In Dynamic Duos, Mumbrella each week asks two colleagues with a professional and personal affiliation to share with readers the importance of workplace relationships in an increasingly hybridised world of work.

Geoff Clarke:

My relationship with Jo is grounded in something special: unwavering trust and rock-solid dependability. In an industry where there’s no room for mistakes and only the highest standards are accepted, these qualities make someone stand out from the pack. Jo brings a steady, calm presence that makes even the most challenging days feel achievable.

Although the exact time and place of our meeting escape me, I can certainly reflect on our journey together. Over the past six years, alongside an impressive senior leadership team (SLT), we’ve transformed the media agency model. They say lifelong friendships are forged not during smooth sailing, but when life throws you curveballs. Initiative experienced just such a moment: a very public departure of several SLT members. However, this challenge allowed Jo to shine. Stepping up to take the reins immediately, Jo charted a new course for the company, bringing everyone along. As a result, the business not only recovered but now delivers an even higher standard of output.

One of the things that stands out most about Jo is her incredible selflessness. She always puts her team and clients first, creating an environment where people genuinely want to go the extra mile for her — not because they have to, but because they’re inspired to. Working alongside someone who leads with such integrity and heart naturally brings out the best in everyone around her, including me. Mutual respect sits at the core of our relationship, alongside a shared belief that real success happens when we lift others up along the way.

Jo’s leadership style is a rare and refreshing blend of compassion and decisiveness. No matter how tough the situation, she always pauses to think about the people involved before focusing on the........

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