We All Rise When We Lift Others Up: Jo Brennan, WiBF Mentor of the Year 2025

When you speak with Jo Brennan, you encounter a rare combination of grounded optimism and strategic clarity, a leader who understands that organisational success flows directly from investing in people.

As Group Executive, Member Engagement, Education and Advice at Aware Super and WiBF’s Mentor of the Year 2025, Jo embodies a leadership philosophy built on reciprocity and collective growth. “When we invest in others, when we support and challenge them, we all rise together,” she explains. This isn’t just rhetoric – it’s the principle that has guided her throughout her career.

Jo’s professional journey began in education, where she developed her foundational understanding of how to nurture potential and guide team development. This teaching background proved invaluable as she transitioned into financial services and built high performing teams across operations, transformation, and strategy. Her diverse experience includes serving as CEO of an international development non-profit, where she honed her ability to drive business outcomes across a whole organisation by aligning people and purpose.

During her five years as Chief Operating Officer at Aware Super, Jo led the organisation’s whole of fund, digital transformation while simultaneously building culture and capability of execution and innovation across the business. Now, as Group Executive, Member Engagement, Education and Advice, she continues to lead her team to strengthen member service delivery.

At Aware Super, Jo has proven that investing in people isn’t just good culture – it’s good business. “The way we lead our teams and drive performance through people directly ties back to strong business results, what some people might think of as ‘soft skills’ are actually the hardest and most personal and impactful work we do,” she shares.

Her WiBF Mentor of the Year recognition celebrates not just individual achievement, but the multiplier effect of her mentorship. Jo’s approach, grounded in curiosity, compassion, and courage – creates psychological safety for others to take calculated risks, navigate complex challenges, and discover their own leadership potential.

Whether guiding someone through a career-defining decision, helping navigate team dynamics, or supporting personal development goals, Jo brings practical empathy and strategic insight to every interaction. Her mentorship extends well beyond formal relationships, creating a ripple effect that touches countless careers.

“Leadership is deeply personal,” Jo reflects. “When we get the people piece right, exceptional business outcomes naturally follow.”

Jo Brennan’s experience shows that mentorship isn’t about transferring knowledge – it’s about unleashing potential, building confidence, and creating the conditions for others to thrive. Her recognition as Mentor of the Year celebrates not just her individual contribution, but the collective success of all those she has lifted along the way.