JO CARUANA

JO CARUANA is an entrepreneur, magazine editor, performer and environmental advocate. She is the Founder and CEO of the Finesse Group (@byfinessegroup), as well as a member of the Comedy Knights troupe, and a co-producer for The Shrinking Violets theatre collective, which she launched with four of her best friends. Together with her husband Bruce and dog Pip, she lives between Malta and England, and works remotely with clients all over the world. Follow her on Instagram @jocaruana.

In fact, somewhat unexpectedly, the last few years have turned me from someone very routined and structured, into someone living a bit of a mad, uncharted adventure – and I love it! Among other things, Bruce and I have moved our home and businesses onto a widebeam canal boat in southern England, and it couldn’t be more fun. It’s forced us to simplify everything, become acutely aware of our surroundings, focus, and pause. It’s also taught me more about resources than anything ‘environmental’ I have lived so far. Existing off-grid with only solar panels to power your hairdryer and a limited water supply will do that to you. I have become conscious and grateful for every kilowatt, and think off-grid living is something everyone should try their hand at as we realign with what’s going to be sustainable for the planet going into the future.

Because that future is coming and we need to be ready for it. I balk at the way mindless development continues and our island’s beauty – natural and otherwise – is slashed. It’s oppressive and maddening. How do we still not have a plan we can believe in? Why are citizens forced to fight for what should obviously be protected? My mind boggles, and I worry about where it will end. But I have also found my own peace with what I can control and the impact I can have. I strive to do good in my own world, and fight a little each day to make it a better place. I love what the last 18 months have taught me, the realities they have shown me, and the paths that have opened up to me. So onwards let’s go – with kindness, hope, and a sense of adventure!