Optimism is exhausting… Do THIS instead
Last week, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with one of the most influential conservationists of our time, Dr Tony Juniper CBE.
After an inspiring podcast recording, I asked Tony, “Are you optimistic about the future?” His response has stayed with me ever since:
You don’t have to be optimistic
His response challenged a core assumption I’ve long held: that to work in conservation, you must be an optimist—driven by hope to keep pushing forward, even when faced with adversity.
In asking this question over a hundred times, Tony is the first to offer a more grounded approach, one rooted in reality, action, urgency, and pragmatism.
To me, Tony’s perspective aligns closely with a principle of Stoicism: achieving peace of mind by focusing on what we can control and letting go of what we cannot. In essence, do what you can and let go of the rest.
And for Tony, doing what he can means achieving a great deal.
From serving as Chair of Natural England, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, and Special Advisor to the King’s Rainforests Project, to being President of The Wildlife Trusts and Executive Director for Advocacy and Campaigns at WWF-UK, Tony has played pivotal roles in shaping a better future for our planet.
What are the keys to his success?
Two things stand out to me personally,
- Cross-sector collaboration | More than anyone I can think of, Tony has successfully worked across public, private, and state sectors to transform conservation efforts. “The sweet spot is getting these sectors to work in synergy, adding up their individual contributions to create something greater,” Tony explained.
- Fearless and effective communication | Tony is an exceptional communicator. He has spearheaded high-profile campaigns that have resulted in transformative legislation, such as the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 and the Climate Change Act 2008. “To give ecologists the space and mandate to conserve nature, we need outstanding communicators,” he said.
This resonates deeply. A recurring theme I’ve encountered on the podcast and beyond is that while we know how to conserve the environment, we must become better at making the case for action—building support and inspiring change.
To do this, we need stronger communication skills in conservation.
That’s why I’m proud of the two communications courses we offer at Conservation Careers. Over the past few years, we’ve trained over 500 people in these critical skills, and we’d love to help you.
- Communications for Conservation Projects (Foundation Level): Learn how to plan and deliver effective communication activities throughout your career as a wildlife conservationist. More information here.
- Communications Strategy Development for Conservation Projects (Advanced Level): Master the art of creating a comprehensive communications strategy, from the initial brief to a fully developed campaign plan. More information here.
Both courses are available with a 33% discount until Thursday 28th November. If you know someone aspiring to become more employable and have more impact in conservation – following in the footsteps of leaders like Tony Juniper – I highly recommend checking them out.
Dr Nick Askew | Director | Conservation Careers