I got into the events industry because we launched a new department at the Guardian.
I have worked in events since 1995.
I was attracted to this particular role because it allows me to combine a strong business brain with a love of live theatre and spectacle.
Not many people know that I performed a one-woman show in the West End.
My worst experience at an event was playing the wrong winner’s video in front of the Prime Minister.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt it’s that you are nothing without a great team.
The best event I’ve been involved in was my wedding, The Asian Awards, The National Business Awards, the Music Week Awards, Building Awards, the National Sales Awards, the Property Week Awards.
If I could do it all over again I would not.
The one thing I can’t stand is people settling for second best.
Outside of work I spend my time baking scones and lemon drizzle cakes for my nephews to guzzle, talking to my mother, playing the piano and trying (desperately) to relax with my very wonderful husband.
If money were no object I would not be giving this interview.
The one event I will never miss is the next one that my team is putting on.
The recession has meant that we’ve had to instil real financial disciplines and learned how to deliver exceptional events with less money, over delivering on expectations as well as at the bottom line.
The next 12 months will be probably as tough as the last 12 months, but with a focus on launching new events in the UK and internationally, keeping up the momentum we created in 2010.
If I could switch places with anyone else in the industry it would be no one (other than Shirley Bassey).
If I ruled the event industry I would sing at all my events with a great big band.