An interview with our CEO, Nicola Moore-Miller
Get to know the person sitting at the helm of our business
We’re going beyond quick-fire questions and taking a deeper tour into the professional and personal life of someone who needs little introduction in Jayva circles: our Global Chief Executive Officer, Nicola Moore-Miller.
As the visionary who transformed Jayva from a one-person start-up into an international professional services firm spanning six countries in just 11 years, Nicola’s journey is one worth exploring in full. So, settle in as we go behind the scenes of the story, the leadership and the lived experience that shaped Jayva.
The journey: Let’s start at the beginning. What was the catalyst in your life which saw the birth of Jayva? When you launched Jayva, did you ever imagine it would grow to a team of 50 employees across six countries? What were those early days like and what’s surprised you most about the journey?
“The birth of Jayva wasn’t far apart from the birth of my second child, and that really became the catalyst for change. At the time, I was Client Services Director for a legal technology company in Cheshire. A management restructure happened while I was on maternity leave, and with my mentor retiring, the dynamic shifted.
I treated the shift as an opportunity – I resigned, and having already relocated to my home town in West Cumbria, I decided to take on consultancy while my baby was young. I’ve always believed in the strength of female leadership and in being ambitious while still being a mum. I never set out for Jayva to become what it is today, but its growth has been an extremely ‘happy accident’. The people we’ve brought into the business have made the journey incredibly interesting, diverse and successful. I’m genuinely delighted with where we are, and there’s even more growth on the horizon.
Those early days were actually easy because it was just me, with no major financial obligations. The challenges came later – expanding internationally, setting up banking and payroll in other countries, recruiting people I hadn’t met in person. One of the biggest surprises has been the cultural differences. You assume that English-speaking countries operate similarly, but every region has its own values, behaviours and rules. It was a steep learning curve, but a positive one.
We’ve always focused on recruiting people who share our values, and we remain respectful of each jurisdiction’s differences. That’s been key to our success.”
Challenges and growth: Every success story has its share of challenges. What have been some of the biggest hurdles – personally and professionally – that you’ve faced along the way? And how did you overcome them?
“One of the biggest challenges has simply been the sheer hard work involved – there’s no real off-switch, especially now that we operate across eight time zones. I’m involved in most areas of the business, and for a long time I didn’t realise the personal impact of that. Balancing everything can make you feel like you’re always prioritising one thing over another – the business, family or yourself – and that’s naturally quite difficult.
Professionally, our biggest hurdles have often been legal and contractual, particularly in new regions, as well as financial. We’ve grown without investors, venture capital or private equity. Jayva began with £500 while I was on maternity leave, and I’ve been fortunate to have family and friends who believed in us and supported our growth. But it isn’t easy to borrow money in countries where you’re not resident – or even here in the UK, when you’re expanding overseas.
Despite that, the all-consuming nature of our work has taught me a lot about my own limits, and I’m much more aware of what I need to stay balanced. I try to take Fridays off, even if my phone is on, and I’m learning to manage the pace in a healthier way. These challenges have shaped me and strengthened the business.”
AI and legal tech: Jayva is deeply embedded in legal tech. With AI revolutionising the legal industry, what’s your perspective on how it’s changing the landscape – and how is Jayva supporting lawyers and law firms for what’s next?
“AI is transforming the legal sector, but the pace of adoption varies hugely from region to region. Some countries are embracing it with real enthusiasm; others are more cautious, understandably protective of the craft they’ve spent decades mastering. Our role is to meet firms where they are, with respect for their culture, their ethics and their approach to client service.
What’s clear is that AI will revolutionise how law firms operate – just as it has in every other part of life. Even as a chartered accountant and CEO, I didn’t initially realise how dramatically it could support my own work. Using tools like Microsoft Copilot, I’ve saved 10–15 hours a week on management and operational tasks. Sharing those real-world benefits is often the best way to encourage more guarded firms to take their first step.
For many SMEs, the challenge is competing with much larger firms in a difficult economic climate. AI can help level that playing field, especially in non–fee-earning areas that are typically under resourced. Even firms not ready to use AI for legal research and legal content can immediately benefit from back-office usage – from marketing and content creation to finance and data summarisation, trend analysis and presentation – thus freeing up time for fee earners and improving overall practice efficiency.
We’re developing a suite of AI packages tailored to firms at varying stages of adoption, and the interest has been huge. In the first six months of 2025 alone, we trained more than 4,000 people through our AI webinar series. It’s an area of enormous potential, but we’re mindful that not everyone is at the same point in their AI journey. For some countries and smaller firms, a ‘gently-gently’ approach is exactly what they need.”
Global complexity: Operating across six countries means navigating very different political, cultural and economic climates. How do you stay agile and responsive to these evolving challenges, and adapt to local markets and nuances – and how does this feed into your corporate strategy and service delivery plans?
“Operating in these countries is both a challenge and a huge advantage. At times, different regions are experiencing completely different economic climates – one may be in recession while another is growing rapidly. That diversity gives us the agility to rebalance resources, repurpose teams and maintain momentum globally without constantly recruiting for temporary spikes in demand. It’s one of the real strengths of being a multi-jurisdictional business.
Of course, there are complexities too. We operate as one global organisation and want consistency in how we treat our people and deliver our services, but employment laws, expectations and cultural norms can vary dramatically. Australia and New Zealand, for example, have very different HR frameworks from the UK and the US. Holiday allowances, benefits, even attitudes to work – they’re not the same.
Our goal is always parity, but with full respect for local variation. The key is employing local people in local markets. They understand the culture, the values, the nuances – and when they’re aligned with our global ethos, they can tailor our approach in a way that fits the region while still delivering that consistent Jayva experience.
That local-global balance is what keeps us agile, responsive and strategically grounded as we plan for long-term growth.”
Work-life balance: You’re not just a CEO – you’re also a mum of two and active in your local community. How do you manage the demands of global travel, time zones and the pressures of leadership while staying present for your family and friends? Would you say there are any similarities in your parenting style and leadership approach?
“Balancing global leadership with being a mum of two is tricky but incredibly rewarding. When you care deeply about both your family and your work, you’re conscious of where your time goes. But I love the global travel, and the chance to experience new cultures and connect with people around the world. I’m just more mindful now about how often I’m away, especially with my children at such important ages. They’re my constant, so finding the right balance matters.
Time zones and long days come with the territory, but I’ve become much better at setting boundaries and saying no when I need to. That’s been essential for maintaining my own wellbeing and staying present at home. Without doubt I could be better at this aspect, but like everything, it’s a work in progress.
In terms of leadership, there are similarities with parenting. I lead with positivity and empathy – I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. People respond depending on their personality, experiences and motivations, and part of my role is to understand what makes each person tick and tailor my style accordingly.
It’s exactly the same with my two children, who are complete opposites. I adapt my parenting to meet each of their needs and help them thrive in their own way. That blend of empathy, flexibility and positivity is central both to how I raise my family and how I lead the Jayva team.”
Pride and purpose: Looking back over the last 11 years, what are you most proud of – whether it’s a moment, a milestone, or a mindset?
“There have been some real pinch-me moments. Launching Jayva in New Zealand and Australia was incredible – I’d never visited that part of the world before, and to expand the business there was something I’ll never forget. Every launch feels special, but that one in particular showed just how far we’d come. The New Zealand people particularly have a very special place in my heart, as their approach is so down to earth and people focused like mine.
Another standout moment was our 10-year anniversary. We brought most of our global team together in a big house in Wales – many meeting in person for the first time after years of working together virtually. It was an amazing few days and one of my proudest milestones as a founder.
What makes me proudest overall is the growth behind those moments. Eighteen months ago, we were a team of 25; now we’re at 50, across six countries, and still growing. That sense of shared purpose, connection and momentum is something I’m incredibly proud of – and I’m hoping our next global gathering, an event in the planning stage, will be even bigger and better.”
Describe Jayva in your own words in one sentence.
“In simple terms, Jayva helps law firms work smarter and grow stronger – with a down-to-earth team that focuses on people and practical solutions, not just technology.”
The human side: Running a global business isn’t easy. What keeps you awake at night? And what keeps you going in the morning?
“Like most leaders, my mind can get busy at night – especially running a worldwide business across multiple time zones. I’m learning to manage that better, though, with healthier boundaries and the magic of the Apple ‘do not disturb’ feature. Combine that with the inevitable ‘women of a certain age’ hormonal changes, sleep doesn’t always come easily. I do occasionally acquiesce and have a ‘siesta’ if my schedule allows. While I used to feel guilty about doing this, I’ve recently come to realise it’s exactly what I should be doing, bearing in mind the hours and time zones I’m working with.
What gets me up in the morning is my family – the kids, the dog – and the sense of purpose that comes with building something meaningful. These days I’m much more focused on where I add the most value: shaping strategy, nurturing relationships and keeping Jayva moving forward.”
The future: Finally, what’s next for Jayva Global? What do you see on the horizon for the company, the industry and yourself as a leader?
“For Jayva, the next phase is about consolidating, strengthening and expanding our services. We’re seeing real momentum in our technical and automation solutions, and we’re excited about deepening partnerships globally – especially as our APAC model continues to grow with new partnerships and a product agnostic approach.
Industry-wise, the next few years will be transformative. AI and cloud platforms will completely reshape how legal and accounting tech is implemented. That’s a challenge, but also a huge opportunity for us. Great software still needs great people, and our consultants bring the experience and insight that help firms get real value from their systems. We’re evolving to meet what’s coming.
As for me, I’m increasingly focused on strategy and relationships, and I can see myself stepping into more of a chairperson role in the future. Not immediately – but in time, I’d love to support the business from that wider vantage point and let a new CEO lead the next chapter.
I was inspired by the late, great Richard Hugo-Hamman who was one of the first people I met at LEAP back in 2014, and how he had his finger on the pulse, motivated people, saw opportunities and approached his role with velocity and focus. He too loved investing in people and growth, so I aspire to be like that in my role, whilst giving the management team the opportunity to step up and lead the business over the years ahead.”
Christmas is on the horizon. It’s a well-known fact that within Jayva you’re Christmas crazy. What does Christmas 2025 look like in the Moore-Miller household and why are you so in love with all-things Christmas?
“I absolutely love Christmas – I think partly because some people around me growing up were the total opposite. For me, it’s all about people, connection and creating moments that feel special. When the kids were little, I made Christmas as magical as I could, and that sense of joy has never left.
My tree went up on 22nd November. I love the cooking, the music, the glass of wine whilst creating in the kitchen, and the chance to slow down and actually be with the people and be fully present. Those are all the ‘presents’ I need. It’s the one time of year I can fully switch off work for a good two to three weeks – which feels like such a gift in itself.
Christmas 2025 will be a little different for us because we’re in a new house, and we haven’t mapped everything out yet. We’ll have family and friends around – the exact mix is still to be decided – but this year I’m embracing a more relaxed, go-with-the-flow Christmas. Whatever we end up doing, it’ll be full of food, laughter and memories… which is really what it’s all about.”
Closing sentiments: And before we let you go, give us a little insight into Nicola Moore-Miller the individual. What’s something you can’t leave home without? Any guilty pleasures or vices we should know about? How do you recharge outside of work? What advice would you give to someone starting out in consultancy?
“I never leave the house without my phone – it’s basically mission control for both my work and my personal life. And, apparently, I always have lip gloss or balm on me too. Someone recently told me it’s my ‘tell’… but honestly, I just can’t stand the feeling of dry lips, especially in winter.
As for guilty pleasures, I’m a big fan of a glass of wine or a G&T – probably more than I should be – but I try to save it for two moments each week: Friday-night drinks with a friend and a Sunday roast with the family. Both involve cooking and feeding people, which is one of the ways I show love and unwind.
Vices? Well, besides the wine… I sing. A lot. In the car, in the house – basically anywhere. Whether it’s enjoyable for anyone else is up for debate. I’m officially the ‘worst roommate ever’ when staying with colleagues, as I am up early and singing in the shower when everyone else just wants coffee.
To recharge, I need simple things: time with my kids, cooking, fresh air and space to be myself without a diary dictating every hour. I love a bit of pampering. With a previous spinal injury, back massage has a very restorative and physically beneficial impact on me.
And for anyone starting out in consultancy, my biggest piece of advice is: be human first. Listen, stay curious, understand the people behind the processes and don’t pretend to know everything from day one. Build trust, stay humble and the opportunities will follow.”
A huge thank you to Nicola for sharing her insights, experiences and the human side of Jayva’s leadership. It’s inspiring to hear the story behind the journey so far – and exciting to imagine where the next chapter will take us.
If you’ve enjoyed this deeper dive, why not top up your cup with more of our ‘coffee with’ conversations? Meet Liz Loane, Lorna Rose, Olivia Johnson, Jude Smith, Leanne Pearson, Jacqui Bettio, Piet Bourke, Will Penrice, Joe Sclafani, Chris Nelson, Viona Retkowska, Rosa Pelaez-Vinuela, Susan Rodgers and Chad Ripepi. Each brew brings a fresh perspective, and we can’t wait to share many more tête-à-têtes along the way.