What is more important, talent or drive?

I believe most successful people have a combination of both, but drive and ambition will get you places that talent alone won't. There are a lot of talented people out there, but without the ambition to propel that talent and the determination to overcome the setbacks, you may not reach your full potential.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?

Six. I believe you create your own luck. Someone once said "the harder I work, the luckier I get" and that pretty much sums it up for me. I believe in creating the opportunity and going for it hard. There is certainly an element of luck in any success story, however equally there is a of hard work, treading the boards and persistence going on behind the scenes, that may not be quite as visible as the "lucky break".

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?

Execution. Working in the creative industry, I've seen many spectacular ideas that have resulted in spectacular failures due to poor execution and strategy. Anyone can have ideas, executing them successfully is harder to achieve.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?

Passionate. "Love what you do, and you'll never work a day in your life" is an old adage that best explains my passion for my work. I've worked hard to create a business that is both economically sustainable but also creatively and personally fulfilling for me. I also see it as my challenge to create the same opportunities for the people in our team.

Every day at August, I have the privilege to work collaboratively with creative, talented people on great projects. As a digital agency, I am continually excited and challenged by the opportunities new technology can create for our clients, so this keeps me on my toes.

It's true to say I am driven by my passion and enthusiasm, but I recognise the need for that energy to be tempered by objectivity, and accordingly have engaged grounded business advisers to help provide external and objective perspectives when required.

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

1. Relationship skills
2. Drive
3. Confidence
4. Organisational skills.
5. Talent

What one trait has helped you most in business?

Listening skills. It's a very under-rated quality, but will take you far in business. I work hard to really listen to what people are saying to help me understand their business needs and issues. So frequently we are too focussed on what we are about to say next, that we fail to really hear what people are saying. Listening will help you identify their business needs and requirements more quickly, and then help you to formulate an appropriate and well-considered solution. This applies not only to strictly business situations, but also applies to conversations with colleagues and staff, networking at events and meeting new people - listening then taking action is the key!

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?

Sometimes I can be the problem solver or "Little Miss Fix-it" - meaning that I will take on too much. I have taken steps to assemble a talented and trusted team of professionals at August, enabling me to delegate more.

I've also learnt the importance of work-life balance, and that even though I love what I do, it's important to have downtime - whether it's to walk the dog, get away from the office, or go on a holiday.

A recent trip to South America last Christmas, where my partner Daniel (my partner in life and co-founder of August) and I took a three week holiday, is a prime example. We went to the Galapagos Islands and also hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We would not have been able to do this if we didn't have great people we could rely on to run the business while we were away. It really was the trip of a lifetime. We returned invigorated, refreshed and ready as ever to get back to work - and we're already planning our next adventure.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?

When we started the business three years ago, I recruited a new team member who was not up to the task. We were probably too focused on getting someone in to do the job, rather than the long-term picture of how this person would fit into the team. We now have a more rigorous recruitment process and I also rely more on my personal network to further validate candidates. And so far that is working out very well.

My advice is to heed the early warning signs. First impressions do last, and if they are not committed from the first meeting, it does not bode well for the future. This impacts not just you personally but can negatively impact other team members.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?

Have tenacity, determination and strength - don't be afraid to ask for you what you want. Creating those opportunities is what gets you places - if you don't ask, then it's a guaranteed 100% "No".

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
Not so long ago, I was at an event where a businesswoman was speaking with a group of male executives. Before going to speak to them, I saw her undo the top button of her blouse, before approaching them. Now don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with being comfortable in your sexuality - but when it comes to business, lose the cleavage! Be judged on your merits not your "assets", and know you have achieved what you set out to do because you did a good job or went about it the right way and worked hard to make it happen. You only end up cheating yourself otherwise. Imagine thinking that one of the reasons you won a new client or business was because of those superficial reasons. It's much more satisfying knowing that you won it for the right reasons.