Q&A with new CEO at Funds SA
Jo Townsend arrived in Sydney from Hobart 27 years ago with her husband and all of their possessions packed into a hatch-back Celica. They've since hit the road again, with their son and pooch, for a new life in Adelaide, where Jo is to take up the role of CEO at Funds SA. Jo tells Industry Moves what initially drew her to the role, and why some sound parental advice led her to go back to study as a mature age student and rethink her career.
Jo Townsend arrived in Sydney from Hobart 27 years ago with her husband and all of their possessions packed into a hatch-back Celica. They've since hit the road again, with their son and pooch, for a new life in Adelaide, where Jo is to take up the role of CEO at Funds SA. Jo tells Industry Moves what initially drew her to the role, and why some sound parental advice led her to go back to study as a mature age student and rethink her career.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
Getting to know the people and the portfolio, and working in the investment environment where things are constantly changing and you need to be able to adapt and respond to those challenges.
What drew you to take up the position?
Professionally, it was the opportunity to take on a CEO role at a substantial funds management organisation that is highly regarded. Personally, the whole family is very excited about moving to the beautiful city of Adelaide.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in country Tasmania and met my husband working at the TAFE in Hobart. We packed up everything we owned into the back of our hatch-back Celica in October 1987 i.e. the week after the crash, and moved to Sydney.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life/career?
My father always told me to work hard, and make the most of every opportunity. It was a number of years after I left high school that I realised I had left school far too early, and so when I started working in the finance industry in the early 1990's, I was lucky enough to meet a couple of people who were very supportive of me studying, and gave me the opportunity to take on different roles. I also need to acknowledge the role of my husband here as he put up with me studying, whilst working full time, for ten years.
What is one of the best pieces of advice you've ever been given?
Try to not worry about the stuff that you can't influence or control.
What was your very first job?
My first job was doing data entry and with the wisdom of hindsight, I should have just gone back to studying straight away.
Do you have a secret skill/hidden talent?
I am sure that I do, but it just hasn't been identified yet.
Is there a particular charity or cause that you support?
In NSW there is a children's hospice called Bear Cottage which does fantastic work in supporting very sick children and their families. But more broadly, I am a great supporter of any organisation which tries to ease the pressure that having a sick child can bring to a family.
