Meet Amy Green, the CEO and Co-Founder of The Green Vision, whose remarkable efforts for environmental safety have made her a name in the business world. The key efforts Green Vision focuses on are anti-poaching, rainforest conservation, hunger crisis, and environmental protection. Sustainability, education, and love of animals have always been close to her heart. She has been promoting these causes throughout her life and is honored to take this a step further by growing her organisation, the Green Vision. She is striving ahead with goals like safeguarding wildlife habitat, creating environmental awareness, stopping poaching, combating animal trade, fostering biodiversity, and building a stronger foundation.
In our conversation with Amy, we gained invaluable insight into her commitment to positive change.
PerceptivX (P): Tell us about The Green Vision.
Amy Green (AG): The Green Vision and partners have helped pioneer an impressive range of successful conservation initiatives across more than 20 countries, increasing vital protection for over 50 million hectares of land and more than 40 different threatened species. But the threat to Africa’s unique natural heritage remains real and more urgent than ever. The challenges facing the people and wildlife in Africa are greater than ever. The world is experiencing an extinction crisis. We are losing species at between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than the natural extinction rate, caused almost entirely by human activity. This will only worsen as the human population continues to grow and consume ever more natural resources. The illegal wildlife trade is now the fourth largest criminal industry after drugs, arms, and human trafficking. Worth as much as $20 billion per year, the trade threatens international security, national sovereignties, impoverished rural communities, and countless species from pangolins to elephants. The Green Vision is an organization dedicated to environmental conservation, anti-poaching, and sustainability. Our value proposition lies in our collaborative approach to addressing complex conservation issues. By partnering with organizations like Tusk Trust, 100 billion Meals, ACCF, and UNICEF, we’ve raised millions of dollars to support initiatives focused on anti-poaching, education outreach, biodiversity, and humanitarian aid. What sets us apart is our belief in the interconnectedness of conservation challenges and our commitment to holistic solutions. Our unique selling proposition is our ability to leverage partnerships and collective action to drive real change on a global scale. By bringing together diverse stakeholders and pooling resources, we can achieve a significant and lasting impact in preserving our planet’s natural resources for future generations.
P: How did you get successful?
AG: My journey to my current career path has been driven by a profound passion for protecting our planet and its wildlife. From a young age, I was captivated by the beauty of nature and felt a deep responsibility to safeguard it for future generations. It was clear to me that my future would involve making a significant impact on the choices we make for our planet’s sustainability. I’ve always been on a mission to help people understand the importance of making small changes for great rewards. I firmly believe that our children are the key to our future, and it’s essential to instill in them a sense of empathy and stewardship towards the environment. For me, empathy is the most powerful tool we have in our efforts to protect the planet. It drives my commitment to raising awareness and inspiring action, knowing that every small step we take can make a meaningful difference in preserving the beauty and diversity of our natural world. In my journey as a leader, I’ve found that balancing resilience and vulnerability is essential for success. As a woman building a sports show, I’ve had to tap into both traits. It’s about understanding the hearts and minds of athletes but also cultivating strong relationships. I believe in equality, but I don’t endorse victimhood or blaming men for every challenge women face. Both masculine and feminine energies exist within each of us, and it’s up to us to harness these traits effectively. As a mother of two daughters, I’ve learned the importance of balancing vulnerability with authority. I cherish the deep connection I have with my girls while also establishing clear boundaries as a parent. In my foundation and conservation work, vulnerability is inevitable when witnessing the destruction of our planet. However, resilience fuels my passion to protect our biodiversity for future generations. It’s a delicate balance between vulnerability and strength that drives meaningful change. As a woman in leadership, I’ve found that navigating and challenging gender stereotypes has been more about staying true to myself and my values rather than conforming to traditional male-dominated approaches. Throughout my career, I’ve held high-profile positions where I’ve often been the only woman in the room. Instead of viewing it as an obstacle, I focused on working hard, delivering results, and maintaining professionalism in my interactions with colleagues, regardless of their gender. I’ve never approached it as a gender issue; rather, it’s been about confidence in my abilities and building relationships based on mutual respect. By staying focused on my goals and remaining authentic to my style, I’ve been able to earn respect in male-dominated environments. My strategy has always been to work hard, stay true to my values, and develop meaningful relationships based on professionalism and competence, irrespective of gender.
P: How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?
AG: Utilizing emotional intelligence and active listening is crucial for fostering an inclusive environment within a team or organization. These qualities not only enhance communication but also build trust and understanding among team members. In my experience, I’ve found that practicing self-awareness and self-regulation is key. By being in control of my own emotions, I set an example for others to follow. Instead of reacting impulsively to situations, I encourage constructive dialogue and seek to understand different perspectives. Empathy plays a significant role as well. By putting myself in others’ shoes and understanding their feelings and experiences, I create a more supportive and inclusive environment. This fosters a sense of belonging and encourages open communication within the team. One instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics was during a challenging project. By actively listening to team members’ concerns and offering support and guidance, I was able to foster a collaborative atmosphere where everyone felt valued and heard. This led to increased morale and ultimately improved team performance.
P: Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
AG: Certainly, being an empathetic leader is immensely powerful. It’s about how you interact with people in various aspects of your life, be it at work, with friends, family, or even strangers. By embracing empathy, you can cultivate deeper connections and understanding in all your interactions. Whether you’re collaborating on a project, having a difficult conversation, or simply lending a listening ear, empathy allows you to truly connect with others on a human level. Moreover, being an empathetic leader sets a powerful example for those around you. It shows that compassion and understanding are essential qualities for effective leadership and interpersonal relationships. By leading with empathy, you can inspire positive change, foster meaningful connections, and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Empathy isn’t a weakness; it’s a strength. The true power lies in the kindness of your heart. Leading with empathy shows courage and resilience, allowing you to connect deeply with others and make decisions rooted in compassion. Embrace empathy to inspire, support, and create positive change.
P: Is there one piece of advice you constantly go back to in regards to your career? Furthermore, where do you envision your business growing or concentrating its efforts over the next few years?
AG: The career advice I consistently return to is to follow your intuition. It’s a guiding force that strengthens with life experiences, making you more resilient. By listening to your inner desires rather than external noise, you’ll find your true path and fulfillment. Always follow what fuels your soul, and you’ll navigate your own yellow brick road to success. I’m thrilled about the upcoming initiatives, particularly the Footprint of Life Gala. It’s more than just an event; it’s a movement built on collaboration and high vibrational energy. Partnering with like-minded individuals is where the magic happens, and I’m excited about the collaboration with the Planetary Guardians. This year’s gala promises to be extraordinary, and we’re dedicated to changing lives and raising vibrations through our efforts. In the next few years, I see our company continuing to expand its focus on collaborative initiatives that create real change and make a positive impact on the world. The key to any successful movement is to create a synergy that makes other people want to join with you. It’s universal love.
