Sometimes, I'm not really sure how I got to where I am today. All I know now is that I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I'm meant to do. Founding and growing BioConserve has been a dream come true- a dream I never had imagined existed in the realm of possibility. Over a decade ago, when I first moved to the Middle East, I struggled to find my place as an ecologist in the then-emerging markets of the GCC. Opportunities for actual biodiversity work were few and far between: a handful of conservation NGOs; a few government positions; a couple academic institutions running wildlife research projects. I gained ecological experience where I could - researching a breeding colony of Socotra Cormorant; consulting on Environmental Impact Assessments; field work and audits; dabbling in natural resources, waste management and circular economy. What I've witnessed in the past decade is that the recognition of the importance for biodiversity regionally (and globally!) has grown exponentially alongside my own career. In 2020 I took a leap of faith, and foreseeing a rise in demand, founded BioConserve- a consultancy providing advisory on biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem issues. My "glass half full" attitude paid off, and I'm proud to say that BioConserve is the first, and only, 100% biodiversity-focused consultancy based in the region. We live, breathe, talk biodiversity - birds, bats, bugs; plants, wildlife, flowers, trees- you name it- we know it. What I've learned most of all through the growth of BioConserve is that I have a unique ability able to take a holistic, strategic approach to applying highly technical concepts to solve new and complex problems. I always take the time to understand my client's needs and constraints when advising on the way forward for biodiversity related design, mitigation and management. I understand people, and I understand ecosystems; and the only way forward for our collective future is to balance the needs of both.