At Big Picture Training, we’re passionate about building skills, leaders, and futures across the social housing sector. But behind every great organisation is a story and a person, who shapes its values, vision, and drive.
For us, that’s Jo Leckie, our CEO and founder. Jo has over 30 years’ experience in housing, learning and development, and leadership, but what makes her stand out isn’t just her expertise, it’s her honesty, humour, and ability to turn challenges into fuel for change.
In this special interview, Jo opens up about her leadership journey, the quirks and challenges of being a CEO, and the passion that continues to drive Big Picture forward. From “oh no” customer service moments to her hopes for the future of the sector, this is Jo at her most real, most inspiring, and most entertaining.
The Interview
Q1. Jo, you’re the CEO and founder of Big Picture Training, but it hasn’t always been that way. If your life had a theme song, what would it be and why?
A: I asked my daughters about this one. They’ve been with me through most of my adult life and aren’t scared to say it like it is. They said my theme song should be “I will survive/ Gloria Gaynor” because no matter what life throws at me, I deal with it and come out the other side. A traumatising childhood, abusive and destructive relationships, mental health issues, a period of discrimination at work and a business that’s had highs and lows.
Q2. Give us 3 things you love about being a CEO, and 3 things you hate.
A: I love leading a business with purpose, being part of a team who truly live our values, and seeing the impact our work makes. I don’t hate anything about being CEO at Big Picture, though I’m not a fan of the title “CEO.” I prefer to think of us as a flat culture where everyone has autonomy.
Q3. If your leadership style were a movie genre, which one would it be?
A: According to my kids, Black Comedy, because I find humour in even the most dire situations. 😆
Q4. What’s your most “oh no” work moment that you can laugh about now?
A: When I was a Housing Officer, had a nickname for one of my elderly tenants, Mr Winkley. I used to call him Mr Wrinkly behind his back. Unfortunately, I got so used to calling him Mr Wrinkly behind his back, that I accidentally said it to his face. I hoped he hadn’t noticed, but he had. Customer service fail! Taught me a lesson! Please be aware, that everyone I’m fond of has a nickname. 😆
Q5. If your calendar disappeared for a week, what would you actually do?
A: Panic! No one needs a disappearing calendar. How would I remember stuff! I even diarise my personal life.
Q6. If you could swap jobs with anyone in your company for a day, who would it be?
A: No one. We all wear many hats and are equally driven. That’s what makes the team so strong.
Q7. You’ve been in the social housing sector for over 30 years. What first sparked your passion?
A: I’d come from hospitality and working in 5* hotels where I didn’t feel I made a difference. I wanted a job that truly made a difference and considered teaching or nursing/midwifery but honestly, I’d be a rubbish nurse. My first housing role was Housing Assistant. What I really wanted to be was a Housing Officer. Directly engaging to make a difference in people’s lives. Done well, that role can be a pivotal one. Housing is a fundamental need after all. I worked hard to build a career in the sector and soon learnt that my strengths lay in coaching and motivating people. So teaching is probably where I should have landed but housing is my passion. Hence Big Picture.
Q8. As a coach and L&D expert, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting their career in social housing?
A: Spend time understanding your why and then don’t forget it. Housing isn’t easy. People will test you. You will need to remember your why, to draw on your reserves, live your values and remain focused on your personal mission.
Q9. Big Picture Training focuses on customer experience. Can you share a memorable story where exceptional service made an impact?
A: There have been many times that I’ve both encountered and received exceptional customer service. Every time it has been when someone has shown empathy and compassion. In other words, they truly care. Kindness costs nothing.
Q10. What’s the most rewarding part of your job at Big Picture Training?
A: When someone tells us our training is #makingadifference.
Q11. If you could change one thing about the social housing industry, what would it be?
A: I wish that politicians would recognise that housing is as important as healthcare and schooling and give the sector the resources it needs to grow and develop. In Australia, proper regulation and legislation at a federal level with a focus on professional standards. The system needs a complete overhaul.
Q12. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Big Picture and the sector?
A: We’ve got some stuff coming up that will be a game changer. Watch this space!
Fun Facts with Jo
💡 Quirkiest work moment? Moving to Australia and getting caught out by language differences… like not realising I shouldn’t say I was “rooting” for someone. 😆
☕ Coffee, tea, or something stronger? Tea, always. English Breakfast if possible.
✨ Go-to mantra? “There’s no such word as can’t. What you really mean is you don’t want to try.” (Thanks Mum 💛)
🦸 Superpower I’d want for my team? To make everyone compelled to buy our stuff!
👠 Reward after a big achievement? Shoes, clothes, handbags, jewellery.
📱 Desert island items? My phone, my glasses, and WiFi.
🥩 Last meal on earth? Steak and chips with a glass of Shiraz.
😲 Something surprising? I suffer from terrible imposter syndrome.
🌙 Early bird or night owl? Night owl, for sure.
🌟 Magic wand for housing? I’d remove the stigma around social housing tenants so every interaction starts with dignity, respect, and fairness.
Closing Thought
Jo’s journey is one of resilience, humour, and a deep-rooted passion for making a difference. Whether she’s leading her team, coaching future leaders, or advocating for change in the sector, she brings a unique mix of warmth, grit, and vision. At Big Picture, we’re proud to be shaped by her energy and inspired by her belief that skills build futures.