“NOBODY IS EVER GOING TO INVITE YOU – YOU HAVE TO DO IT.”
“NOBODY IS EVER GOING TO INVITE YOU – YOU HAVE TO DO IT.”
Please give your career history in 25 words or fewer
Worked in a café part time on weekends when I was at school, then started at Halso Fuels as a ‘Saturday Girl’ filing and answering the phone. I have progressed to Managing Director and I am leading the business into growth.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Driven, determined and dependable.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
I always wanted to be involved in business; I even applied to go on The Apprentice. I did get
accepted to go on the show but, unfortunately, I couldn’t take that much time off work!
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this?)
I am doing my dream job!
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Dare to be different and never give up!
Share your top tips for business success
Do your homework and be prepared. Then go after things, get into the meetings, make the contacts you need to because nobody is ever going to invite you. You have to do it!
Work hard, be passionate, and listen intently to people whose opinion you value.
What’s your most recent business achievement of note?
Rebranding the business – it’s been very exciting!
Tell us your greatest fear.
Spiders!
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Ambition!
What’s the best thing about your job?
The people I meet and work with.
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Honesty.
What are you most likely to say?
Late morning, early afternoon! A private joke within work when the customer asks an ETA!
What are you least likely to say?
No.
Describe your perfect day
On a Caribbean beach with a cocktail!
Do you have a favourite sports team?
No, but I do enjoy the F1 motorsports and fast cars.
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Social media.
Cheese or chocolate?
Both! Just missing wine.
Share your greatest personal achievement.
Leading my family business.
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
Liars.
If you were on ‘Mastermind’ what would your specialist subject be?
Food and drink.
If you were elected to government what would be the first law you’d press for?
Longer sentences and more punishment for paedophiles.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now what would they think?
She would be very proud of herself.
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
To be recognised as a national leading businesswoman and entrepreneur.
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
My son, food and drink!
Tell us something about you that people would be very surprised by
I dress up as Barbie in my free time for parties for family or friends.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
Karren Brady.
Image credit: Halso Fuels UK
