Spotlight on Jordana Jacklin: Leading Miller Leith’s QLD Expansion
At Riva Offices, we love showcasing the journeys and insights of our talented members. In our latest podcast episode of The Riva Offices Spotlight, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jordana Jacklin, Queensland Director for recruitment firm Miller Leith. With over 21 years of experience, Jordana shared her professional story, Miller Leith’s unique approach, and her vision for the company in Queensland.
Jordana Jacklin, Queensland Director of Miller Leith
From Marketing to Recruitment: A Global Journey
Jordana’s career journey began on the Gold Coast, where she graduated from Bond University with a marketing degree. Her first professional step was in marketing, which took her to Sydney for a few years. But it wasn’t until she made the bold decision to move to London that her career took an unexpected and exciting turn.
“London was where I fell into recruitment,” Jordana shared. “I didn’t even know it was a career or an industry, to be honest. This was back in 2003.” She worked in the heart of Knightsbridge for a marketing-based firm, and it was here that she realised recruitment could be the perfect way to blend her passion for working with people and her marketing background. The dynamic and fast-paced nature of London’s professional scene allowed her to sharpen her skills and exposed her to global clients and diverse industries.
"London is such an international hub, and working there gave me the chance to meet people from all walks of life," she said. "It was incredibly exciting, and it really set me on the path to where I am today. That experience helped me build the confidence and expertise to navigate the recruitment landscape, even in the most competitive markets."
Leading Miller Leith’s Queensland Expansion
Timing, as Jordana emphasises, plays a critical role in career decisions. Her long-standing relationship with Stephen Borg, a founding Director at Miller Leith, led to her current position. Despite having established strong networks in Melbourne and Sydney, she was eager to return to Queensland, where an exciting opportunity presented itself: opening Miller Leith’s office on the Gold Coast.
Jordana explained how Miller Leith defied industry trends, as many competitors focused their Queensland operations in Brisbane. “Stephen supported me to open up an office at the Gold Coast, which was amazing,” she said. Jordana has been thriving in her role for over 14 months, embracing the state’s immense growth potential, particularly in sectors like FMCG, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Miller Leith Difference: A focus on relationships and talent lifecycle
Jordana spoke highly of Miller Leith’s unique approach in a highly competitive recruitment industry. Unlike many agencies, Miller Leith offers a holistic solution to its clients by covering the entire talent lifecycle. “We are role discipline industry specialists,” Jordana explained. Miller Leith operates across three key areas:
Acquire – Focus on traditional recruitment services.
Change – Offering outplacement services.
Develop – HR consulting services, where Miller Leith helps companies with team development, restructuring, and other critical HR needs.
This comprehensive approach is what sets Miller Leith apart. "We’re not just a send-a-CV-and-go agency. We are in it for the long term, developing partnerships with both clients and candidates," Jordana said proudly.
Balancing Client and Candidate Expectations
Jordana’s empathetic approach to recruitment is one of her defining traits. She sees herself as a mediator, balancing the needs of both clients and candidates. "I always say I’m in the middle, and it’s a strength and a weakness. I’m extremely empathetic, and I care so much about solving the problem for the client while also considering the candidate’s personal challenges," she explained.
Managing expectations is a crucial part of her role, especially in challenging recruitment situations. Jordana highlighted the importance of transparency and honest communication. "You’ve got to have trust, respect, and confidence. Sometimes, you have to be honest with clients and guide them through challenges like salary expectations or location issues," she said.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Miller Leith in Queensland
Jordana is enthusiastic about the future of Miller Leith in Queensland. With the state’s booming population and sectors like FMCG, agriculture, and manufacturing experiencing rapid growth, she sees endless opportunities. “I honestly predict some businesses will move their head offices to Queensland,” she said, highlighting the state’s growth potential.
As for her personal goals, Jordana is excited about continuing to build Miller Leith’s brand in Queensland. "We’re building new relationships, growing the team, and I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved in the first 12 months," she said.
As Jordana looks toward the future, she is confident that Miller Leith will continue to grow and thrive in Queensland. With her leadership and passion for building long-term relationships, it’s clear that exciting things lie ahead for both Jordana and Miller Leith.