What is more important, talent or drive?
Drive. I think that enthusiastic people, and people that are passionate can do anything! I've always believed that you can teach enthusiastic people anything and that you can do anything at all if you want to do it bad enough. I've told my family this for years, and they constantly remind me of it! I have had four children, and 10 fantastic grandchildren who all love the fact that I work for Nintendo.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
Two. I think you make your own luck. Luck happens when you are prepared and ready to take up opportunities.

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Both. They are both important, you have to start with an idea but unless you execute it properly, an idea is just an idea.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Passionate. Those who know me would say that I am passionate about things that are important to me like family and my work, however you have to be clear about your goals and be able to focus on what you have to achieve.

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

1. Drive
   Relationship skills
   Confidence
   Organisational skills
   Talent

What one trait has helped you most in business?
Motivation, drive and belief in people and products. Integrity and honesty are really important to me. I like to think that I treat everyone in the business fairly, no matter what job they are doing or who they are.

I believe that these traits have helped me, in good times and in bad. For example, in 2003, many people had written Nintendo off, but we had to keep the business going. Now in 2009, we have new products, and business is going well, but we have to make sure that we don't get complacent. I believe it is critical to have focus and drive the business at all times.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
I don't like being in the spotlight. I'm not a good upfront person which can be difficult at times, considering my current role!

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
Lack of confidence in myself in the early days, for example, in my writing skills, but I came to realise that as long as I got the message across clearly, that was all that mattered.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
To not be inhibited because you are female. To believe in yourself, and to believe that you can do anything. I was never focused on the next position. I went back to work to support our family financially after my youngest started school. I've never been scared or afraid of hard work so I was prepared to put in whatever was needed. I believe if you love what you are doing and you are motivated and passionate about it, you tend to be more intuitive and you do a better job.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
I don't really analyse what other people do. I've never felt I've been treated differently because I am female. I personally believe that if you're doing a good job, it should not matter whether you are male or female. It's not about gender, its about the job you're doing.