Women In Business Q&A: Katrina Allen, Founder of De Jour

May 21, 2009, 5:55 pmmarieclaire

Katrina Allen switched from an award-winning career as an art director to become the founder and managing director of De Jour Sanitary Products. Ten years on, she remains the only woman to fully own a sanitary product in Australia, which has turned over more than $40 million since its inception.

All About You
  • Send
  • Print
Rating:
What is more important, talent or drive?
Drive. I've met lazy talented people - sheer hard work and determination can often be the winning factor. I'm not as smart as I am driven. Drive has got me where I am today.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
Five. Right place right time, but if you're doing the right thing and working hard, you'll get there anyway. Hard work always pays off in the long run, but you must also work "smart".

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Idea. You have got to have a good idea. I love a good idea, however, if it's not well executed, then it won't happen. So the idea is what sets you apart from everyone and the execution is what makes it a success.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Both. I get so passionate and that drives the idea, however I often stop to look at it objectively and take stock of where I am before I go to the next stage.

What is most and least important? Please rank your priorities.

  1. Drive (make it happen)
    Confidence (must believe it will happen)
    Organisational skills (logically makes it happen)
    Talent (is points 1-3 combined)
    Relationship skills (so important once idea is happening)


What one trait has helped you most in business?
I always go beyond what is expected of me. I always over deliver and respond way before I'm expected to.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
English - I'm crap at it and I would love to be able to express myself without grammar and spelling mistakes.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
Ordering stock - sometimes it is better to order less than more. Also, never react to a problem straight away. Sleep on it and ask people whose opinions you value!

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
Always go beyond what your client expects. It may not pay off straight away but it does pay off.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
Forgetting that family and kids come first - nothing is more important than well-rounded kids.

Post your comment

Comment Guidelines
Do you have a Yahoo! ID? Sign in | Sign up

BUY OF THE WEEK

You Tell Us

Do you wear sunscreen every day?

Do you wear sunscreen every day?

Vote View results without voting