Adrian Stratta, a former paratrooper from Holybourne near Alton, has released his first book, *Dusty Boots to Boardroom – Follow Your Dreams*, chronicling a life-altering 2002 expedition across Africa with his wife, Catherine. The memoir exposes the couple’s narrow escapes from conflict zones, including a gunpoint standoff during the Darfur war and a near-fatal car crash in Botswana.
The journey began as an attempt to reconnect after years of military separation and corporate careers pulling them apart. Stratta, who served 17 years in the armed forces, later built a lucrative career in aviation and transport, turning Air Fayre from a loss-making venture into a £1 million-plus profit enterprise. Catherine, a trained physician, contributed to the trip with her pharmaceutical expertise before advancing to oversee clinical trials for experimental drugs.
| Milestone | Military Career | Corporate Career |
|---|---|---|
| Career Shift | 17 years as paratrooper | Air Fayre CEO, Arriva executive |
| Financial Impact | N/A | Transformed Air Fayre into £1m+ profit |
| Notable Achievement | Deployments unknown | Sold Arriva for undisclosed sum |
Stratta described the trip as “mentally draining but transformative,” recalling nights spent under armed guard in Chad and encounters with figures like Emmy-nominated actress Stephanie Powers and disgraced mercenary Simon Mann. The book’s launch was featured on BBC Radio Solent, where Stratta emphasized the expedition’s role in reigniting his marriage and redirecting his ambition toward civilian life.
Key Points
- ✅ Stratta’s 2002 African safari included life-threatening encounters, including a gunpoint incident in Darfur
- ⚡ The memoir details how the trip saved his marriage and redirected his career into aviation
- 💡 20% of book profits support veterans through Support Our Paras
Beyond the memoir, Stratta’s corporate legacy includes reviving Air Fayre and playing a pivotal role in the sale of Arriva, a move that reshaped the UK transport sector. Catherine’s work in drug development added a layer of scientific rigor to the couple’s shared narrative, blending adventure with professional reinvention. The book’s title reflects Stratta’s belief that risk and reinvention are essential to personal growth.
💡 Pro Tip
Stratta advises couples seeking to rekindle bonds to consider shared high-stakes experiences—provided they prioritize safety and mutual trust over thrill-seeking.
Copies of *Dusty Boots to Boardroom* are available online and at select bookshops in Hampshire. Stratta will host a signing at Alton Library on November 12, where proceeds from sales will go directly to veterans’ causes.
📋 By The Numbers
- 17 years — Stratta’s military service as a paratrooper
- £1 million+ — Turnaround profit achieved at Air Fayre under his leadership
- 2002 — Year of the African expedition detailed in the memoir
The memoir arrives amid a surge in veterans’ memoirs, reflecting a growing trend of ex-service personnel translating battlefield resilience into civilian success. Stratta’s story stands out for its unflinching portrayal of danger and its emphasis on partnership as the foundation of transformation. For many readers, the book serves as both a survival guide and a blueprint for turning adversity into opportunity.