How Indo Ocean Project is using science, education, and field experience to conserve Indonesia's marine ecosystems, with our guest Lauren Sparks.

Indonesia sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle - one of the most biodiverse marine regions on Earth. But protecting these extraordinary ecosystems requires more than passion. It requires science, local partnerships, long-term monitoring, and people willing to dedicate their careers to making a difference.

Today's guest is Lauren Sparks, Founder and Director of the Indo Ocean Projec- a marine research and conservation organisation working across Indonesia to protect marine ecosystems through research, education, community engagement, and conservation action.

Originally from Canada, Lauren has spent the last 15 years living and working in Indonesia, building an organisation that now supports marine research, conservation projects, and career development opportunities for aspiring marine conservationists.

In this episode, we explore the incredible marine biodiversity of Indonesia, the conservation challenges facing its reefs and coastal communities, and how long-term ecological monitoring is helping inform better marine management and policy decisions.

We also discuss Lauren's own career journey - from dive instructor and ocean educator to conservation founder and leader - and the lessons she's learned along the way.

And for anyone considering a career in marine conservation, we dive into the wide range of opportunities available, the skills employers increasingly need, the growing importance of communications and data analysis, and how gaining hands-on field experience can help launch your career.

It's a reefs, research, and careers podcast. Enjoy.

How to build a meaningful career protecting our oceans, with our guest Dr David Shiffman.

What does it really take to build a career protecting our oceans?

Today’s guest is Dr David Shiffman - marine conservation biologist, public science communicator, author of Why Sharks Matter, and our Marine Conservation Expert in Residence here at Conservation Careers. David has spent his career exploring the intersection of marine science, conservation policy, and public engagement, with a particular focus on sharks and the threats they face.

In this episode, we explore David’s fascinating career journey - from a childhood obsession with sharks to becoming a leading voice in marine conservation. We discuss why evidence matters in conservation, what solutions are actually working to protect marine biodiversity, and why sustainable fisheries, marine protected areas, and science-based decision-making give him hope for the future of our oceans.

We also dive into marine conservation careers - the huge variety of roles available, the skills employers are looking for, and David’s practical advice for students, graduates, career switchers, and anyone who dreams of working in the sector.

And finally, we discuss our new Certificate in Marine Conservation, which David helped create as our Expert in Residence, designed to help people understand the principles, practice, and career opportunities within marine conservation.

It's a sharks, science, careers podcast. Enjoy.

How professionals can use their skills, values and career choices to create measurable positive impact, with our guest Devon Fritz.

Have you ever wondered how to turn your career into one of the biggest ways you can make a difference?

Today’s guest is Devon Fritz, author of The High-Impact Professional’s Playbook and co-founder of the nonprofit High Impact Professionals.

Devon works with professionals who want to move beyond good intentions and create measurable impact through their careers - whether that means changing jobs, shifting sectors, using existing skills in new ways, or finding other routes to contribute through mentoring, volunteering, board roles or donating.

In this episode, we explore the growing demand for purposeful work, why people from sectors like tech, finance and consulting are increasingly looking towards conservation and social impact, and what often holds them back.

We also unpack Devon’s IMPACT framework - a practical step-by-step process for identifying what matters, mapping career options, prioritising pathways, and taking clear action towards more meaningful work.

If you’re a professional wondering how to use your skills for good - or a career switcher looking for a more purposeful path - this episode is for you.

It’s a purposeful, practical, and high-impact podcast.

Enjoy.

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https://www.highimpactprofessionals.org/book

https://www.highimpactprofessionals.org/

How a conservation entrepreneur is tackling snakebite, restoring ecosystems, and building impact from the ground up, with our guest Dr Harry Fonseca Williams.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you combine a passion for wildlife with the drive to actually make a difference?

Today’s guest is Dr Harry Fonseca Williams - a toxicologist, conservationist, and founder who is working at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and conservation impact.

Harry describes himself as a “snakebite scientist” with a passion for toxic animals, and in this episode we explore two sides of his work. First, his role in founding The LEAF Charity - a fast-growing organisation restoring ecosystems and supporting communities through large-scale tree planting and conservation projects. And second, his work with ToxiVen and beyond, developing cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments to tackle snakebite - one of the world’s most overlooked global health challenges.

We talk about what it really takes to build a conservation charity from scratch, how small ideas can scale into meaningful impact, and why turning research into real-world solutions is so important.

We also dive into Harry’s career journey, from studying venom pharmacology to launching companies and leading conservation projects, and the lessons he’s learned along the way - including the importance of collaboration, fundraising, and following your passion.

If you're interested in conservation careers that go beyond the traditional path - blending science, startups, and real-world impact - this episode will give you plenty to think about.

It’s a snakes, science, impact podcast.

Enjoy.

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https://www.theleafcharity.com/

How conservation professionals can build strong teams, positive cultures, and deliver greater impact, with our guest Chris Lee.

Today we’re exploring something that sits at the heart of every successful conservation project - but often gets far less attention than it deserves - leadership.

I’m joined by Chris Lee, Executive Director at Des Moines County Conservation in Iowa, and co-host of the Parks and Restoration podcast. Chris describes himself as an “organisational ecologist” - applying lessons from nature to help build stronger teams, healthier workplace cultures, and more effective conservation organisations.

In this episode, we dig into what good leadership actually looks like in conservation - and why it’s not just about job titles or seniority. We explore how culture shapes performance, why putting people first is essential, and how thinking of organisations as ecosystems can completely change the way we work.

Chris also shares his own career journey - from wildlife biologist to organisational leader - including some honest reflections on mistakes, lessons learned, and what it really takes to build a team where people want to show up and do their best work.

And we talk about how anyone - at any stage of their career - can develop leadership skills and have a positive impact within their organisation.

It’s a thoughtful and practical conversation about the human side of conservation - and how, if we get that right, everything else becomes possible.

Enjoy.

https://www.parksandrestoration.com/

How SEED Madagascar is working with local communities is key to protecting wildlife and ecosystems, with our guest Dr Aubrey Alamshah.

Today we’re heading to southeast Madagascar - a region of extraordinary biodiversity, but also one facing some very real and complex conservation challenges.

I’m joined by Dr Aubrey Alamshah, Conservation Research Coordinator at SEED Madagascar - an organisation taking a long-term, holistic approach to conservation by working closely with local communities, alongside protecting wildlife and ecosystems.

In this episode, we explore what makes this region of Madagascar so unique, from its hyper-endemic species to its fragile coastal forests. We talk about the realities of conservation on the ground - including climate impacts, deforestation, and mining - and how SEED is responding through research, community partnerships, and practical action.

Aubrey also shares what their role involves day-to-day, how research translates into real conservation impact, and how volunteers and local teams contribute to the work.

And we dive into Aubrey’s career journey too - from early volunteering and fieldwork around the world, through to a PhD and into a leadership role in conservation research - with some really honest advice for anyone trying to break into the sector.

It’s a thoughtful, grounded and hopeful conversation about what it really takes to make conservation work.

Enjoy.

https://madagascar.co.uk/

From cloud forests to coral reefs - how Opwall blends science, education and conservation impact with Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall

Did you know that Operation Wallacea has taken more than 50,000 students into the field over the past 30 years.

But what actually happens on an expedition? How does the science work? And how can an experience like this shape an entire conservation career?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Tom Martin, Head of Research at Opwall, to unpack how their unique model combines rigorous academic research with hands-on field training across nine countries worldwide.

We talk about long-term biodiversity datasets, climate change in cloud forests, marine research programmes, and why practical field skills are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s conservation job market.

If you’ve ever considered gaining field experience overseas - or wondered how organisations like Opwall contribute to global conservation science - this episode will give you clarity and insight.

It’s an expeditions, ecology, and research podcast. Enjoy.

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1. Join CC – www.conservation-careers.com/join
2. Opwall website - https://www.opwall.com/
3. Opwall Instagram site - https://www.instagram.com/operation_wallacea/?hl=en
4. Opwall webinars - https://www.opwall.com/free-webinar/
5. Opwall jobs - https://jobs.opwall.com/jobs/

How to build a meaningful career protecting the ocean by working with people, communities, and partners, with our guest Lissa Batey.

If you’re interested in building a career in marine conservation, this episode is for you.

Today’s guest is Dr Lissa Batey, a marine conservation professional whose work brings together communities, partners, and organisations to deliver meaningful change for marine ecosystems.

In our conversation, we explore what a marine conservation career really looks like. Lissa shares her own career journey, what her role involves day-to-day, and how working with people - rather than just species or habitats - is often the key to protecting our oceans in the long term.

We talk about the skills needed to succeed in marine conservation beyond technical science, including communication, facilitation, and collaboration.

Lissa also offers practical advice for students, early-career professionals, and career switchers who want to work in marine conservation but aren’t sure where they fit, or whether they need to follow a traditional scientific pathway.

It’s an honest, grounded conversation about marine conservation careers, the realities of working in the sector, and how to build impact by working with people, not around them.

It’s a thoughtful, practical, and people-powered episode.

Enjoy.

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Join CC - www.conservation-careers.com/join

Lissa Batey - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lissa-batey-b2538567/