GORDONIAN ENTREPRENEURS JESSICA MILLER 9696 (1998) AUGUSTA
development. I had always enjoyed working closely with clients, understanding their concerns and defining their goals, and then using investigations to bolster their position or solve a problem. To do so, requires being able to draw together the top talent and expertise across jurisdictions and sectors. WHAT ARE YOUR AIMS/GOALS FOR YOUR COMPANY? I want to grow Strela into the investigative equivalent of a multi-family office, and build two parallel practices, in Disputes & Asset Recovery, and Private Client Services. TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS? I am really passionate about what I do, I absolutely love investigations. I believe in their relevance and application, and how they benefit clients – strengthening their position and decision-making. In tandem, I really listen to my clients and potential clients, to what they need and want. This drives me to find ways to improve my skills and evolve the way we work in order to provide a better service. For instance, I am learning Arabic to add to my language skills, At the same time, any success is never solely my own – I have an incredible and supportive network of family, friends, peers and mentors to whom I owe a lot, and from whom I draw enormous strength.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE LEAVING GORDON’S? It is a (shockingly!) long time since I left the school, but in sum I have lived in several countries, and obtained two degrees from the University of St Andrews (MA Hons. Russian & Italian, and M.Litt Middle East & Central Asian Security Studies). After university, I entered the corporate intelligence and investigations sector, in which I have built my career and now business. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MEMORIES OF GORDON’S? Augusta House winning the drill competition, and the last night of each term when our House Mistress, Mrs Lilley, would turn a blind eye to us turning our dorm into a giant sleepover – completely ignoring lights out rules and having a lot of fun. Lastly, parade days – particularly the excitement of waiting by the Camel in our dress uniform, the whole school lined up waiting to hear the pipes and drums and then the order to start marching. It’s something very, very special to participate in. TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? I set up the boutique investigations firm Strela Advisory in late 2017. Our purpose is to provide bespoke investigations and intelligence to resolve our clients’ complex commercial and personal legal, reputational, and sometimes familial, problems. We focus not solely on intelligence gathering, but on its use (because that is where its real value lies) by devising individual approaches to client problems, for which investigations delivers us to our desired destination. My particular expertise is in working with clients from Russia and the CIS (Former Soviet Union), and from the GCC (Arabian Gulf) countries.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 16 YEAR OLD SELF? Think big, think internationally, and be bold! I hate trite sayings, but the world really is your oyster. Think outside your national boundaries when it comes to further education, work experience, internships, and where your job might take you. Employers around the world are clamouring for top talent and will facilitate relocation if it means having you on board. Don’t underestimate the power of learning another language – it is a life skill, and may give you the edge in an interview. It also shows an openness to the world and an ability to understand and adapt to another culture. In this globalised economy, I would suggest learning an emerging market language, but anything you choose will be an excellent string to your bow. Lastly, don’t stress about knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life – careers are no longer linear, and industries are ever evolving (mine barely existed when I was at Gordon’s, and who had heard of blockchain or ESG a decade ago?). Instead, focus on transferrable skills, that will be your value-add down the line.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU GET THE IDEA? Setting up Strela Advisory was largely an act of rebellion on my part. I realised that the traditional business models in my industry were not where I saw my future and professional
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The Gordonian
Parade picture Jessica is 2nd from the left.
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