What is more important, talent or drive?
Drive. I believe that talent will get everyone a certain distance, however tenacity and determination keep one going through the challenging times. Talent alone won't get you there in the same way that any single attribute won't ensure success. It usually takes a combination, but Attitude (which is where I think Drive comes from) is really at the top of my list.

On a scale of one to ten, how significant a role does luck play when it comes to success?
Five. Luck is by no means everything, but it certainly helps to be in the right place at the right time, sometimes. There are occasions when the only difference between succeeding and not, can be the timing. And my sense of it is that sometimes, luck is really just timing.

Which is more critical, the idea or the execution?
Execution. In my team, I have some great ideas people; but also some exceptional executors. I often find that people who know their stuff through experience in execution, can also be great ideas people - but it's harder for highly conceptual ideas people to be naturally great at execution. And for some businesses, it is all about ideas. But in my industry, what makes success is being able to turn around fantastic outcomes every time.

Is it better to be passionate or objective?
Passionate. I'm a passion person. I love to see someone who loves what they do - that high degree of enthusiasm that comes from passionate commitment is hard to beat.

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

1. Drive
   Confidence
   Relationship skills
   Talent
   Organisational skills

What one trait has helped you most in business?
My attitude - I am a "never say die" kind of a person. For me, enough is never enough, and I believe that no matter what I do, I can always apply learnings and experience and do better next time. My positive attitude also means that I have self-belief which is important if you are going to achieve your potential.

What is the one trait that has hindered you most in business?
I always want to believe in people. There are times when I have had people around my business that I have known are not ideal, or are a negative influence. But I've seen some potential in them and wanted to nurture it and I have tended at times to err on the side of not being objective enough about them.

What is the hardest lesson you've learned and how did you learn it?
When I first started my business, I did so mainly because I didn't think I would be able to get a job as a pregnant single female and I needed to earn an income. I put my entire life's possessions into my business and one of the first things I learned was never to run out of money. I never have, but I did come close a couple of times in the very early days as I was paying money out and if clients were slow to pay me, my cash flow really suffered. Today, I keep a close eye on debt, cash flow and debtor days to make sure I'm not getting lose to running out of money!

What is the one piece of advice you would offer other women in business?
Be yourself. Women have many natural attributes that can be considerable assets in business success. But it's important to let them come through and be used to their maximum.

What are the biggest mistakes you see women making in business?
I have made so many mistakes myself that I would not comment on those of others - I've probably made those same ones along the way. I would just say to people to focus on their strengths, and only focus on mistakes to the extent that you can take lessons from them.