Book IWD Speaker: Jo Tarnawsky

Former Chief of Staff to Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister & career diplomat, now a leadership strategist specialising in bravery & ethical decision-making

Jo Tarnawsky is a former Chief of Staff to Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister, a former senior executive to the Governor-General, and a career diplomat. She has worked at the highest levels of government and international affairs, including in war zones, United Nations forums, and other high-stakes decision-making environments.

Today Jo works with leaders and organisations to explore bravery and integrity in leadership – what it looks like in real systems, under real pressure, when values, power and consequences collide.

Drawing on more than two decades inside senior government and diplomatic circles, Jo offers rare insight into how power actually works, why capable people sometimes hesitate to act, and what brave leadership requires when doing the right thing comes at a cost.

Jo combines deep institutional experience with an engaging and inspiring speaking style. She equips leaders with the confidence to act with integrity, navigate conflict, and create cultures where courage is supported rather than punished.

Her work resonates with senior leaders, women in leadership, purpose-driven organisations and emerging leaders seeking to shape the future of work in a complex world.

Jo is the founder of a leadership advisory and speaking practice focused on ethical leadership, recovery from toxic workplace cultures, and building healthier systems of power. She is a sought-after speaker and a trusted media and podcast commentator on leadership, culture and accountability.

Jo’s focus for IWD is on Women, Power and Leading Bravely.

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