Students who joined our most recent Reach Higher lunchtime talk were treated to an uplifting and inspiring session with former Kingsley staff member Jo Harper, whose varied career path proved that a meaningful life is rarely linear, and never too late to reshape.
Her talk, “From can-making in China to conservation in Coventry”, traced an unconventional journey that began with a love of Chinese language and culture. Jo’s story began in Hong Kong, China, where she took a job in a can-manufacturing factory – something she freely admitted was never part of any grand plan – and discovered that the world of business wasn’t for her. But even this unexpected detour became part of the story she would later share with students: every experience gives you skills for the next stage, even if you don’t yet know what that next stage is.
After returning to the UK, Jo spent time working at The Kingsley School before realising her true calling lay in conservation. After completing an MSc focused on gibbon conservation, she left the UK once more to track orangutans in the rainforest and help rescue gibbons in Vietnam and China, before eventually returning home to work with endangered British wildlife. From founding Bee Friendly Leamington and working with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to supporting bat conservation with the Warwickshire Bat Group and pursuing further study, Jo continually sought out ways to protect species and inspire communities—always guided by her deep love for the natural world.
Across all these chapters, one truth shone through: Jo is a lifelong learner who continually reinvents herself while staying true to the things that matter most to her. Her achievements spanning continents, species, and communities are the natural outcome of someone who refuses to give up on what she loves.
But perhaps the most powerful part of the talk came at the end, when Jo shared the advice she wishes she could give her younger self. These words formed the heartbeat of her message, resonating strongly with students:
- “Never stop learning.” Jo’s journey shows that learning isn’t a phase but a mindset. Every time she felt uncertain, she learned something new and doors opened, often unexpectedly.
- “Relationships are key.” From factory workers to forest researchers and to schoolchildren, Jo emphasised the power of connecting with people and building communities around shared purpose.
- “Your first job is rarely your dream job, but that’s OK.” A reminder that early steps don’t define you; they simply begin your story.
- “If you don’t like your job, find something you like to do in your spare time—you never know where it might lead.” Often, the things we dabble in on the side turn out to shape our future. Jo’s wildlife work was one of those things.
- “Don’t give up on what you love.” No matter how many directions her life took, Jo always found herself drawn back to her passion for animals and conservation.
- “Make life happen! Don’t wait for it to happen to you!” The mantra that captures her spirit: she doesn’t sit still and hope for opportunities. She creates them.
Jo’s story is not just about career changes or global adventures. It is a testament to purpose, curiosity, and resilience. She has protected endangered species, educated thousands of students, reshaped environments, and inspired communities – simply by following her heart and refusing to settle for a life lived on autopilot.
For students wondering what they want to do “when they grow up,” Jo’s life offers a reassuring and energising answer: you don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters is staying curious, staying open, and taking the next brave step.
And perhaps most importantly, making life happen.