Behind The Brilliance

Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant is a wildlife ecologist, storyteller, and nature show host whose path to success defies every traditional metric of merit. In this candid conversation, Rae shares how she went from struggling in math and science classes to earning a PhD and becoming a leading voice in wildlife conservation. We explore the pivotal role that belief, representation, and access played in shaping her journey from her first exposure to nature through television, to a transformative study abroad trip to Kenya, to an unexpected pivot from lions to black bears. Rae also opens up about hitting emotional rock bottom in her 30s, the identity crisis that followed, and how she rebuilt her life with honesty, humility, and hope. This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we follow our passion, even when our performance or our path doesn’t fit the mold. Behind her brilliance:  Taking a non-traditional approach TOPICS COVERED:  Why passion trumps performance - How to pursue your calling even when traditional metri