: ParksandRestoration.com