High-voltage connections and grounded impact with Diane Matar
A candid conversation on leadership, trust, and what it takes to move bold ideas forward in climate philanthropy.
Editor’s Note: At Terraset, we know that some of the most powerful climate leaders are those behind the scenes, translating science into strategy and connecting the dots between capital, innovation, and impact. Diane Matar is one of those catalysts. With a career spanning climate science, philanthropy, and systems thinking, she’s helped shape some of the most thoughtful climate funding strategies out there—including early conversations that helped shape our new Revolving Fund.
We sat down with Diane Matar—Director of Strategic Development at SilverLining, climate philanthropy advisor and a founding member of Terraset’s Growth Council—for a candid conversation about trust, timing, and what it takes to move bold ideas forward in climate philanthropy.
Adam: Diane, I’m really glad we’re having this conversation. You’ve been a real driving force in climate philanthropy over the past few years shaping strategies and relationships that are rarely visible, but deeply impactful. I think more people need to understand how that kind of behind-the-scenes leadership moves the field forward.
Diane: Thanks, Adam. I believe meaningful progress comes from trust, consistency, and shared purpose. I like to be in the room—or help bring together the room—where bold ideas and people intersect. My role is often to surface those voices and connect them to aligned funders. As a scientist with an understanding of the solution space, a strong network in climate philanthropy, and a wide-angle view of the field, I feel a responsibility to connect those with a shared vision.
Adam: And that’s exactly why we wanted to have this conversation. So much of Terraset’s work is about catalyzing bold ideas but we’re only able to do that because of the connective tissue that people like you create. You’ve taken a unique route into this work from conservation science to advising philanthropists and helping grantees develop funding partnerships. What’s been the thread that’s tied it all together for you?
Diane: My motivation has always come from within. I don’t work to serve personal agendas—I collaborate with others to advance a collective mission: protecting nature and the planet. That’s the thread that runs through all my work. I always want to see how my knowledge, networks, and experience can best serve the common good. Transitioning from academia to advising philanthropy and fundraising didn’t feel like a career shift; it felt like approaching the same challenge from a different angle. That perspective helps me bridge communities and read the room—essential when working across diverse stakeholders.
Adam: At Terraset, we’re always trying to fund the leverage points, and the things that can have a catalytic impact. What makes someone effective at spotting those?
Diane: When I think of leverage points, two things come to mind: systems thinking and common ground. To spot leverage points, you need to understand your role within the broader ecosystem. Terraset does this exceptionally well, identifying where the carbon removal market is stuck and positioning itself as part of the solution. Once that’s clear, the next step is to spotlight the parts of your approach that resonate across the ecosystem. Those are your strongest levers. They draw others in and open the door to real collaboration.
Adam: I always describe you as a connector. What does that mean in practice?
Diane: For me, connecting people is about more than introductions; it's about pattern recognition and purpose. I pay close attention to what people are building, what drives them, and where they’re headed. I won’t make a connection unless I understand both sides deeply, trust the individuals, and see a clear alignment. When I do, it’s not just a warm intro, it’s a bet on the potential of something greater. Whether it’s a founder who needs confidence or a funder who needs context, I try to create the conditions for relationships that are authentic, generative, and grounded in shared purpose. I don’t control the outcome but I can shape the environment where powerful things begin to take root.
Adam: You’ve been a powerful strategic advisor and thought leader for Terraset. What drew you to our work?
Diane: What drew me in was the clarity and simplicity of the model. It’s one of those rare ideas that’s obvious in hindsight and bold in practice. A no-brainer, yet somehow no one had done it. I’ve learned that the most effective strategies are often the simplest and most focused. Early in my career, I came across the “law of focus” in marketing: own one thing and do it best; Terraset embodies that. It’s not trying to solve everything. It's laser-focused on directing catalytic capital where it can unlock the most value. That kind of intentionality, paired with a culture of humility, urgency, and openness, is rare. It gives Terraset’s goals for carbon removal a great chance of success.
Adam: Speaking of carbon removal, what excites you about that space right now?
Diane: As someone who doesn't directly work in carbon markets, my understanding is that the field is still in a formative stage and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. We have a narrow window to shape not just how the sector grows, but who it serves: frontline communities, local workforces, and the ecosystems around them. By backing the right people and projects now, we can create jobs, restore natural systems, and accelerate the field. At the same time, we can strengthen the credibility of carbon accounting and verification, and embed integrity and climate impact into the industry’s foundation. That’s a rare and powerful opportunity.
Adam: What do you wish more funders understood about early-stage climate work?
Diane: That risk is relative. What looks risky through a traditional finance lens might actually be the smartest bet for long-term systems change. We need funders who think in decades, not quarters—and who are willing to back frontier work even when it doesn’t fit neatly into conventional categories. For example, few funders explicitly support “Earth System science and solutions,” but that framing is crucial. We also need more trust-based funding. Rather than just evaluating past performance, funders should invest in people with the right leadership, values, and vision for what’s ahead.
Adam: Your work often happens behind the scenes. What’s something you wish more people understood about that role?
Diane: Honestly, it’s fun! At least for someone like me. But more seriously, this work is about trust. You can’t fake it, and you can’t rush it. Whether I’m helping a donor or advising a grantee, what matters most is building lasting relationships through deep listening. When we show up with humility, focused on others rather than ourselves, we begin to unlock the kind of collaboration that drives real progress. It’s not glamorous, but that’s where the work really happens.
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We’re a nonprofit that uses philanthropic capital to catalyze the nascent carbon removal industry. We pool tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, family offices, and donor-advised funds, and make strategic purchases of permanent, high-quality carbon removal from innovative projects and companies.
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