What is more important, talent or drive?
Talent. You need both drive and talent in business these days. Without one or the other, the business may fail. Good business people need to be both talented and motivated to succeed. They may need a team around them with the same attributes. Having inherent talent is important, but the motivated person develops the drive to succeed.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success? Two. I believe luck has its part in the success of a business. However, hard work, integrity and enthusiasm play a much larger part. My recipe is that one must put in the effort, guard your reputation jealously and the rewards should follow.

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Execution. I believe the execution is more critical than the idea. If you have an idea that can't be executed, then it's only an idea and nothing can be done with it. To me, that's a waste. Successful execution of an idea, even if borrowed or inherited, shows that the person has been talented enough and has had the tenacity to see the idea through to completion.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Passionate. Once again, I think you need to combine passion with objectivity in business. The passion shows emotional involvement, excitement and the belief in the project. However, it is imperative that a successful businessperson remains objective. The entrepreneur does not take sides and thoughtfully weighs up the pros and cons of all-important issues.

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

1. Organisational skills
   Talent
   Confidence
   Drive
   Relationship skills

What one trait has helped you most in business?
Even though I have ranked relationship skills as my lowest priority above, I believe it is that trait which has assisted me most in my 23 years in business. Being in the service industry, we don't have a product to sell, per se, but we need to make our customers feel at ease discussing sometimes very difficult situations, like in-home care of close relatives, some with severe disabilities or terminal illnesses, the care of children and all types of in-home help. Additionally, my relationship skills have assisted me to develop a strong team of loyal employees. 25% of our office staff has been with us for longer than 10 years, with 5% of the staff being with the company for over 20 years.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
Perhaps a lack of self-confidence to make radical changes has held me back in my business decisions. I strongly believe in the business I now head and know my competence in the practical running of the business. I tend to lack confidence in the corporate arena, as I have no formal tertiary qualifications in business studies. I have learned the business from the ground up. I really enjoy the challenges of learning new methods and techniques from liaising with others in corporate situations. I have recently become a member of TEC where I can absorb so much from highly intelligent and qualified people who have worked in a larger corporate environment. I listen carefully to what they have done and how they have done it. I sincerely believe my confidence will improve from exposure to such contacts.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
The hardest lesson I have learned is the disappointment from delegating activities to people who didn't have the capacity, drive or talent to undertake the project given to them. This misplaced delegation created unnecessary problems and unfinished projects which I had to complete myself. I have since learned to go with my "gut" feeling about the person I delegate to, to ensure that he/she has the capacity, energy and experience to complete the task to my satisfaction.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
No matter how many "curve balls" are thrown at you, no matter what difficulties or obstacles are placed in front of you, you must pick yourself up, dust yourself off and move forward - sometimes starting all over again. There is no advancement in regrets or looking backwards at past errors. If you believe in yourself and your business and you commit to making it succeed, you will be successful. Nothing worthwhile is ever achieved easily. Working in a business takes unceasing application, hard work, passion, energy, motivation, sound ethics and integrity. It's vitally important to have a strong supportive team working with you. Without the support of your family, success in business becomes irrelevant.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
The biggest mistake that I see women making in business is the belief that they can be "superwomen" by managing their households and their businesses without additional support. Many businesswomen are of the "sandwich" generation with their children pulling them one way and their aging parents pulling them the other way. By outsourcing some home duties - such as cleaning, washing, ironing, shopping, utilising valet/concierge services or having someone to assist with childcare or eldercare - women who run their own businesses may find that the weekends give them the opportunity to share quality time with the people most important to them. Having a sensible approach to the challenges which face so many women these days may serve to alleviate some of the stress created by the dichotomy of work versus family.