Women Leading the Future of Forestry

The ForestLink newsletter signupBettina von HagenCandice TaylorGwen BusbyKatrina AmaralKirstie WhiteMary IgnatiadisRita HiteIn 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 Forestry00:23 Podcast Welcome & International Women’s Day Special01:56 Women in Forestry – Representation and Industry Statistics04:37 Introducing the Leadership Stories05:01 Bettina von Hagen – Finding Your “True North” in Leadership07:16 Candice Taylor – Continuous Learning and Career Reinvention09:35 Gwen Busby – Economics, Nature, and Timberland Investment Strategy12:05 Katrina Amaral – Community Forestry and Small-Scale Supply Chains14:30 Kirstie White – Stewardship, Sustainability, and Leadership17:13 Mary Ignatius – Forest Economics, Carbon Markets, and Collaboration19:41 Rita Hite – A Leadership Journey to CEO21:51 Gender Experiences in Forestry – Stories from the Field24:08 Candice Taylor – Proving Expertise and Creating Space25:32 Gwen Busby – Navigating Finance and Forestry as a Minority28:06 Katrina Amaral – Logging, Perception, and Gender Bias29:34 Kirstie White – Changing Representation in Forestry31:25 Mary Ignatius – Confronting Gender Bias in Organizations32:39 Rita Hite – Leadership Confidence and Authenticity34:29 Closing Reflections – Celebrating Women in Forestry34:37 Outro – Forest InvestFounding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudAmbient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)Sign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.