I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1959. My parents had emigrated there from Calabria, Italy, in 1949, looking to rebuild their lives after the war. My older sister was born five years before me, also in Argentina. In 1964, when I was just a boy, my family packed up our lives and embarked on an epic two-week journey by plane, ship, and plane again, finally landing in Perth Western Australia. My brother was born in Perth in 1967. Perth is where I grew up, a beautiful, vibrant city washed by the waves of the Indian ocean.

My first language was Spanish, followed by Italian—mainly to connect with our newfound relatives in Perth—and then came English. I’ll never forget starting school, unable to speak a single word of it, watching my mom walk away while I stood there, feeling lost, crying my eyes out . Over the years, I lost most of my Italian, but my Spanish remains fluent.

In the early part of my life in Perth, I was known as Joe. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I asked my mom why everyone called me Joe when my birth certificate clearly said José Aurelio Ruggero. (I love the name Aurelio, {my grandfather‘s name }by the way.) She explained that they wanted me to “fit in” and sound more Australian. That didn’t sit right with me, so within a few weeks, I changed all my documents back to José. To this day, though, many family members still call me Joe—some nieces and nephews even know me as Uncle Joe, my grandson – Grandpa Joe.

Family has always been central to my life. I have lots scattered across Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, and Groningen in the NL . I am aware that some of my relatives came through Ellis Island too.

Life has taken me through many twists and turns, shaping not just me but the lives of those around me. I worked for just over twenty five years across the world in a leadership role in a research and advisory company. That 25 years had many ups and downs including getting fired in 2014 at the age of 55. Thankfully, I found a new role within the same company after losing my job. It turned out to be my dream job—a creative, stimulating position where I worked with an amazing team. Together, we made a tangible impact on countless people and organizations.

In April 2024, I retired. But I’m far from sitting around! I’ve crafted a fulfilling post-work life that includes daily meditation, reading a book summary each day, (and reading entire books too!,) studying philosophy, and working on lowering my golf handicap. I’ve also taken on the role of treasurer for our local HOA, giving back to my community.

I am passionate about social justice and the environment, and they combine to focus my purpose and attention in what remains of of my life.

I have adopted Stoicism as my road to a virtuous life, one that, I and only I, will be proud of.

Life is good, and I’m grateful for the journey so far.