In this episode of the Sustainable Ambassador Podcast, Mai Doan shares her journey from finance to conservation, and what she has learned through her second career conserving wildlife in Vietnam.
The conversation explores the conservation challenges facing Vietnam as economic development, population growth, land use, and climate change place increasing pressure on ecosystems and wildlife.
Mai also takes us inside Conservation Vietnam's funding model, including how the organization identifies and supports local conservation organizations, measures progress over long time horizons, and uses an investment-like approach to help promising programs grow without creating long-term dependence on a single funder.
Finally, Mai reflects on returning to university for a Master's degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and offers practical advice for professionals considering a transition into conservation—including why volunteering, spending time in nature, and testing your commitment before changing careers can be important first steps.
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