Ms. Jo Malone CBE: From Surviving Breast Cancer to Rebuilding My Life

Begin Again with Davina McCall

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Thursday, 7 August 2025 - 1 hour 17 minutes

In this episode of Begin Again, Jo Malone CBE opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and reinvention. Best known for creating iconic fragrance brands, Jo takes us behind the scenes of her personal battles—from childhood struggles to surviving breast cancer—and how these challenges fuelled her success and growth.

Jo candidly shares how surviving cancer not only reshaped her outlook on life but also sparked a new chapter of self-discovery and starting over at 50. With deep reflections on faith, family, and perseverance, she reveals how she rebuilt her life and brand after the hardest moments, and how a renewed sense of purpose drives her forward.

In this powerful conversation, Jo talks about the importance of resilience in both life and business, how embracing reinvention can lead to a new beginning, and what it takes to live life on your own terms.

This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of transformation, and the belief that it’s never too late to restart.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s your biggest takeaway from Jo’s journey?

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(00:00) Intro

(00:01:14) Resilience and Career Shifts

(00:03:15) Like & Subscribe!

(00:03:34) Growing Up with a Gambling Father and Working-Class Roots

(00:07:15) Caring for Family: Jo's Early Childhood

(00:12:04) Overcoming School Struggles and Pursuing a Better Future

(00:13:16) Jo's Relationship with Her Mother and Moving Forward

(00:14:50) Moving to London at 16: Beginning a Career

(00:16:05) Faith and Doubt: Jo’s Spiritual Journey

(00:18:51) Ancient & Brave Ad

(00:20:18) Airbnb Ad

(00:21:29) Letting Go of Jo Malone Business and Facing Cancer

(00:29:15) Cancer Surgery and Reconstruction Journey

(00:32:49) Unexpected Participation in Cancer Treatment Trial

(00:35:01) Survival, Hope, and Reclaiming Her Life After Cancer

(00:36:26) Losing Her Sense of Smell During Cancer Treatment

(00:39:12) Leaving Jo Malone London: A Crisis of Identity

(00:42:08) Rediscovering Purpose with Jo Loves

(00:46:35) Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Change

(00:53:16) Taking a Gap Year at 60

(00:58:11) Jo and Gary’s Relationship and Support

(01:01:26) Smelling Gary’s Illness: A Unique Gift

(01:05:33) Expanding Jo Loves and Exploring the Five Senses

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