Episode #2; She Said Yes Before She Was Ready—From the Amazon to Antarctica
Bia Figueiredo
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What does it take to answer the call—even when it scares you?
She said yes before she was ready—and it changed everything.
In this captivating episode of Her Brave Story, Chrystal Dawn sits down with Bia Figueiredo, a Brazilian-born marine conservationist, scientist, and expedition leader whose path took her from childhood curiosity to the icy waters of Antarctica, the depths of the Amazon, and into a life fiercely aligned with purpose.
As a child, Bia felt a deep, intuitive calling to protect whales and the ocean—even though she didn’t grow up anywhere near it. After surviving a near-drowning experience that almost kept her from the water for good, she made one brave choice: to say yes.
Yes to the unknown.
Yes to fear.
Yes to the wild.
That one yes became a four-week stint with Sea Shepherd—which turned into four years on the front lines of marine conservation, working with Captain Paul Watson to defend vulnerable marine life.
But her journey didn’t end there. It led her deeper—into storytelling, feminine leadership, and a beautiful synchronicity with one of her greatest inspirations, Dr. Jane Goodall, whose influence helped her realize that protecting the wild isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life.
This is a story about trusting the whisper of your intuition.
About finding the courage to act before you feel ready.
And about what it truly takes to live a life of devotion, integrity, and brave leadership—especially as a woman in male-dominated spaces.
If you’ve ever felt the pull toward something bigger than you…
If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready, qualified, or strong enough to begin…
If you long to create a life of purpose—even when it feels far away…
Bia’s story is here to remind you:
You don’t have to be ready. You just have to say yes.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
What it means to follow a calling—even if you don’t feel qualified
How one brave “yes” turned into four years of global conservation work
The truth about working in male-dominated, high-stakes leadership roles
How to listen to your intuition and trust your path
The connection between nature, healing, and feminine power
What happens when you say yes before you feel ready
⏱ Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to Bia and the story behind this episode
03:30 – The childhood moment that sparked her love for the ocean
06:15 – Surviving a near-drowning and what came next
10:45 – Saying yes to Sea Shepherd and only expecting to stay 4 weeks
14:20 – What life was really like aboard Sea Shepherd’s ships
18:00 – From fear to fierce: owning her space in male-led expeditions
23:10 – Meeting Dr. Jane Goodall and how the collaboration began
27:30 – Feminine leadership in wild spaces
30:45 – The cost (and reward) of living in full alignment
34:00 – How to follow your own calling, one brave step at a time
37:45 – Final thoughts and Chrystal’s reflections on Bia’s brave yes
BIO:
Brazilian by birth, Bia has always been drawn to the coast, where the ocean became her sanctuary and endless source of inspiration. With degrees in Biological and Marine Sciences, her journey has been defined by a profound passion for conservation and the wonders of the natural world.
Bia has worked alongside Sea Shepherd both onshore and offshore for many years, contributing to anti-whaling campaigns, illegal fishing initiatives, and various other conservation efforts. Currently, she is affiliated with the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, continuing her commitment to marine life protection through direct action.
Her belief is clear: education is the key to individual and collective change, and she works tirelessly to spread this message.
Her career has taken her from the lush forests of the Amazon to the icy waters of Antarctica, collaborating with governmental and non-governmental organizations on projects that protect aquatic ecosystems and wildlife.
Along the way, she has embraced roles as an expedition guide, skipper, lecturer, and photographer, sharing her knowledge and love for the planet in some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations—including the Kimberleys, the Pacific, and the Amazon.
Now based in Australia, Bia dedicates her life to reconnecting people with the natural world, whether by leading adventures to uncover the secrets of tropical reef fish, the artistry of coral reef ecosystems, or the ancient navigation techniques of Micronesia.
She brings to life not only the intricate beauty of marine biodiversity but also the rich cultural heritage tied to the ocean.
In her downtime, she continues to explore coastlines, freedive, and hike, all while volunteering with marine conservation groups. Her unwavering commitment to biodiversity and sustainability shapes everything she does, from guiding trips to giving lectures about coral reef ecology and whale sharks, to connecting with communities passionate about preserving our shared heritage.
A true "water child" and nature enthusiast, Bia lives to share the hidden treasures of our planet, inspiring others to help keep these wild places wild. For her, storytelling and exploration are the ultimate ways to nurture a deeper connection to the Earth and all its wonders.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
