Jamie Mickelson

I am a Managing Director in Kroll’s Investigations, Diligence and Compliance practice, based in Mexico City and working across Latin America. Prior to joining Kroll, I spent nearly 15 years as a federal prosecutor with the Department of Justice, where I investigated and prosecuted a variety of federal crimes, including fraud, human trafficking, drug trafficking and corruption.

What makes you a Risky Woman?

Throughout my career, I have looked for new growth opportunities and consistently taken on new challenges.  I have never been afraid to leave behind what is comfortable to take a chance on something new, which has included living and working in three different countries, learning about legal systems in countries outside of the US and working primarily in my second language (Spanish).

Name your top 3 achievements

1. Serving as the U.S. Judicial Attaché, the government’s primary liaison for law enforcement matters, for the Department of Justice in Colombia.
2. Successfully establishing a new office for DOJ at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala
3. Becoming a Managing Director at Kroll in Mexico

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Ten years ago, without knowing anyone there or knowing much about Guatemala, I was offered the opportunity to move there and to open a new office for DOJ at the U.S. Embassy. I started with no office staff, mediocre Spanish skills and limited knowledge of the Guatemalan justice system, but taking that chance changed the course of my career.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I successfully completed a skydiving certification

What is the best quality for successful leaders in Risk?

Curiosity and a willingness to learn new things.