THIS QUARTER’S PURPOSE PARTNER

JULY TO SEPTEMBER 2026

Meet Jo Tarnawsky

Chair of the Advisory Board for Kintsugi Heroes
Advisory Board member for Future Females Australia
Ambassador for The HALO Trust
Strategic Adviser

Theme: Leading with courage and integrity

Each quarter, Women for Purpose centres on one theme led by a Purpose Partner - a woman with the experience and insight to lead an honest conversation with her peers about the theme.

Jo believes that leadership is more than a title, it's about purpose, professionalism, and doing the right thing when it matters most.

That belief has been forged through Jo’s experience in the highest levels of government, diplomacy and leadership. She’s served as Chief of Staff to a Deputy Prime Minister, represented Australia in senior diplomatic postings, and worked at Government House where she hosted everyone from world leaders to everyday Australians being recognised for their contributions.

Jo is also a cancer survivor. She found the lump only weeks before it might have been too late, and early detection and aggressive treatment saved her life.

Although life has handed Jo some real lemons at times, she’s taken what she’s learned to help others who are still staring at their own fruit bowl of challenges and unsure what to do.

Jo lives in Canberra with her husband, daughter and two dogs, and believes life is best lived with courage, curiosity and kindness towards others.

This quarter, Jo will lead the conversation in our WFP community on leading with courage and integrity, drawing on a career, and a life, that’s tested both.

Getting to know Jo in 60 seconds

Q: What are you reading currently, and how are you finding it?

A: A Time for Bravery: What happens when Australia chooses courage. This book is actually a collection of short essays. It's been published by The Australia Institute who invited some of Australia and the world's leading thinkers, advocates, academics, and experts to make a case for a braver and more courageous future.

It asks: what does bravery look like in Australia and how might it reshape our future for the better?

It's probably not surprising that this one grabbed my attention, given I spend a lot of time thinking about brave leadership! I'm finding the different perspectives and issues thought-provoking and insightful.

Q: What's the first concert you attended?

A: I honestly can't remember! But Coldplay has become something of a tradition for me. I've seen them perform live multiple times over many years in different places.

Q: What's been on your mind lately?

A: I've been thinking a lot about the relationship between power, silence and leadership - whether it's in workplaces, politics, the media or public life more broadly.

Once you start recognising the dynamics and the impact they have on individuals, institutions, and public debate, you can't unsee them.

Q: What's one of your favourite memories?

A: Swimming in the ocean on a warm sunny day. There's something about being in the water that I find so rejuvenating. Some of my happiest memories are simply floating in the sea and looking up at the clear blue sky.

For me, it's bliss.

Q: What's one thing about you that surprises people?

A: Because I've worked in some very senior and serious roles, I think people often expect me to be quite formal.

Professionally, I obviously know how to do that when it's needed. But when people meet me, they can be quite surprised that I'm approachable and easy to talk to, and I have a good sense of humour.

Q: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

A: I actually did a similar exercise on LinkedIn recently! It was a letter to my 30-year-old self. You can find that version here.

But to my 18-year-old self? The main advice would be: "Your life will be full of unexpected adventures. Embrace them all. There will be moments that test you more than you can imagine, but you'll be ok. Find your people, keep yourself tidy, and use your experiences to shine a light and help make the path a little easier for those who follow."

This quarter with Jo

Subscriber only.

WFP is invite only, but if Jo’s story resonates with you and you’d like to join, please express your interest below and we’ll be in touch.