Meet Jo Taranto
I’m an environmental strategist who guides leaders to activate their climate courage and transform industries from within.
I grew up as the 5th generation on my family farm in Tenterfield, NSW, where I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the extreme drought of the 1990s on my family and community—an experience that shaped my understanding of our interconnected relationship with the natural world.
My background spans health, safety, and community systems. I trained as an Occupational Therapist, graduating with Honours from the University of Queensland in 2004, and worked internationally in mental health, community development, and rehabilitation.
After completing a Diploma in Health, Safety and Environment in 2009, I spent over 10 years in corporate health and safety with clients including Victoria Police and as National Safety Manager for a private aged care provider.
In 2018, I co-founded the social enterprise consultancy Good for the Hood, creating more connected and sustainable communities across Australia. My leadership has earned recognition including a Citizen of the Year nomination and Volunteer Group of the Year award for my community campaigns.
Today, I work with leaders who feel disconnected from their environmental impact and overwhelmed by the complexity of climate action. Through my unique approach, I help them reconnect with their role as stewards, integrate environmental strategy as a competitive advantage, and build regenerative business models.
As co-host of Channel 10's Planet Shapers and having worked with over 200 organisations, I’m transforming how leaders approach climate responsibility—moving them from compartmentalisation to courage, from extraction to restoration.
I believe that lasting climate change requires leaders who can see beyond the industrial legacy of “business as usual” and step into their power as industry transformers.
My Why
I want to leave a world where we took decisive action to limit climate change and kept global warming as close to 1.5 degrees as possible.
A world where my children and their children can live in safety, free from the devastating impacts of climate disruption.
My legacy will be grounded in connection — where people understand their place in the natural world and feel a deep sense of belonging and responsibility to care for it.
I want to inspire a shift in mindset, where kindness to the planet is also seen as kindness to ourselves.
I will leave behind a legacy of stewardship — where people recognise the finite nature of our resources and step up to protect them.
My legacy will also be one of joy — where people find fulfilment in community, connection, and the simple pleasures of life, knowing that joy is a vital part of the journey toward a sustainable future.
Above all, I want to be remembered for creating a ripple of care, compassion, and change — helping others find their role in making the world a better, more connected place.
My Accomplishments
Host of Channel 10’s Planet Shapers sharing brand stories about sustainability with some of the most influential and important industries and brands around the world. Australia Day Ambassador 2022-2025 Panellist on ABC’s Q and A Featured on ABC Radio, Sky News and ABC television Cosmopolitan and Body and Soul Emcee for 2025 Climate Action Week Sydney Mainstage Host of the Australian Pacific Circular Economy Leadership Dialogue Founder of Good for the Hood Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year nominee, City of Ryde
Fun facts
I’m a mum, step mum and super fun aunt. I grew up on a cold-climate vineyard. I'm a cross-fitter and have to face my fear of stacking it during a box jump. I started Good for the Hood with my next-door neighbour. I once dressed up as an ibis to educate kids about recycling.
How I can help
Activating climate courage in leadership.
Discovering how climate courage is your competitive edge
Guiding your leadership team through organisational transformation from compartmentalised thinking to integrated climate leadership.
Building regenerative business models as part of a broader environmental strategy.
Transforming your leadership team from climate-overwhelmed to climate-activated.
Profile information supplied through Cuppa’s talent directory. Availability and suitability are confirmed on enquiry.