Damien Mander: From Combat to Conservation

In this episode of The Inspired CEO, Kate Save sits down with Damian Mander—a former Australian special forces sniper turned global conservationist and founder of Akashinga, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit. Damian opens up about his transformation from military service in Iraq to protecting endangered species in Africa. What began as a search for purpose led him to Zimbabwe, where he witnessed the brutal realities of poaching—and decided to do something radical. From training local women from marginalised backgrounds to lead law enforcement efforts, to managing over 13 million acres of protected land across five African countries, Damian shares the extraordinary impact of empowering women in conservation.