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Lead to Soar: Career Advice and Guidance for Ambitious Women Leaders

Celebrating Women's Leadership: Jo Thomas on how she climbed the career ladder to hold multiple C-Suite positions

Season 8, Ep. 183

In this episode of L2S!, leadership and gender equality expert Michelle Redfern sits down for an interview with Jo Thomas, the CEO of the Australian Institute of Business. Jo shares her career story, how she ended up living in Australia, and how she climbed the career ladder to hold multiple C-Suite positions.

Learn more about Lead to Soar! and A Career that Soars! by visiting LeadToSoar.com

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Guest Jo Thomas' Bio: Jo Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Business. Jo is all about flawless execution, authentic leadership, and innovation. She is experienced with both online and offline customer offerings, and leading teams. Jo is extremely passionate about the human experience and enjoys making both the workplace and customer interactions life-enhancing experiences. In her words, success lies where people, process and data intersect. 


Michelle Redfern's Bio: Michelle is the founder of Advancing Women, an enterprise providing research and advisory services on workplace gender equality, inclusion and diversity. She is co-host of A Career that Soars! the founder of women’s network Women Who Get It co-founder of CDW (Culturally Diverse Women) and host of the Lead to Soar podcast.


Michelle is an experienced Non-Executive Director with Board and advisory roles in the finance, sport, for purpose and supply chain sectors. She is a proud Ambassador for Flexible Working Day and Girls Uniform Agenda. She has held executive leadership roles at ASX & FTSE listed companies NAB, Telstra and Serco during her 30-year corporate career.


Michelle is a Graduate of the AICD, holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) and holds various accreditations in organisational diversity and coaching. She is an in-demand speaker and is a regular contributor to the discussion and advocate for gender equality and inclusion in sport and business workplaces.

Lead to Soar is a podcast for ambitious women and the leaders who support them. Hosted by Michelle Redfern and Mel Butcher, it delivers evidence-based, practical advice on leadership, career progression, and closing the gender gap. Join the Lead to Soar Network at leadtosoar.network or get Michelle’s book The Leadership Compass at michelleredfern.com/book.

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