Homeward Bound is a global leadership initiative aiming to heighten the influence and impact of women and non-binary people in making decisions that shape our planet. Here FW member A/Prof Alexandra Jones, public health lawyer and researcher with The George Institute for Global Health and UNSW, talks about her experiences of the program and her journey from advocacy to impact.
Many people wonder what drives a person to shift from a lucrative career in law to the challenging field of global health. For me, it was a profound commitment to social justice. Like many law graduates, I was lured briefly by the prospects of large firm environments. However, I was quickly disillusioned with the workplace culture and profit focus of the major firms. I looked at the experiences of senior women around me and couldn’t find many examples I wanted to emulate.
I accepted a year-long volunteer placement doing human rights advocacy in Cambodia. The health challenges I witnessed there ignited a new calling, steering me towards global health.
Did you know that four products – tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy foods and fossil fuels – are responsible for around a third of global deaths each year? Armed with my legal background, I now dedicate my efforts to researching and advocating for better regulation of these products. It’s a fulfilling mission that allows me to help improve health outcomes for millions of people worldwide.
My CV journey might seem like a linear path in retrospect, but leaving the legal sector to forge a career as a public health academic wasn’t all smooth sailing. The challenges and uncertainties have made me stronger, but they weren’t always fun at the time. I’ve actively sought out mentorship from inspirational leaders, both male and female, and they’ve played a crucial role in my professional growth at these junctures, nudging me to keep advancing and to continue thinking creatively about how I can apply my skills.
One of the most impactful experiences of my career has been participation in the Homeward Bound program. I first heard about it from a friend’s sister who had just returned from the second cohort (HB2) and was filled with enthusiasm. At that time, I was in the first year of my PhD and thought to myself, “I’m going to do that someday”.
My journey with Homeward Bound began during the COVID lockdowns with an online component. The reflections I gained, particularly through the 360 review, and the support of my Homeward Bound coach gave me the confidence to make significant life choices. Some of those were about stepping up at work, but they also included taking some bold decisions in my personal life, including becoming a solo mother by choice through IVF and a clinic donor.
After my son Jack was born in 2022, the opportunity to complete the voyage to Antarctica in 2023 was transformative. It gave me a break from everyday life to reconnect with my Homeward Bound cohort in an awe-inspiring setting. We questioned how we wanted to show up and contribute to making the world a better place – in our families, our communities and our workplaces. This experience underscored that leadership isn’t about waiting for a specific position – it’s about leading from where we are.
A clear insight from the program was that leadership is a mindset, not a title. Returning home, I felt inspired to lead from where I am, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable world. The Homeward Bound global alumnae network continues to be a source of support, learning and inspiration. The shared struggles and triumphs of this courageous community highlight that true leadership is about authenticity and resilience.
If you’re seeking to deepen your leadership journey, I highly recommend the Homeward Bound program. It’s a significant investment, but for those willing to dedicate the time and effort, the benefits are profound. It’s a chance to invest in yourself and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.
Applications are currently open for Homeward Bound Program #10.