Leadership takes many forms, and I believe each of us has the opportunity to be a leader in our own way. Whether it’s sharing our values through advocacy, engaging in our communities, or fulfilling our civic duties, leadership is about setting an example and inspiring others to act.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Robin Ganzert.
Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., is president and CEO of American Humane and Global Humane, the nation’s first humane organization. The 147-year-old nonprofit is now the largest certifier of animal welfare in the world, with a presence in 43 countries, overseeing the care of more than 1 billion animals annually. Dr. Ganzert oversees iconic programs such as No Animals Were Harmed®, protecting animals in film and entertainment; American Humane Certified®, ensuring humane treatment of agricultural animals; Pups4Patriots™, providing service dogs for wounded warriors facing PTSD; and managing emergency animal rescue missions in catastrophic disaster areas around the world.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
What initially ignited my passion for the animal welfare space was the remarkable and transformative power of the human-animal bond. Seeing firsthand how these connections can profoundly enrich lives, foster healing, and bring immense joy to both humans and animals was an incredibly compelling experience that motivated me to dedicate myself to this field. My first project with American Humane was the launch of our groundbreaking Canines and Childhood Cancer study to rigorously measure the effects of animal-assisted therapy on children with cancer, their parents, and therapy dogs. At its core, the study was a measurement of the importance of the bond between animals and humans. To further enhance this study and our findings I wanted to work with a partner who would help us assemble the best research teams while providing additional visibility and funding. We found Zoetis — formerly the animal health business of Pfizer — to be the perfect partner and we worked with them on this study for seven years. The study results, published in the Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, clearly showcased that regular visits from a therapy dog can provide significant psychosocial benefits to the families of children undergoing cancer treatments. It also proved a positive effect on parents and their relationship with medical staff. This was the first and largest clinical trial ever done to show the benefits of animal-assisted interaction for kids with cancer. I was and continue to be motivated to provide a platform of significant research to prove through scientific efforts that animals help heal.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
Serving as the CEO of American Humane and Global Humane has given me the chance to lead efforts I never could have imagined, including creating documentary films about one of the world’s most urgent crises — the sixth mass extinction. One of the most remarkable experiences happened while working on our first film, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Dame Helen Mirren. The success and recognition that followed were overwhelming, but it became clear to me that we had more stories to tell, especially about the scientists on the frontlines fighting to save our planet’s biodiversity.
That realization led to the creation of Escape from Extinction: Rewilding, a film about reintroducing species into their natural habitats. As I envisioned the film, I knew it needed a narrator with gravitas and deep empathy, and Meryl Streep immediately came to mind. To my amazement, she said yes. I flew out to meet her for the narration session, and after two years of traveling the world and telling these powerful stories, it was incredibly emotional to hear her bring it to life with her unmistakable voice.
At the end of the recording, Meryl leaned over to me and asked, “Now Robin, after this beautiful film, what are you going to do next?” I shared with her that I was planning to buy a farm in Africa. With a smile, she responded, “You know, Robin, I once had a farm in Africa.” Any Meryl Streep fan knows that’s the iconic opening line from Out of Africa, her Academy Award-winning film. In that moment, I had goosebumps. It was one of those rare, serendipitous instances when you feel the universe aligning for a higher purpose. It’s a story I’ll cherish forever.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Yes, I’ve certainly made my share of funny mistakes — sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself, which is always a good thing. One story that my family still loves to tease me about happened early in my career. We were launching a big new conservation initiative, and I had a whirlwind of media appearances lined up. We had a major debut before Congress on the East Coast and an exciting live interview on KABC out in Los Angeles.
KABC requested that I bring a few animals to the studio, and specifically asked for a monkey. Now, the monkey I’m most familiar with is Crystal, who starred in The Hangover films and Night at the Museum — she even made an appearance in my first book. So, I said, “Let’s get Crystal!” But Crystal was off filming a sequel, so instead, my team arranged for a known ambassador monkey.
I thought everything would go smoothly, but when we went live on air, that monkey was a little more anxious than I expected. Mid-interview, as I’m trying to announce this important new conservation program, the monkey decides to bite me — right on the chest! I’m trying to keep my cool, talking about our mission, while the monkey is, quite literally, hanging on to me. The anchors didn’t even realize what was happening! Luckily, the trainer did, and after making sure I wasn’t bleeding, he quickly handed me a chinchilla to hold and calmly took the monkey away.
I somehow got through all my talking points, smiling through the whole thing, and I didn’t cry! They say “never let them see you cry,” and that definitely applies when you’re being bitten by a monkey on live TV.
What did I learn? First and foremost, I learned that you always have to be the voice for the animals, even when there are professionals around. I noticed the monkey was being handled by too many people and wasn’t comfortable being under the spotlight that day. Now, whenever I see an animal looking even slightly uneasy, I step in immediately, no matter who else is there. That’s the lesson — always listen to the animals and advocate for them, because sometimes they need someone to speak up for their well-being.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
At American Humane, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of animals are heard and protected, and we achieve that by leveraging science and evidence-based practices to drive real, systemic change. One of the most significant ways we’re making a social impact is through our farming program. We are now the largest certifier of humane treatment for farm animals in the world, with well over a billion animals receiving our seal of approval through our rigorous certification process.
What reassures me that we’re making a difference is the scale at which this change is happening. By working with farms and businesses around the globe, we’re not only improving the lives of individual animals but also influencing the industry at large. Our certification helps ensure that animals are treated with respect and dignity, even in large-scale agricultural systems. This means that our impact is vast, reaching animals where they are most vulnerable and ensuring they receive humane care.
The ripple effect of this work is transformative — not only for the animals but for consumers and businesses that are increasingly aligning their practices with humane standards. This program is just one example of how we are creating positive, lasting change for animals, and it drives home the fact that meaningful, systemic impact is possible when you combine compassion with science and a commitment to doing what’s right.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
My greatest inspiration has always been my mother. She is a constant force for good in my life, encouraging me to do what’s right and protect those without a voice — especially in the realm of animal welfare. She serves as a reminder that, through love and action, we can change lives and inspire others to join the cause. My mother’s belief in the power of kindness continues to guide me in my work at American Humane, reminding me every day of our responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Absolutely, there are three key things that communities, society, and politicians can do to help address the biodiversity crisis and support rewilding efforts.
First, we need to elect politicians who prioritize conservation and environmentally friendly programs. This includes supporting initiatives like wildlife crossings, protecting endangered species, and investing in legislation that safeguards natural habitats. Leaders who value conservation can help drive meaningful change at a policy level, which is critical to preserving biodiversity.
Second, local officials should be encouraged to provide more green spaces — parks, trees, and natural areas where people, especially children, can connect with nature. These spaces are essential not only for wildlife but also for fostering a love of the outdoors and inspiring the next generation of conservationists and animal advocates.
Third, at an individual level, each of us can make a difference right in our own backyard. We can adopt environmentally friendly habits, such as reducing pesticide use, planting native species, and creating pollinator-friendly environments with butterfly bushes and other plants that attract wildlife. Simple actions like these can have a profound impact on the local ecosystem.
Most importantly, with over a million species at risk of extinction and billions of us on the planet, if each person chose just one species to champion, we could make an extraordinary difference. It doesn’t take much, but if we unite our efforts across communities and continents, we could work collectively to save species and preserve biodiversity. Just choose one. That simple act of commitment can ripple out to create significant, lasting change.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership takes many forms, and I believe each of us has the opportunity to be a leader in our own way. Whether it’s sharing our values through advocacy, engaging in our communities, or fulfilling our civic duties, leadership is about setting an example and inspiring others to act.
For me, leadership is fundamentally about bringing people together — building consensus and uniting different voices around a shared purpose. It’s about finding common ground and working collectively to make the world a better place. In my work at American Humane, that means rallying diverse stakeholders — from scientists to policymakers to everyday citizens — around the cause of protecting animals and preserving biodiversity.
An example of this is our Escape from Extinction documentaries. These films brought together experts, conservationists, and everyday people to raise awareness about the sixth mass extinction and inspire action. Leadership in that instance wasn’t just about producing a film; it was about uniting voices to drive real change for species at risk. That’s the heart of leadership for me — working collaboratively to achieve social good and create lasting impact.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- Always, always hire the very best people.
This is number one for a reason. Surround yourself with the most passionate and skilled advocates for your cause. The success of any organization, especially in animal welfare, depends on having a team that is not only talented but also deeply committed to the mission. Having the right people makes all the difference.
2. Get out there and connect — it’s all about the shoe leather.
Animal welfare cannot be done from behind a desk in Washington. You have to be out in the field, meeting with stakeholders, seeing the issues firsthand, and connecting with the communities you serve. The most impactful moments come when I visit rescue sites, farms, and conservation areas. Seeing the animals we’re fighting for in person and hearing directly from those on the front lines is what grounds you in the mission.
3. You’ll never have enough resources, so be strategic.
There will always be more to do than the budget allows, so it’s essential to be strategic about how you allocate your resources. When I first started, I wanted to tackle every challenge at once, but I quickly learned that focusing on the most critical areas makes a bigger impact in the long run. Prioritize, make every dollar count, and don’t be afraid to say no to initiatives that don’t align with your core goals.
4. Measure your impact.
It’s not enough to do good — you have to be able to show it. Understanding your key performance indicators (KPIs) and measuring your social impact is critical to ensuring you’re making a real difference. Early in my tenure, we implemented rigorous tracking of our programs, from the number of animals saved to the reach of our educational efforts. These metrics help you prove your success and guide future strategy.
5. Adapt and refine based on what you learn.
This goes hand-in-hand with measuring your impact. You need to be constantly learning and adjusting based on the results. The work we do is dynamic, and the landscape is always shifting — whether it’s new environmental challenges or changing public perceptions. Staying adaptable is key to making long-term, sustainable change.
These five lessons have shaped my journey and continue to guide me as we work to protect animals and preserve the natural world.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the best to the most people, it would be a Rewilding Day in every single community, bringing together people of all ages to participate in hands-on, community-based projects. The beauty of this initiative is that it would be tailored to the needs and environment of each location.
For example, in a city, you could have an Urban Rewilding Day, where communities plant native species, create pollinator gardens, or restore green spaces. In rural areas, it might involve reintroducing native wildlife, restoring habitats, or even supporting regenerative farming practices. The idea would be for communities to come together — across generations — to actively engage in restoring nature and addressing the pressures we’ve placed on our planet.
Rewilding isn’t just about animals; it’s about humans reconnecting with nature and understanding the deep interdependence we have with the natural world. It would empower people to take ownership of their local environments and foster a sense of responsibility toward conservation. By creating a global movement of local rewilding days, we could make a real impact — both in restoring biodiversity and in inspiring a new generation of conservationists.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
That’s a tough one, but there is a quote I always use that I hope will resonate with others: “You can’t protect what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.” This has been a guiding principle for me, especially in the work I do for animal welfare and conservation.
I encourage everyone who may have missed out on experiencing the healing power of the human-animal bond to go out and connect with the animal kingdom. Visit your local animal shelter, spend time at an American Humane certified wildlife sanctuary, or even just engage with a pet at a store. When you truly get to know animals — whether it’s a dog, a bird, or even a fish — you begin to understand the impact of your actions on their lives and the environment as a whole.
This quote applies to so many areas of life, particularly in today’s world, where people often feel disconnected from nature and the creatures we share the planet with. When you get to know animals and witness their beauty and intelligence firsthand, you start to care more deeply. And once that bond is formed, it becomes impossible not to act in their best interest, because love naturally leads to protection.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I would love to have a private breakfast with the next President of the United States. My goal would be to ensure that animal protection and the fight to save species from extinction are at the top of their agenda. We are facing an unprecedented crisis — within the next 20 years, the very web of life on this planet may not look the same. The time we have to reverse this trend is slipping away, and we need decisive action now. The leader of the free world has the power to make a profound difference, not just for animals, but for the future of our planet and generations to come.
If we don’t take urgent steps to protect biodiversity, the ripple effect on ecosystems, food security, and human health will be devastating. This conversation needs to happen at the highest level, and I believe the next president could play a pivotal role in leading the global fight to protect our planet’s precious wildlife.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
To stay connected with our work at American Humane and follow my journey, you can visit our website at AmericanHumane.org. There, you’ll find information about our programs, ways to get involved, and the latest updates on our conservation efforts, animal rescue missions, and certifications.
You can also follow American Humane on social media:
- Twitter: @AmericanHumane
- Instagram: @AmericanHumane
- Facebook: American Humane
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Dr Robin Ganzert Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.