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In this special International Women’s Day episode, I bring together seven remarkable women working across the forestry sector—from investment and forest economics to sustainability, supply chains, and policy. In no particular order, Bettina von Hagen, Candice Taylor, Gwen Busby, Katrina Amaral, Kirstie White, Mary Ignatiadis, and Rita Hite share the pivotal moments, mentors, and decisions that shaped their leadership journeys. Through personal stories and candid reflections, the conversation explores themes of curiosity, resilience, and the power of mentorship in building a career in forestry. The guests also discuss the realities of working in a sector where women remain underrepresented, sharing experiences that range from subtle bias to moments of opportunity and influence. Together, these voices highlight how diverse perspectives are helping reshape forestry—from community-centered supply chains and natural capital investing to sustainable forest management and climate solutions—and why supporting the next generation of female leaders is essential for the future of the sector.
00:00 Introduction – Women Leaders in Forestry
00:23 Podcast Welcome & International Women’s Day Special
01:56 Women in Forestry – Representation and Industry Statistics
04:37 Introducing the Leadership Stories
05:01 Bettina von Hagen – Finding Your “True North” in Leadership
07:16 Candice Taylor – Continuous Learning and Career Reinvention
09:35 Gwen Busby – Economics, Nature, and Timberland Investment Strategy
12:05 Katrina Amaral – Community Forestry and Small-Scale Supply Chains
14:30 Kirstie White – Stewardship, Sustainability, and Leadership
17:13 Mary Ignatius – Forest Economics, Carbon Markets, and Collaboration
19:41 Rita Hite – A Leadership Journey to CEO
21:51 Gender Experiences in Forestry – Stories from the Field
24:08 Candice Taylor – Proving Expertise and Creating Space
25:32 Gwen Busby – Navigating Finance and Forestry as a Minority
28:06 Katrina Amaral – Logging, Perception, and Gender Bias
29:34 Kirstie White – Changing Representation in Forestry
31:25 Mary Ignatius – Confronting Gender Bias in Organizations
32:39 Rita Hite – Leadership Confidence and Authenticity
34:29 Closing Reflections – Celebrating Women in Forestry
34:37 Outro – Forest Invest
Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink
Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives
Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud
Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud
Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)
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