Wilderness Women Leading the Way

You need to learn equally from your failures as well as successes. When you trip, take time to stop and reflect. You have often gained more than you think.

Wilderness School is proud to be able to celebrate the success of all our past and present students and their many outstanding achievements. Leading the Way offers our community insight into our amazing old scholars’ lives, beyond the gates of Wilderness.

Jane Jose FAICD

Class of 1972 CEO, Sydney Community Foundation

ABC reporter, Deputy Mayor, urbanist, philanthropist, and author… Jane Jose’s CV makes impressive reading. Two decades ago, Wilderness old scholar Jane Jose was best known for her role as Adelaide’s Deputy Lord Mayor and former ABC journalist. Now established in Sydney, where she has lived for the past 21 years, Jane is recognised for her work as an urbanist, philanthropist, and author. Her extensive board and professional experience, combined with deep personal values, makes Jane an influential change-maker, acknowledged across the nation. After completing literature studies at the University of Adelaide, Jane initially trained as a journalist for the ABC and later wrote freelance for Cleo and the Women’s Weekly. Married to ABC Foreign Correspondent, Chris Rann, Jane was one half of a media power couple that established Rann Communications, a successful communications consultancy in Adelaide. Spring boarding from journalism, Jane’s desire to influence change saw her enter local politics in 1989 and serve as Deputy Mayor of Adelaide 1991 - 1995. During this tenure, one of her proudest achievements was the changes she brought about through urban design and heritage activism, shaping and informing public policy to protect and preserve the city’s colonial architecture. Creating “outstanding places for people to enjoy” was both her aim and reward. Jane had the opportunity to roll out several key initiatives including supporting the renewal of North Terrace.

Her capacity as an influential leader was underpinned by a growing parallel interest in urban design. Her relocation to Sydney saw her embark upon a new career where she shaped the design of urban places and wrote the village plans for the City of Sydney. In Jane’s view, “cities are designed by listening to the community and their needs” and this dovetailed with a desire to benefit the public interest. Through action, listening, and outstanding leadership, Jane extended her passions wider, ultimately leading her towards philanthropy that would enlarge her influence even further.

Her first book ‘Places Women Make’ was published in 2015. It is a collaboration of thoughts, insightful representation and reflective commentary around women, cities, community life, and the stories of women behind the renewal of public places. It was awarded the 2016 National Bates Smart Award for Architecture in the Media.

As CEO for the Sydney Community Foundation and Sydney Women’s Fund, Jane continues to focus her attention on philanthropy. The independent public foundation established in 2004 raises funds for grassroots organisations, supporting those most in need. Its focus is Sydney Women’s Fund which gives women the courage and support to thrive personally and professionally, and it is Jane’s particular passion. “During the pandemic, we launched with nothing but an article in the Sydney Morning Herald and raised $1m” says Jane, adding that although she is a natural optimist, it is definitely hard work and persistence that has paid off. “I am very proud that the Fund has given those who are in the position to contribute an opportunity to give, and has raised over $10M for women in the greater Sydney area since it began.”

Memories of Wilderness

As President of the SRC in 1972, Jane recalls that it was the first year at the School that peers selected student representative leaders rather than the Headmistress appointing the position. Wilderness gave girls not only an education but “opened the world to us”, teaching students that there are “no roadblocks as a woman....it gave us the confidence to use our voice and have people listen. My early and deep belief in women having the opportunity and a voice was formed through my education at Wilderness.”

Words of advice

Jane describes losing the Adelaide Lord Mayorship as public and difficult but says she lost because she stayed true to her values and beliefs.

“You need to learn equally from your failures as well as successes. When you trip, take time to stop and reflect. You have often gained more than you think.”

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.

Natasha Sampson-Ly (Sampson)

Class of 1991 Director, Tashly Consulting

What ignited your passion for your career choice? Can you describe your journey?

In Year 12 at Wilderness, I had the opportunity to take Business, Maths and Computer Studies and I found those subjects so relevant and interesting! We learned about shares, interest rates, and basic accounting principles, which I could really connect with. I recognised that proficiency in computing was the way of the future.

After leaving school, I completed a secretarial course where I learned typing, shorthand, phone etiquette and basic accounts. The structure, organisation, and order of accounts really resonated with me, so my career in that field began. I initially started in the accounts team at a legal firm, then moved to a public accounting firm, and then a winery. In 2000, I launched my own business, which helped business owners with their bookkeeping and compliance needs. I discovered that many business owners are highly skilled and talented in their chosen field of expertise but managing the accounts function can be challenging. I saw an opportunity to help them meet their obligations and provide them with a strong knowledge foundation about their business’s financial position.

What advice would you give aspiring Wilderness girls?

Be brave and have faith in yourself! I was terrified when I left school because I didn’t know what I would do with my life. Leaving the comfort and safety of the Boarding House and jumping straight into being self-sufficient in the city was overwhelming and intimidating. I learned that stepping forward with courage and backing yourself will take you on a journey far greater than you could ever imagine. “Fake it ‘til you make it” and “Dress for the position you want, not the one you have” were personal mottos I lived by back then. They are still relevant now. In other words, always strive forward and reach further than you dared dream possible.

What have been key defining moments in your career and life?

The first big turning point in my life was the opportunity to attend Wilderness School. Coming from a small country town, where most of the Year 12 curriculum was delivered by correspondence, the chance to learn in an inspiring, nurturing and supportive environment gave me an opportunity. I was so relieved and thrilled that I was determined to do both myself and my family proud. After three years of dedication and commitment, I graduated from Year 12 with straight As. For this small-town country girl trying to survive independently in the city, the next significant milestone was receiving my accountancy degree. It took me five years to achieve this, attending lectures at night after working a full-time job during the day. The days were long and hard and very isolating at times, but I was determined to have my day wearing the mortarboard and gown. Walking onto the stage and receiving my degree was a defining moment for my whole family; I was the first to have gone to university and attain a degree. Another defining moment was when I took the brave step to resign from full-time employment to start my business. Gathering the courage to walk away from the security of a job and into the unknown of business ownership was a truly pivotal moment in my career and life. Taking the ‘sink or swim’ approach to learning and growth taught me resilience, tenacity, courage, and determination and set me on the path to helping others with their business finances as they work on building their businesses.

Favourite professional memory/day?

There have been so many wonderful successes and memories during my professional career. Being recognised in 2016 as the SA/NT Bookkeeper of the Year by the Xero Accounting Software Group was the first significant public recognition I had received after 15 years of hard work building my business. In 2020 we were recongised as the SA/NT Practice of the Year through the Institute of Public Accountants, which was a huge triumph - considering we were a bookkeeping firm not an accounting firm. But even this paled into insignificance when we received news that we also won the National Practice of the Year Award in the same year. I believe we were the first South Australian firm to take out the National Award, which is quite humbling. For me, it wasn’t about being in the limelight; instead, it was about being seen and recognised for the contribution we have made to our industry. That’s what makes it such an honoured memory.

Please provide one motivational/ inspirational quote that might appeal to our current students.

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” For me, this means never underestimating your potential and ability and always stepping a little outside your comfort zone. Strive for excellence and always give a little more. That’s where true growth begins, and success awaits.