What does a healthy democracy look like?
New Substack article out now!
A grassroots public inquiry into AUKUS has raised questions that go well beyond submarines and defence spending. What happens when governments stop listening to the people they represent? And what does it tell us about public trust, political leadership and the health of Australian democracy? Read the full article here.
2027: Your Next Chapter
An evening for women in business in the Northern Rivers region of NSW
I’m delighted to be coming to Lismore to lead a conversation about what’s next as we look towards 2027. Join me for an evening of connection, shared ideas, paired with delicious food and drinks, with women from across the Northern Rivers. Tickets via Humantix here.
Leading with Courage & Integrity
Challenging Workplace Culture in the Australian Government
Jo joins Dr Jason Price on his podcast, Life at the Sharp End, to discuss leading with integrity, charting your own path as a woman in leadership, and using power responsibly. You can access the full episode here or via your favourite podcast platforms.
The Real Cost of Speaking Up
The Midlife Power Shift podcast
Jo joins Andrea Ryan for a conversation about the costs of speaking up and remaining silent. They explore the difficult choices people face, the power of bystanders, and what leaders can do to make speaking up safer. You can access the full episode here.
You Are More Than Your Job Title
Leadership, Power and Finding Your Influence
In this article, which follows their recent Leadership Confidence podcast conversation, Jennifer Cowley reflects on Jo’s perspectives on power, influence and leadership. From redefining failure and understanding hidden workplace dynamics to finding your voice and backing other women, this piece explores why leadership is about so much more than the title you hold. You can read it here.
Leadership Confidence Podcast
Navigating Power Dynamics and Using Your Voice Where It Matters
How well do you understand how power really works? Jo joins Jennifer Cowley on the Leadership Confidence Podcast to explore the dynamics of power and influence, what good leadership looks like, why speaking up matters, finding opportunity in unexpected places, and the importance of women backing and celebrating each other. Listen to the full conversation here.
Sydney event with Trinny Woodall
Future Females Australia x Trinny London
On Thursday 22 October, Future Females Australia and Trinny London are bringing together 150 women in Sydney for a special evening with Trinny Woodall, founder and CEO of Trinny London. Jo serves on the Advisory Board of Future Females Australia and is delighted to support this event, celebrating female entrepreneurship, business and the power of connection. Book your tickets here before they all go!
Women, Business & Economic Power
Jo’s new article for Women’s Agenda
What if one of Australia’s biggest untapped economic opportunities is already hiding in plain sight? New data shows the potential of helping more women-led businesses scale: around 745,000 additional jobs and around $100 billion annually in wages and tax revenue. This is an economic opportunity Australia can’t afford to miss. Read the full article here.
Canberra Women’s Event: Walking on Broken Glass
Women, power, and rebuilding after the glass ceiling breaks
On 26 October, Jo will host a special event in Canberra celebrating the international release of Walking on Broken Glass: Navigating the Aftermath of the Glass Ceiling, by Shannon Nutter and Julia C. Carreon. Jo wrote the Foreword to this book and will be joined by Shannon Nutter, Maureen Kyne and Julia Delaforce for a candid discussion about women, work and power. This event is expected to sell out, so grab your tickets here.
The Gender Index Australia
Measuring Women’s Economic Power
On 2 September, Jo supported the national launch of The Gender Index Australia at Westpac in Sydney. This data-led initiative provides a new national picture of women-led businesses across Australia. Download the full report here.
Walking on Broken Glass
Navigating the aftermath of the Glass Ceiling
Jo was delighted to be asked to write the Foreword to this book on women’s leadership by American co-authors and global executives Shannon Nutter and Julia C Carreon. Released internationally in September 2026, the book draws on the experiences of women whose careers have been disrupted after reaching senior levels of leadership and explores what happens when the glass ceiling doesn’t simply stop women from progressing, but breaks beneath them.
Women on Boards: Canberra
20th anniversary event!
Women on Boards has spent 20 years working to improve gender balance and increase women’s participation in board and leadership roles across Australia. As part of its national 20th anniversary celebrations, Jo hosted a fireside conversation in Canberra with Justice Louise Taylor, Chief Magistrate of the ACT and the first Aboriginal woman appointed to a superior court in Australia.
The Gender Index Australia
National launch: MC & Strategic Adviser
I’m thrilled to be supporting the national launch of The Gender Index Australia as both MC and Strategic Adviser. This game-changing new data reveals the contribution and potential of female-led businesses in the Australian economy.
Book launch at the Australian War Memorial
What a night!
This week, I had the privilege of MC-ing the launch of Julia Delaforce’s new book, Treatment of a Woman in the Military, at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. This was never going to be your average book launch! The event brought together whistleblowers, advocates, veterans and supporters for an important conversation about speaking up, power and the cost of challenging institutions. Check out more photos from the evening on Instagram and LinkedIn.
First Movers
New podcast interview out now!
A great conversation with Yas London about speaking up, power, workplace culture, moral injury, and the important role of bystanders and upstanders. Watch or listen now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Story Room Global
Live on stage in Sydney on 4 August!
At Story Room Global I’ll taking the stage in Sydney to talk about Ageing Fearlessly. It’s not a topic I usually speak about as part of my professional work. I’ll be sharing a personal story about the moment everything changed after a cancer diagnosis, and why I now think differently about time and what it really means to grow older. For me, ageing isn’t something to fear. It’s a privilege. Tickets here.
Women For Purpose
New collaboration!
This is what it truly means to Find Your People. In the second half of 2026, I will be working with Sharon Brine as Women For Purpose’s inaugural Purpose Partner. We’ll be exploring what it means to lead with courage and integrity through exclusive articles, Masterclasses and conversations created especially for the Women for Purpose community. More details here.
My Founder Journey: Branding, Visibility and Purpose
Radio interview: listen now!
I joined Rowena Morais on The Amplified Show for a conversation about the journey of building This is Leadership. We talked about my transition from a 25-year career in diplomacy, government and national leadership into entrepreneurship, including becoming more visible, building a personal brand, finding my voice, and creating a business centred on purpose rather than titles. Listen on demand here.
Purpose: Leading into the Future
New podcast interview out now!
This series is produced by the Menzies Leadership Foundation and hosted by Oxford-educated ethicist Dr Peter Collins. It features 8 senior leaders from corporate and public life and explores how purpose can be embedded into everyday behaviours as we lead into the future. You can listen to it here.
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