Thriving at Every Age With Jo Sainsbury from Kickass Women

A champion of empowerment through professional development, Jo Sainsbury, Founder of ‘Kickass Women,’ believes in embracing challenging and transformative pathways while collaborating with others to successfully reinvent oneself.

“I consider myself as an on-going project and work in progress albeit heading towards my late 50’s and I’m allowed to be both a work in progress and help others grow at the same time,” shared Jo.

“I’m one of those people who still has a healthy appetite for continual self and professional development – for me it’s about what makes you feel the most alive and then creating it.”

Jo sees her current stage in life as an opportunity to flourish and she reflects fondly on all she has achieved in the past both professionally and personally, noting she now plans to prioritise ensuring the rest of her life is the best of her life.

“Most women believe they’re now likely to try new things since they turned 50,” explained Jo.

“This includes a vast number of them starting their own businesses, stepping up to take that promotion or into that leadership role, going to music festivals, becoming the exciting adventurers looking after their fitness and health, going solo travelling, and more so feeling younger than ever today!”

Professional development plays a key role in Jo's measurement of her personal growth. She believes that no matter how vast one’s skillset or knowledge base may be, there’s always room to flourish.

As part of her career, Jo recently completed an 18-month leadership program, which further secured her position within the Site Leadership Team as a Coal Mining Supervisor and equipped her with invaluable tools to create lasting personal and professional changes.

“What I’ve learnt and developed puts a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence and the ability to tap into the experiences of your employees,” Jo noted.

“Heart-centered leadership is more inclusive and compassionate and responsive rather than reactive – in business, heart-centered leadership helps build teams that are more intuitive and emotionally intelligent – and that’s what women leaders are famous for.”

Jo notes there are many examples of women leading in collaboration all around us, benefiting communities, ecosystems, families and loved ones simultaneously.

“When you put your potential, skill and enthusiasm together, possibilities open their doors for you automatically,” added Jo.

“The investment you make in your professional development is a strong investment you make in yourself.”

“So ladies, you may have to lose who you were to find out who you are – chase those dreams, fulfill those goals, and love your age, as you are old enough to know there’s better, young enough not to care, and experienced enough to do it right now.”

What exciting challenge do you have coming up?

“Later this year, I’ll be taking on the Three Capes Trek in Tasmania, an incredible multi-day hike through some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes. It’s a personal challenge, but more importantly, it’s an opportunity to raise funds for CQ Rescue. If you’d like to contribute, you can donate via my fundraising page: CQ Rescue Three Capes 2025 – Jo Sainsbury.

kickasswomen.com.au

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Photo credit: Alyce Holzy Photography

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