A/Prof Jo James leads a research team that seeks to combine in vitro experimental work, in vivo and ex vivo imaging, and in silico modelling techniques to understand how placental function is impaired in fetal growth restriction. The overall aim of this work is to identify novel, mechanism-based, approaches to predict, detect and treat this condition. She has >70 publications, and her team’s work has attracted >$13 million NZD in funding, including support by the Marsden Fund, HRC, CureKids and Wellcome Leap. Following her PhD she spent 15 years on fixed-term contracts, and the success of her career across this time has been built on a combination of self-supported soft funding, strong mentorship, leaning into teaching responsibilities, and grabbing opportunities when they arose. In this talk, she will highlight key lessons learnt across this journey, and reflect on how on earth she managed to make it to where she is now.