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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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