Meet Rosie Moore

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rosie Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rosie, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is extremely common in the science field, and as a woman in a high-level career who embraces a very feminine appearance, I often find my capabilities questioned. Women aspiring to high-ranking roles frequently face different standards, where attractiveness is presumed to be incompatible with competence until proven otherwise. My appearance can be perceived as “sliding” through on impressions rather than earning my place.

Studies have shown that even small changes in a woman’s appearance can significantly impact how seriously she is taken at work. When someone looks extremely feminine, people often assume she is better suited for roles like teaching young children rather than more traditionally male-dominated fields such as science. I’ve had to remain focused and recognize the far-reaching impact of my internet and media presence. It’s been crucial for me to always project confidence and assertiveness in my abilities and actions and not compare myself to other people in science. We all have different roles, from outreach to fieldwork, citizen science, and traditional publishing.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I started out in wildlife biology working with ornithology research and ecotourism in the shark industry, but I found my true passion in human-wildlife conflict and apex predator behavior. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to working with apex predators all around the world. My focus has been on raising awareness both online and in mainstream media to dispel myths and sway public perception to promote coexistence. Through my work, I aim to educate people about the importance of these predators in our ecosystems and the need to live harmoniously with them.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I believe three qualities were most impactful in my journey:

First, learning to not be afraid to embarrass yourself. Especially when speaking on large platforms, it’s crucial to give yourself a break if you don’t say everything perfectly. Remember, you’re only human, and being authentic resonates more than striving for perfection.

Second, the ability to think clearly and calmly in stressful situations has been vital. I’ve faced some very life-threatening scenarios in my line of work, and maintaining composure has often been the difference between safety and danger.

Third, the ability to take criticism and not let it ruin your day is essential. Constructive feedback is a valuable tool for growth, and developing a thick skin helps you stay focused and resilient.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace vulnerability and authenticity, work on stress management techniques, and view criticism as an opportunity for improvement rather than a setback. These skills will serve you well in any field.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

There is nothing I love more than working with non-profits to raise money and awareness for their mission; I’m always open to collaboration requests!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.scbafoundation.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiekmoore/