About Jo
You will find plenty of information on this website about my professional background. But first, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to you properly.
ME IN A NUTSHELL
My husband, daughter and I live in Canberra, Australia’s capital city, on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. We share our home with two lovable dogs who bring us equal doses of joy and chaos every day. A friendly mob of kangaroos live across the road.
Each morning starts with a strong flat white. To my international friends, that’s a type of Aussie coffee you may not have met (yet). It will take over the world one day.
I own far too many cookbooks, collect interesting gins, and love good food especially when it’s paired with good company.
I think one of the greatest joys in life is swimming in the ocean on a sunny day.
I am a cancer survivor. If I’d found the lump 4-6 weeks later, I might not be here now. Early detection and aggressive treatment saved my life.
Life has handed me some real lemons at times, but I tend to eventually work out how to turn them into lemonade. I then take what I’ve learned to help others who are still staring at their own fruit bowl of challenges and unsure what to do.
I’ve travelled to more than 70 countries. I’ve dined with Presidents, met royalty, and worked with people who have so many letters after their names they could start their own alphabet. But fancy titles and fanfare don’t impress me nearly as much as how that person treats others.
I hold a deep and genuine respect for the knowledge and culture of Australia’s First Nations peoples. I am humbled by their experiences and continue to learn a lot from them about generosity, resilience, renewal and hope.
This is the side of me that matters more than any title or my CV. The person who believes that life should be lived with courage, curiosity, and kindness towards others.
It’s nice to meet you.
Of course, if you'd like to see the professional side of my story, you'll find it below.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
I bring two decades of experience at the highest levels of government, diplomacy, and leadership.
I’ve served as Chief of Staff to a Deputy Prime Minister, represented Australia in senior diplomatic postings, and worked at Government House hosting everyone from world leaders to everyday Australians being recognised for their contributions.
What connects all these roles is my belief that leadership is about more than titles. It’s about purpose, professionalism, and doing the right thing when it matters most.
My focus today is on supporting individuals and organisations who want to live and lead differently — with clarity, accountability, and a sense of purpose. Whether it’s through advisory work, board service, or speaking, I bring a strategic eye, global perspective, and the ability to cut through complexity to what really matters.
I also contribute as an Advisory Board member with Future Females Australia, where I support the growth of young women entrepreneurs.
Through my coaching, writing and speaking, I explore themes that have shaped my own journey: ethical leadership, courage, and transforming challenges into opportunities.
At heart, I’m a purpose-driven leader who believes strong boards, progressive organisations and principled individuals have the power to change more than just their own futures — they can change the world around them.
For more information about my professional background, see my education and credentials below, connect with me on LinkedIn, or get in touch to request a copy of my CV.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
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Fellow, Centre for Defence & Strategic Studies, Australian Defence College (War College)
Master of Arts (Strategic Studies), Deakin University
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Australian National University
Bachelor of Arts (Political Science & International Relations, Honours), Australian National University
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Ethical Leadership — Harvard University
Governance for Social Impact — Centre for Social Impact
Executive Ethics — Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership
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Internationally Certified Results Coach — International Coaching Federation (ICF)
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AS SEEN IN
CURRENT BOARD ROLES
Advisory Board member, Future Females Australia
Future Females Australia is a movement dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, providing a supporting community and resources to help women achieve their professional goals.
