AG E NDA
Leading with
CLARITY
With a career spanning more than two decades in trust and fiduciary services, Jodie Gray has built a reputation for clarity, consistency and clientfirst leadership. Beginning her professional life in banking, she was quickly drawn to the intellectual challenge and variety of private client work, completing her STEP qualifications early and rising through the ranks to Associate Director at an established provider. After a brief transition into the corporate sector, Jodie realised where her true passion lay, returning to private clients and the relationships at the heart of the work. Now a Client Director at Fairway, she brings deep experience, thoughtful decision-making and a refreshingly personal approach to an independent, owner-managed firm that puts families firmly first.
What leadership lessons have you learned that you wish you’d known earlier in your career? I wish I’d known earlier to enjoy and embrace challenges rather than be daunted by them. Taking a moment to pause, listen, and genuinely consider different opinions is invaluable. We learn most from diverse perspectives and experiences. Being prepared and staying focused on the matter at hand also makes a significant difference to effective leadership.
Outside of your day to day role, what keeps you grounded and gives you perspective?
I’m a huge animal lover and share my life with four rescue dogs and four cats. Spending time outdoors, particularly walking my dogs along the beach, never fails to bring perspective and clarity after a challenging day. I’m also a cold sea swimmer and can’t advocate enough for its benefits to mental health and overall wellbeing.
What does success look like for you now, both professionally and personally? Success, to me, is ending the day knowing I’ve done the right thing and being surrounded by good people. Professionally, seeing others develop, grow, and progress in their careers is a real measure of success and a source of great pride. Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Fairway and the role women will play in shaping the next generation of fiduciary leadership? In the three years I’ve been with Fairway, it’s been remarkable to see how far the business has come and the opportunities that have been created. We’ve expanded globally, with strong women leading our offerings in Singapore, Madeira, and Dubai - a clear testament to Fairway’s commitment to supporting and developing female leadership. What excites me most is seeing the next generation of leaders, particularly women, step into senior roles with confidence, visibility, and genuine support as the firm continues to grow.
Fairway is proudly independent and owner-managed, how does that shape the way you lead and make decisions for clients?
Fairway’s independent ownership and management model was a key factor in my decision to join the firm. It allows us to act nimbly and efficiently in response to our clients’ needs, without being constrained by bureaucracy or a one-size-fits-all approach. Every client and family is different, and this structure enables us to deliver genuine, bespoke solutions. From a leadership perspective, it allows me to make clear, timely decisions that are always aligned with our clients’ best interests. When a decision needs to be made or a tailored strategy developed, we can collaborate quickly and decisively, ensuring considered outcomes.
As a director in a fiduciary business built on trust and long-term thinking, what values guide you most in your role?
Photography: Danny Evans
Honesty and integrity have been central to my career, as they are in any relationship. I’ve always taken a direct and transparent approach with clients, believing there is little value in telling someone what they want to hear if it isn’t achievable, realistic, or in their best interests.
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LIFE & ST YLE IN JERSEY