This week, the world pauses to reflect on the extraordinary life of Dr Jane Goodall — a scientist, storyteller, advocate, and tireless champion for our planet. Jane’s life’s work resonates deeply for us all at Homeward Bound. She embodied the values we strive to live and instil in women and non-binary leaders with a background in STEMM: courage, collaboration, resilience, and above all, hope.
Jane Goodall was only 26 when she stepped into the forests of Gombe, Tanzania, to begin her pioneering study of chimpanzees. Without a university degree in hand, and with little more than determination, patience, and a deep sense of curiosity, she redefined what science could look like. She challenged the conventions of her time — not only as a woman in a male-dominated field, but also as a scientist who valued empathy, observation, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Our Founder, Fabian Dattner, met her lifelong heroine whilst interviewing HB’s filmed faculty stories and insights:
“I had the great privilege of meeting Jane Goodall in person in Boston in 2016, filming her for the newly emerging Homeward Bound projects. I remember her feeling cross with me for taking her away from the chimpanzees and the young people she worked to influence for a better world. As she warmed to what we were trying to do, she offered her wholehearted support. Towards the end of the filming, I asked her if there was one thing that concerned her above all others. She said clearly, sharply and incisively, greed. The greed of leaders in Power. Needless to say, she reduced the entire film crew and myself to tears. That was her superpower, to say in the simplest of terms, with compassion and conviction, what we all needed to hear. Her legacy will live on in many ways”.
Dr Jane Goodall On Leadership – watch here
HB Co-Founder, Professor Mary-Anne Lea, shares:
“As a child, I would pore over the National Geographics featuring Jane Goodall’s pioneering expeditions into the heart of the jungle to study the social systems of chimpanzees. She sowed a seed in me long before I realised the extent of my own interest in nature, animal behaviour and conservation. I never doubted I could lead field teams in wild and remote corners of the world thanks to her, and her groundbreaking work. She championed the Gombe chimpanzees, nature in all its forms, the communities that support it and a sustainable relationship with nature. We are fortunate to have heard her wise, humble and considered, hopeful voice standing up fiercely and consistently as our beacon for so long. She gave her life to this cause which will live on in the hearts and actions of all she continues to inspire.”
Jane’s generosity and giving deeply resonates with HB Co-Founder, Professor Justine Shaw:
“Her wisdom on planetary sustainability, the importance of protecting the planet and her insights on leadership are unparalleled. I know that our HB program participants deeply appreciated her wisdom and considered approach and her everlasting commitment to sustainability really resonated with them”.
Jane’s work revealed the humility required to see ourselves as part of nature, not separate from it. This shift — from hierarchy to interconnectedness — mirrors the shift we advocate for in leadership. At Homeward Bound, we encourage leaders to embrace collaboration, to lead with inclusivity and legacy-mindedness, and to put the sustainability of our planet and communities at the centre of decision-making.
For the HB network — women and non-binary leaders with a background in STEMM committed to influencing change for a more sustainable future — Jane Goodall’s life is both an inspiration and a challenge. She showed us that courageous leadership is not about power over others, but about service, humility, and fierce dedication to what matters most.
With gratitude and admiration,
The Homeward Bound Team