What is more important, talent or drive?
Drive. Talent is, of course, very important - you need to have talent to get ahead. But drive and determination are essential in order to see your ideas and projects through.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
Five. There is definitely something in the old expression, "You make your own luck". To me, this means that if, while working hard in a focused way, you can also stay open to seek and embrace new opportunities, they will come your way. I do believe that you get back what you put in. It's also about nurturing relationships. Some of my authors have been with me for over 15 years and I love the collaboration we share from being on a growing journey together.

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Idea. The idea is paramount, otherwise there's nothing to execute! But of course there's no use having winning ideas without the skills and a team around you to see them through.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Passionate. In my work, passion is foremost. Publishing is about risk taking, vision and taste and you need to be able to respond passionately to ideas and opportunities. The passion is the fuel that sees the books through their long lead times - sometimes 3-4 years. If I am not passionate about a project my colleagues can sense it and their commitment can become diluted.

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

1. Drive
   Talent
   Confidence
   Relationship skills
   Organisational skills

What one trait has helped you most in business?
Really learning to trust my intuition and gut reactions. While the input of my colleagues is valuable and necessary, publishing by committee can mean that you end up with a product like all the others out there. I need to trust myself to come up with original responses and ideas and then to sell them to everyone involved. It is essential to stay fresh and open and to make sure you are constantly being inspired by what is going on out in the world.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
My personality is one of giving until there's nothing left. I am still trying to learn to pace my energy to prevent burn-out.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
Dame Marjorie Scardino, the CEO of Pearson, which owns Penguin, gives out a great piece of advice: Sometimes the most effective and best thing for the business is to say no. This is empowering in a situation where you think there is some merit in it, but you're not quite sure. Being half-hearted is to me the worst position to be in.

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
To be brave and trust your own instincts in order to take the necessary risks. Being decisive has been important for me - especially working with a large creative team who need a clear direction to be set.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
Women can sometimes get caught micro-managing and being overly concerned with detail, to the detriment of the big picture.