Some people think that the key to success lies within their daily routines. Do you agree with this, and if so, what is your daily routine?
I think the key to success is a combination of the courage to dream big, self-belief, and self-discipline. My daily routine changes all the time – I am the mother of two toddlers so my daily routine is ever-changing at present as I attempt to juggle their routines and my own work schedules. But I always approach my day with discipline, even if I don’t have a traditional ‘boss’ peering over my shoulder checking what I am up to every day. I am disciplined and passionate about my goals, but I have always liked the variety of rhythms in my day – I was never very good at sitting at the same desk in the same office for a traditional 9-to-5 job. I like variety and I am so thankful that thanks to Sir Tim Berners Lee and some other clever tech geniuses, I no longer have to be stuck at the same desk in the same location in order to earn a living or fulfill my dreams. The internet is the best invention ever.
Looking back at your teenage years, did you have any entrepreneurial interests?
When I was a teenager, I entered a national competition in fashion design as judged by the late Dame Vivienne Westwood. I ended up winning that competition out of the whole of the UK. This was a huge surprise but a wonderful thing. All I wanted to do after that was to set up my own fashion label. Then, after school, I decided I liked theatre so much that I set up my own theatre company and took a play to the Edinburgh Festival I was notably bossy about how the posters should look, how the stage should look, etc. Within that time I worked on various publications (Tatler, The Daily Telegraph, DailyCandy.com) and wrote about so many new fashion labels, restaurants, and products and was always interested to see how the founders of those endeavors operated. Some companies blossomed, others failed. It was all about the sanity and professionalism of the founder, in my opinion. And since I can remember, I have always wanted to make my small ideas big, and to do something bigger, better and newer. It’s a blessing and a curse to have that kind of mindset – somewhat grandiose, somewhat exciting, and somewhat nerve-racking! But it is my mindset and I have learned to roll with it.
Is there a specific time of day when you feel most productive?
I am terrible in the early mornings, great all day, and then by bedtime I really need to switch off. I think downtime is crucial if one is to avoid burnout. And as important as work is, one has to have time for seeing friends and experiencing the culture – I go to the theatre and the cinema all the time and that is my meditation. Success isn’t only about numbers and figures, it’s about happiness, enjoyment, and love. Obviously.
Do you think there is one character trait/skill that is important to have in order to become a successful entrepreneur in today’s world?
I think it is really important to have self-esteem. And in order to get self-esteem, we have to do estimable things. It’s crucial to have belief in yourself in order to become an entrepreneur; if you are asking an investor or a customer to believe in your own abilities and the service or product you are offering, you have to believe in them yourself first. If you didn’t get self-esteem from your parents, family, or your school as you were growing up, find it within yourself and realize that you don’t need someone else to validate you. Do good deeds, work hard, value your own mind and your own body (whatever shape or size it is – and stop comparing yourself to those on social media because that standard of airbrushed perfection to which we aspire does not exist), and respect others, and you will garner self-respect. One small thing one can do to get a little self-worth is to do one good thing a day and don’t tell anyone about it.
What is one major goal that you wish to achieve by 2030?
I am torn between wanting to live on Mars, write and direct a feature film or five, or a stage play, or a novel, explore AI in all I do, launch a fashion brand, or stay at home and stare at my children morning, noon and night because they are the most exciting thing that could ever happen in my life and by far the most rewarding.
Who is your biggest influence, and why?
My biggest influence was my Granny Balfour who died aged 101 two years ago. Until she died, Granny was a hard-working, non-complaining stalwart who simply got on with the job, and she did many during her lifetime. Her motto was ’never complain, never explain’ and that has always stayed with me. Dignified silence, and maintaining an aura of mystery, can be a valuable thing in today’s world when so many people are oversharing their lives on social media every minute of the day. I learned so much from her.
If you could pick one female entrepreneur, who would you say is your biggest inspiration?
I am always inspired by the late Queen Elizabeth II. She was a pioneer of change and a supporter of the new. She led a nation with her head screwed on, she was notably sane throughout her long rule, and she remained dignified throughout. As a manager, she excelled. As a matriarch, she shined.
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