Life beyond Radford

Last updated 17.03.2020

Jo Clay

Class of 1994
OCCUPATION CEO Send and Shred, author of 'The Carbon Diet', ACT Greens politician
Lives Canberra, Australia
Attendance at radford Years 7-12
House Huon
Connect
Education
  • Bachelor Degree, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Creative Arts
Work history
  • CEO
  • ACT Greens Candindate for Ginninderra
  • Author
Achievements
  • Published a novel with Pan MacMillan, 2014
  • Set up two companies, Carbon Diet and Send and Shred, 2017
  • Nominated as ACT Greens lead candidate, 2019
Business
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What does life look for you now?

I live in Canberra with my partner, daughter and two dogs. I run a recycling company, Send and Shred.

I'm also a writer. I do technical writing, books and articles. I'm working on a major environmental communication project called The Carbon Diet. I've written Carbon Diet pieces for magazines and ABC News. I've given workshops and created artworks about this. I'm working on the book and videos at the moment.

Tell us what you are passionate about?

I'm seriously freaked about climate change. All of my projects tackle climate change and I've recently been nominated to run for the ACT Greens on a climate change platform. I have real hope we can set things right but only if governments, business and community work together.

When you were young, what were you hoping to be when you grew up?

Writer, scientist, adventurer, time-traveller. I was half right.

What is your favourite Radford moment?

The Year Nine camp - not my favourite moment at the time but definitely memorable.

Do you have a particular role model or inspirational figure from Radford or now?

My best mate Renee is an inspiration. She's set up an all-female firm called Artemis which is nailing it! I love seeing women succeed :)

How easy was it to decide what to do in life?

I've never decided what I want to be when I grow up! I finish the things I start but then switch to something new. There's no need to 'decide', no one does one thing for the rest of their lives.

Did your further study or career go exactly as you'd planned?

I studied law but never practised in a private law firm. The degree has come in handy though.

What do you know now, that you wish you'd known when you were at Radford?

Don't stress too much about exams. Or about any particular moment. It's a small thing in the greater scheme and there's always another way if you fail at first.

What advice do you have for current students?

Cherish your good friends! You'll need them later on.

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