Jo Hombal is a senior, high-impact HR professional with over 20 years of experience across multiple sectors. She recently established her own company, providing interim and fractional Chief People Officer support, consultancy, and mentoring. Married with two children, she enjoys spending time outdoors on the coast and socializing with friends. Known for her positivity, energy, pragmatism, and solutions-oriented approach, Jo thrives on building new connections and delivering real value to her clients.
Before you became the business titan you are today, enlighten us about the thrilling adventures of your pre-business life.
I genuinely didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue until completing my degree in Psychology many years ago. I picked this degree because of my deep curiosity and interest in human motivation and behavior, which sparked my desire to move into Human Resources. I completed my postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management and was incredibly fortunate to immediately find a role as an HR Administrator.
This gave me a fantastic foundation in all things HR, and from there, I changed roles and industries to continue developing personally and professionally. As my career progressed, so did my personal life—I married the man I had met at university, and we had two fabulous children. House moves followed as our needs as a family changed over time, with plenty of home improvement projects along the way. We also had some amazing trips abroad—both before and after having children—creating fantastic memories in places like South Africa, America, and one of our favorite destinations, France. However, we have always loved the UK coast, and spending time in the sea and on cliff-top walks remains something we do as often as possible.
Could you elaborate on the nature of your initiative/business/current role, highlighting its purpose and the ways it benefits people?
I provide support to my clients in two distinct ways. Firstly, I work with Boards, Founders, and Leadership Teams in companies typically seeking transformation or evolution, acting as a temporary Chief People Officer. I help them shape their People Strategy and deliver the associated initiatives that enable them to achieve their business aspirations and commercial ambitions.
Secondly, I work in a freelance capacity with other consultancy businesses, where together, we support clients in various ways. This includes partnering with other Chief People Officers who wish to enhance the impact of their HR functions by critically evaluating and redesigning their HR Operating Model or providing mentoring for senior HR professionals.
The benefits of my work can vary—from impacting people throughout a company and enhancing their employee experience to driving cultural change and business aspirations or even fostering personal growth, effectiveness, self-confidence, and career satisfaction. My ultimate aim is to add value in whatever way is needed by my client and to ensure that interactions with me are positive, rewarding, and results-oriented.
What has been the response of the users/consumers towards your venture?
Client feedback has been highly positive. Understanding the business context for any work I do is imperative, and clients have recognized my ability to quickly gain deep insight into their needs, combining strategic thinking with a delivery-focused approach.
Mentees have also shared very encouraging feedback, often leaving our sessions feeling inspired, positive, and energized about the challenges ahead—along with a clear path forward. The breadth and depth of my expertise, as well as the insights I bring, are appreciated, along with the combination of challenge and support I provide. I am extremely grateful that everyone I have had the pleasure of working with has reported enjoying our time together.
Having a strong support system is essential for your well-being. We would love to know who your biggest supporter is. Share with us and let’s celebrate the amazing people in our lives who make a positive impact.
When our children were younger, we could not have worked as intensely as we did as a couple without the support of our parents. School pick-ups by grandparents were a regular feature, for which we were extremely grateful, and this also allowed a lovely bond to form.
More recently, I simply would not have had the courage to launch my own company without the unwavering support and belief of my husband. He is definitely my biggest supporter!
As a woman entrepreneur, what changes do you hope to see in the world, and what opportunities are you seeking?
I am inspired and energized by the opportunity to make a real and meaningful difference—directly or indirectly—to the clients I work with. I gain huge satisfaction from applying the breadth and depth of my experiences to enable others to realize their company and/or personal aspirations. The more I can do this, the better!
Women now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in the workplace, breaking through glass ceilings to reach the top. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
In summary, there are simply still too few women in senior leadership positions! It’s amazing to recognize our progress, but the reality is that many societal barriers still exist, impacting both men and women. As a result, talented females often feel that their own careers must take a backseat to other priorities.
We know the statistics and the remarkable positive impact that diverse leadership teams have on business success, so we must keep pushing forward—championing each other and breaking barriers.
