Tom O'Neil: Work hard and follow your passion in career

Jo de Joux.

Welcome to my regular series entitled "My Light Bulb Moment". This column highlights a "blinding flash of insight" business, cultural and sports leaders have experienced, and how this changed their lives forever.

Jo de Joux

After completing her bachelor of arts degree in political science and government from Victoria University, Jo followed the path of many young Kiwis, taking some time out to travel and complete her OE.

Working in vineyards, washing dishes and managing a backpackers in Western Australia, she woke up one bright election-year morning with the realisation that "I really needed to go home and get on with my life".

She never realised that sending her CV to the National Party, offering to volunteer on their campaign in return for work experience, would lead her to the role of campaign manager for three successful elections, as well as acting general manager and senior adviser to the Prime Minister.

After a highly successful career in the cut and thrust world of politics Jo set up Hannifin de Joux, a boutique public affairs and campaigns consultancy, with business partner Kiri Hannifin.

Here Jo and Kiri have now put their extensive background and expertise in politics, government and campaigning to work with businesses and organisations.

Light bulb moment - Hard work and operating in "your passion"

By Jo's admission, her "light bulb moment" was more a series of progressive revelations throughout her career, creating a growing sense of awareness in relation to the importance of both hard work, and operating in "your passion".

"That literal 'wake up call' in Australia was definitely the kick I needed to stop mucking around and get on with my career," Jo admits.

"My parents have always worked hard and achieved an incredible amount on middle incomes. They did a great job instilling their work ethic in me and my brother.

"I have learned to thrive on hard work and watch that effort turn into some really great outcomes."

As well as this strong work ethic, Jo discovered a real joy and passion in her chosen career path. This allowed her a great sense of fulfilment when things were going well, as well as the patience to push through when things were tougher.

Jo's real message is very simple - "You get out as much as you put in".

As she says, "People say you make your own luck and that's certainly true, however I also think the harder you work the luckier you get!"

If you have had a blinding moment of insight (a light bulb moment), please email me as I would love to hear about it.

• Tom is an award-winning business speaker and best-selling international author. He can be contacted via email at tom@OnePercentGuy.com