JCG encourages students to step in and step up with new Female Leadership Programme sponsored by KPMG 

In a bid to address the scarcity of women in leadership roles, Jersey College for Girls has launched a new Female Leadership Programme for Sixth Form students. Studies have shown women make better leaders whilst businesses that employ women in leadership positions do better. The JCG Leadership programme will help students increase their confidence, identify their strengths, understand the skills of leadership and build their sense of themselves as leaders. The innovative curriculum was developed, and will be led, by Gaëlle Deschamps of G Force. “I am passionate about empowering girls and women to thrive,” Miss Deschamps said. Amber, Year 12, remarked: ‘This programme will give us insight into how few women are represented in leadership roles and empower us to step in and step up.” 

Locally owned and managed retailers and builders merchants, Romerils, have started the new year with a new appointment to the Board of Directors. Kim Royle has been promoted to the board, as HR Director, having previously held the role of Head of People Services. 

Kim joined Romerils in 2016 as MR Manager, and in 2018 was appointed to the Senior Management team as Head of People Services, before becoming Romerils first female director in their 75-year history. After completing her education in Jersey, Kim pursued an undergraduate degree at CardiffUniversity. She then earned an MSc in Human Resource Management from the University of Brighton. In 2024, Kim furthered her qualifications by obtaining the Institute of Directors’ ‘CerNficate in Company Direction.’ 

Romerils Managing Director, Steve Jewell said: “With Kim’s ability, drive, character and vision, this exciting and very deserved appointment further strengthens and diversifies our board of directors to meet future challenges and opportunities in Jersey”. Kim, who has also recently become Chair of the Sponsorship Sub Committee of the IOD Jersey Branch, said about her appointment: “I’m honoured and excited to step into the role of HR Director at Romerils. It’s been a brilliant journey so far, and I’m truly grateful for the trust and support from everyone here. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with our amazing Romerils team to build on our strong, people-centric foundations and achieve great things together.” 

HIGHVERN’S Group Director and Head of Private Wealth, Naomi Rive, has been named among the 2025 eprivateclient 50 Most Influential. 

This prestigious recognition highlights her significant contributions and leadership within the UK and global offshore private client practitioner sector. This marks Naomi’s seventh appearance on the distinguished list since 2015, and this feather in her hat demonstrates her dedication and exemplary role model status in the industry. 

The selection of the 50 Most Influential individuals is conducted by PAM Insight’s judges, who consider the achievements, promotions, and progress of potential candidates over the past 12 months, alongside their professional reputations. 

Nicola is a director, and founder, of Oben Regulatory, a Jersey regulatory consultancy business. Prior to Oben, Nicola worked at the JFSC for many years in investment business, enforcement, funds and heighted supervision. Oben has undertaken numerous reporting professional assignments for the Jersey and Guernsey regulators and has assisted many firms of varying sizes and types of business. Nicola is currently the Chair of the Jersey Compliance Officers Association. 

Nicola is a director, and founder, of Oben Regulatory, a Jersey regulatory consultancy business. Prior to Oben, Nicola worked at the JFSC for many years in investment business, enforcement, funds and heighted supervision. Oben has undertaken numerous reporting professional assignments for the Jersey and Guernsey regulators and has assisted many firms of varying sizes and types of business. Nicola is currently the Chair of the Jersey Compliance Officers Association. 

BEGINNINGS AND ASPIRATIONS 

Unclear of my career direction after backpacking around the world for a year, I temped at random places in London (A&R at Virgin Records, Paxton & Whitfield (cheese), etc.) until one day I was sent to work at LIFFE, the open outcry market in the City (an exchange for trading government bond futures). The job involved working for the market. It was such a vibrant and exciting place filled with hundreds of people all wearing colourful jackets shouting and screaming while trading, and I thought, this is it, this is for me. 

TURNING POINT 

I moved to Jersey in 1998 and temped at various businesses to understand what Jersey’s finance industry was about. I ultimately applied for a job at the JFSC, which had just become independent of the States. New regulations were about to be passed and I was part of the small team involved in licencing and supervising such financial services firms. Once I started the examination process, looking at client files to understand the type and nature of activity taking place, and examining the records of business I realised how interesting it was. Two early defining moments that come to mind, which cemented my decision to stay in regulation, include a director who wouldn’t let go of the minute book (we had a “push pull” situation until he let go), and an examination of a trust company business, whose principal kept an illegal firearm in the safe. Then, 18 years later, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join friends setting up Oben. Alex is an amazing person to work with, she is funny, a machine, she gets things done and David is so clever – both are also well connected, which has helped in terms of the success of our business. Long story short, I consider myself to have been lucky in my career and with my peers, over the years (and for many years), doing what I love. 

CHALLENGES AND LESSONS 

I’ve learned that it is so important to work together, to have meaningful dialogue. Firms spend much time and effort building up business and naturally become defensive of criticism. Where findings and issues are egregious it is important that these are addressed, however, the way in which the messaging is delivered and the remedial process is achieved has a bearing on the future success of that business and on your relationship with that business. Working together well to deal with difficult and contentious matters achieves better outcomes for all. 

SKILLS AND MINDSET 

Growing up I used to do logic grid puzzles; perhaps resulting in my being inquisitive and needing to find solutions. In a work context, someone said I was able to ‘peel an onion’ – peeling the layers to get to the issue. Traits that have helped include reading small print, researching and examining information for hours; all necessary to build a picture. I love a pencil and paper to draw structure charts (these days electronically). Diagrams clearly show what’s going on. I keep on top of current issues and love the work of investigative journalists and others (Bellingcat, OCCRP, Global Witness, Hindenberg, Muddy Waters etc) who do an incredible job. Whilst it currently seems that white collar crime pays, I’m determined to do my bit to help in countering money laundering, corruption and fraud and I’m fortunate that my colleagues have a similar mindset! 

NETWORKING AND MENTORS 

I have been lucky, at the start of my regulatory career, to have worked with the likes of Helen Hatton, Chris Cooke, Guy Sears and Paul Le Marrec – each have great intellect, knowledge and regulatory expertise. They’ve had a profound effect on my learning and development. Having your work overseen, being taught and pushed to get on with challenging issues, being held to account for the work you have produced, having it checked, marked with red pen over and over means that your work is refined and you learn. It’s a frustrating process but there is no better way to progress. 

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING LEADERS 

1. Learn from someone with significant experience and knowledge – consider asking someone to be your mentor. 
2. Ask basic/simple questions ( ‘nothing is a stupid question’)– when you’ve been in a job for a while it becomes too late to ask. 
3. Don’t take anything at face value – look for yourself. 
4. If you feel or see something wrong, follow your nose (you can’t beat your inner spidey senses!). 
5. Write short sentences, use basic words – you want people to be interested and to understand your work. 
6. Read – books, articles, anything serious. Follow world news. 

Meet Alexandra Reip and Lisa Aune, two trailblazers at KPMG in the Crown Dependencies. Alexandra, an Advisory Director in Risk Consulting, and Lisa, an Associate Director in Restructuring, share insights into their careers, values, and personal growth. From conducting audits across 30 countries to balancing professional success with a passion for teaching children to cook, these women exemplify resilience, leadership, and dedication. They also highlight the importance of empathy, mentorship, and diversity in shaping inclusive and empowering workplaces. Prepare to be inspired by their stories of breaking barriers and building legacies. 

Alexandra Reip – Advisory Director, Risk Consulting, KPMG in the Crown Dependencies

Is there a female who inspires you in business and why? 

I have been following and listening to Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, for some time now. Her focus on diversity and creating empowering environments where everyone can contribute resonates deeply with me. I am a firm believer that while individuals can excel on their own, diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes. 

Her leadership style is characterised by empathy and a commitment to equality. In my opinion she exemplifies how leaders can remain authentic while making a meaningful impact through fostering inclusive and empowering workplaces. 

In my view, one of the most touching aspects of her leadership was her practice of writing personal letters to the families of PepsiCo’s executives, thanking them for their role in shaping future leaders. This gesture highlights her appreciation for the support systems behind her employees and her understanding of how critical family support is to professional success. 

What is your career highlight, so far? 

A key highlight of my career has been conducting internal audits across 30 countries, including regions such as French-speaking Africa, Yemen, Argentina, and New Zealand. This experience has broadened my professional perspectives (and culinary palate) and deepened my understanding of how ‘tone at the top’ and cultural differences shape business operations, values, and success. 

While the same leadership principles and corporate values were shared globally, their impact varied greatly by region. It was fascinating to see how local leadership styles and cultural contexts influenced the company’s culture and operations, even within the same organisation. 

Working with diverse teams taught me the importance of adapting my communication and management style to fit the local context. Understanding the cultural nuances of each team was essential for conducting effective audits and fostering positive relationships. 

This journey has shown me the beauty of being part of a global village – a mesmerising kaleidoscope of perspectives. Along the way, I’ve also had the privilege of meeting incredible colleagues, many of whom have become lifelong friends. 

Lisa Aune – Associate Director, Restructuring, KMPG in the Crown Dependencies

What advice would you give women considering a career in your industry? 

Surrounding yourself with good people at every stage of your career is vital. Seek mentors who will guide you, advocate on your behalf, and help build a network that supports your career goals and aspirations. I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic mentors, both male and female, and I’ve realised there’s no shame in asking for help or admitting you don’t know everything. We all need a helping hand sometimes, and it’s important to extend the same support to others when you can. 

As a woman in this industry, it’s crucial to know your worth and confidently assert it. Never underestimate yourself or your potential—those glass ceilings are meant to be broken. Many people, especially women, experience a lack of confidence or ‘imposter syndrome,’ particularly when returning from maternity leave. We often convince ourselves that we don’t deserve the promotion, the pay raise, or the respect, but it’s simply not true. We deserve it all, and we should work hard and actively pursue it. 

What do you get up to outside of work? 

Outside of work, I cherish spending as much time as possible with my family, including my two children, Jacob (15) and Grace (11). I also have a passion for reading, hiking and cooking. In fact, I love cooking so much that in 2022, I set up small business providing cooking lessons and workshops for primary and nursery school-aged children. I believe that everyone should have the basic skills to produce tasty and nutritious meals from scratch and that we have a responsibility to pass these skills on to the younger generation. 

I’m fortunate to pursue my passions outside the office while maintaining a successful career. Achieving work-life balance isn’t always easy, but when you get it right, it’s incredibly rewarding. 

Kat Guillemot, a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution team at Viberts, has carved a remarkable path that combines her sharp legal mind with an unwavering passion for health and fitness. From her early beginnings exploring a teaching career to finding her calling in the dynamic world of litigation, Kat’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and a love for challenges. Balancing a demanding legal career with her roles as a spinning instructor, Pilates teacher, and sports massage therapist, she proves it’s never too late to pursue diverse passions while excelling professionally. Here, Kat shares insights into her unique career path, day-to-day work, and life advice. 

What attracted you to a career in law and specifically Dispute Resolution? 

After completing my A-levels, I was not sure what I wanted to do career wise. However, I knew that I wanted something that would be varied and which would challenge me. I went to University with a view to becoming a primary teacher. Both of my parents were teachers so it seemed like a good idea! I realised that it was not the direction that I wanted to go in. However, going to University was still invaluable in terms of life experience. I knew other students studying law and found it interesting to listen about what they were learning. It was this that resulted in my pursuing a career in law. 

I returned to Jersey after completing my teaching Degree and explored work opportunities locally. I did not want to be a full-time student again but there were Universities and colleges in the UK offering distance learning courses for the Post Graduate Diploma in Law (PGDL) conversion degree. I was fortunate to get employment at a local law firm that also supported me by funding my course fees and giving me study time during the week. After completing the PGDL, I went on to complete the Legal Practice Course in order to eventually qualify as an English Solicitor. Again, this was available as a distance learning course. For me this route into law was perfect. By working at a local firm, I developed a lot of experience, skills and knowledge of Jersey law and procedure, whilst also gaining my legal qualifications through my further studies. I have also been very fortunate to have great mentors along the way. 

In terms of why I chose Dispute Resolution, I was placed in litigation from the outset of my employment and quickly developed a keen interest in all things contentious! The work is varied, challenging, and can be very rewarding. 

What do you do day to day? 

Every day is different! I like to start the day by reviewing my emails and preparing a list of what I need to work on. It is also important to look ahead at any deadlines coming up and to plan for them in advance. I ordinarily work on multiple cases. These can be my own cases or ones that I am assisting other fee earners on. There can often be various deadlines in place that we need to comply with. It is so important to be organised. I also need to prioritise work accordingly depending on the timeframes I am working within. 

My working day often sees me meeting with clients, engaging with other lawyers on matters, reviewing case papers, drafting documents (whether it be letters, pleadings, instructions to experts). On some days I attend at Court, which I enjoy as although I do not have rights of audience as an English Solicitor it is rewarding to see cases that I have been working on being presented to the Court. Aside from working on cases, I also help the firm’s paralegals and trainee lawyers day-to-day, by reviewing their work and giving them guidance to help with their ongoing development. 

If you were giving advice to your 16 year old self what would it be? 

Focus on what is right for you and follow your path. As I have got older, I have certainly come to appreciate the importance of taking better care of myself and focusing on what is right for me. 

Don’t be so hard on yourself when things go wrong. We are all learning every day. No one is perfect. Things will not go right all of the time, and that is ok! It is so easy to focus on the negative things that happen and waste time and energy beating ourselves up about it. When it happens to me I always stop, take a breath, put things into context and work to find a solution. I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong, and to fall on my sword – it is important to take responsibility for yourself! We can learn from our mistakes, rather than dwell on them. 

What do you get up to outside of work? 

It is fair to say that my life outside of work is very full on! I have a huge passion for health, fitness and the sheer amazingness of the human body. As well as being a keen cyclist and runner, I am a qualified spinning instructor, Pilates teacher and sports massage therapist. These things are a total contrast to working in law but they bring a huge sense of fulfilment and achievement into my life. I manage my class teaching and sports massage around working full time in law, but I love the variety in what I do and I would not change it for the World. It is never too late to learn and to pursue something that you are passionate about in life.