Conservation Leadership Workshop at Sharks International 2026
Our first two-day workshop: a focused, leadership-first format that built strategy, self-awareness and lasting community among marine conservation professionals.
In May 2026, 31 conservation professionals joined us in Colombo, Sri Lanka for our first two-day workshop, held alongside Sharks International 2026. It was a new, condensed format for us, and our first paid workshop.
Over two days, participants developed capacity across three core areas:
Strategy & Direction
Finding your "why", mission and vision setting, thinking and planning strategically, and building a personal Leadership Development Plan to carry the work forward.
Leadership & Self-Awareness
Understanding what leadership really asks of you, emotional intelligence, navigating difficult conversations, and leading from a foundation of self-awareness rather than self-sacrifice.
Community & Connection
Peer learning and honest exchange, a safe space to share real challenges, and professional relationships that continue beyond the workshop.
This was a focused, leadership-first format designed to test how much value two days could deliver, held at the end of a busy conference week.
What changed
97% of participants felt understood as a research or conservation professional during the workshop
97% feel connected to the other participants
93% rated overall satisfaction as 4 or 5 out of 5
93% rated the workshop's value for money as 4 or 5 out of 5
93% would recommend the workshop to other conservation professionals
Participants also reported clear growth across every area we measured, with the largest gains in their use of strategy and their understanding of leadership.
Impact in Numbers
31
Participants
18
Countries
"I have never prioritised putting me first, but I now see how conservation leadership needs to start from within. You can't show up for others if you can't even show up for yourself."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
"It helped me recognise the challenges we face in this field, that we are not alone, and the importance of self-work to become a good leader."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
"The explanation of strategy will directly support the region-wide management plan I am currently drafting. The communication tools and reflective practice are also very helpful."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
"How real both facilitators were. The sharing of personal anecdotes, both successes and missteps, made it much easier to relate to and engage with the content."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
"I feel like I have a new sense of direction. I feel I am ready to put in the work that needs to be done."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
"I was surprised by how quickly everyone felt able to be vulnerable and honest."
— 2026 Workshop Participant
