Coaching for Conservation Careers – at Every Stage
Whether you are starting out, finding your feet, or stepping into leadership, our personalised conservation career coaching is designed to meet you where you are – and help you move forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.
We offer three coaching packages, tailored to different career stages and needs. Each combines expert 1–to–1 coaching with practical support grounded in the realities of conservation careers.
Discover
For career switchers, returners and those at a crossroads
Discover coaching is designed for people who know they want meaningful work in conservation, but need clarity on their direction and how to get there.
This package helps you step back, reflect, and design a career path that genuinely fits you – your values, strengths and life priorities.
What this coaching supports you with:
Gaining clarity on what type of conservation career truly suit you
Understanding your strengths, motivations and values
Creating a clear, realistic vision and roadmap for your future
Rebuilding confidence and belief in what is possible
Moving forward with purpose rather than pressure
Thrive
For early-career conservation professionals and employers
Thrive coaching supports people who are already working in conservation and want to grow, stabilise and sustain their careers – without burning out.
It is also suitable for organisations looking to support and engage early-career staff.
What this coaching supports you with:
Greater clarity in your professional direction
Increased confidence in your skills, contribution and value
Greater awareness of what’s possible for you as you grow your career
Stronger motivation and sense of impact in your role
Increased engagement and retention for teams and organisations
Lead
For mid and senior conservation professionals and employers
Lead coaching is designed for experienced conservationists navigating leadership, responsibility and long-term career sustainability.
This package focuses on helping you lead with intention, resilience and impact – while staying aligned with your values.
What this coaching supports you with:
Navigating leadership challenges with confidence
Clarifying direction during career transitions or periods of change
Strengthening decision-making and strategic focus
Maintaining wellbeing, balance and long-term motivation
Supporting senior staff retention and leadership development
Meet your coach | Kristi Foster
Supporting human beings with big missions.
Kristi Foster is a career coach and an ontological coach. This means that she partners with conservationists to reach their goals, but also to transform how they are being in the world.
This approach is about more than getting a job – it’s about shifting how you experience your career and life – and what’s possible for you.
Kristi is a graduate of The Coaches’ Training Program through Accomplishment Coaching and has coached over 100 conservationists. She also consults in career planning, job applications, interviews and more.
Kristi is the Head of Programmes at Conservation Careers and has a Master’s in Conservation Biology. Her own conservation career journey has led her across the globe from East Africa to the Amazon, working with organisations such as Fauna & Flora, the World Agroforestry Centre and Ecotourism Australia.
Today a key part of her mission is supporting conservationists to transform who they are and want they do in the world.
Is coaching right for you?
Want to know if coaching is right for you? In the podcast episode, Kristi explains what coaching really is and how it can help you to find clarity, confidence and direction in your career.
Apply now
Testimonials
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Career coaching with Kristi was an invaluable experience! Our sessions together helped me gain confidence in my job search for a career in marketing within ocean conservation, clarity with actionable steps toward my dream project and legacy, and offered in-depth feedback and insight on my job application process. She created a safe space for me to open up about doubts and vulnerabilities, giving me the tools to reach within myself and uncover my true life’s purpose and meaning. HIRE HER. She’ll offer you a new lens to look through when you’re thinking about the next steps in your career!
– Christine Lacayo, USA
Coaching with Kristi has been fundamental in my switch to creating a career where I make a positive impact on wildlife. Before coaching I had a strong desire to make a difference but no clear idea of what it would be or how to get there. The coaching sessions are multifaceted – combining practical inquiry to clarify where I can bring value with concrete steps that Kristi holds me accountable to. There is also an inner process of self-discovery that has brought confidence and courage. I would not have moved this far, this fast without coaching.
– Tara Phillips, The Netherlands
After graduating from my master’s, I felt worried and confused about what to do next. Working 1:1 with Kristi was both transformative and empowering. She took the time to understand my goals, strengths and areas for improvement, and provided invaluable feedback, insights and tools that helped me gain clarity, focus and confidence. She created a safe space to explore my thoughts and challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. This summer I will join the team of Operation Wallacea in Honduras – and I could not be more excited. I would highly recommend this coaching experience to anyone looking to make positive changes in their personal and professional lives.
– Maria Fernanda, Honduran Ecologist and MSc Conservation and Wildlife Management
Undertaking career coaching with Kristi Foster has truly been a transformative journey. She developed a genuine working partnership tailored to my communication style and crafted personalised strategies that resonated deeply. Her constructive feedback and insightful advice propelled me to overcome obstacles and embrace new opportunities. Kristi’s approach fosters a mindset shift. Thanks to her expertise and dedication, I now feel more equipped and inspired than ever to pursue my conservation career aspirations.
– Leah O’Callaghan
What I found most valuable was regularly meeting someone who radiates trustworthiness and warmth – even through a computer screen. This trust allowed me to be completely honest with her and with myself. Being honest about my worries, fears and dreams was incredibly empowering. Working with Kristi means entering a safe and warm environment where you are asked questions you have probably never asked yourself before – without the slightest judgement. Because this is just about you.
– Martin Kramer, Germany / Switzerland
Coaching 1:1 makes you more accountable for your steps during what can be a long journey. It helps clarify your intentions and strengthens your plan of action.
– Daniela De Luca, Italy / Tanzania
The exercises were extremely helpful, but Kristi’s understanding of me as an individual made me feel truly seen and comfortable enough to dive deeper. It is enlightening and freeing. It guided me in new directions and positively influenced all aspects of my life.
– Devin Duvall, USA
Kristi knew exactly what questions to ask to challenge me to dig deeper and find answers within myself. It is more than career coaching – it is transformational for many aspects of life.
– Sam, Australia
What I found most valuable: (1) the quality of discussion was excellent; (2) Kristi’s ability to leverage Conservation Careers’ training and methodology was very helpful; and (3) her analysis and feedback on my CV and cover letter were thorough and insightful.
– Michael Schulte, USA
Most valuable was getting down to the underlying patterns of my thinking – my ‘survival mechanisms’ – which will help me in every aspect of life. It is like therapy, but instead of endless analysing, it uses strategic questions to uncover the root issue and move forward. Don’t hesitate to do it with the right coach.
– Lucy Dabner, UK
Kristi helped me understand myself better and reflect on how I choose to be. It can be uncomfortable, but it is deeply rewarding.
– Paul Godfrey, UK