Karren Brady

“On a personal level, the 'Young Apprentice' schedule is very long. The children needed long breaks so the sheer amount of time it took made it tougher. There was a lot more hanging around. But as a show, championing young people and promoting young people who are willing to have a go, I thought it was great.”

“I remember when I was young, I used to love hockey - I was selected to play for my county - and my dad said: 'Well, there's no money to be made in hockey,' and it put me off for ever.”

“I always wear a suit jacket, a smart blouse or a top, with my hair and make-up done. Under the desk, what no one knows, is that I'm wearing jeans and trainers.”

“I don't invest in shares in companies that don't have women on their board.”

“It's rubbish to say you can't be proper friends with the opposite sex.”

“The biggest lesson my kids have taught me is to find the joy in little things, along with a healthy dose of patience.”

“It really annoys me when magazines put up these 'superwomen' with the perfect blow-dry, the perfect life - but nothing's perfect. People have a whole bunch of problems and it's how many solutions you can find to those problems as to how happy you are.”

“I've met some very difficult people and I've had some very difficult conversations and had lots of criticism, especially from away supporters who sing songs that aren't very pleasant. So I think part and parcel of life is accepting that not everyone likes you.”

“It is critical to create opportunities to identify talented women in business, then support them to develop their confidence to aim for the boardroom.”

“Running your own business can be the loneliest job in the world. You are the MD, answer the phone and make tea, handle the invoices and have to make payments on time.”

“My kids are my life. Sitting on the sidelines watching my son play rugby, helping them with their homework or getting them ready for their exams - I can't think of anything else I'd rather do.”

“I don't have any fears.”

“We've got to start making people realise that it's a proud thing to run a business, to export your goods around the country.”

“The worst kind of businesses are ones where there are no expectations set out for employees.”

“On holiday, I don't want any plans or structure. If I want to wake up at lunchtime or have breakfast for dinner, then I will.”

“I rarely indulge in sweet things but when I do I do not like to share.”

“I'm very rational. I tend to let my head rule my heart.”

“Any board executive can forget just how many people helped them get where they are. Those women who have got to the top need actively to ensure there is a pipeline of younger women, whether by networking or mentoring, who in turn are encouraging those below them.”

“It's really important that young people realise very rarely do you become an overnight success.”

“Winning the BAFTA for 'Young Apprentice' felt great. It's really nice to be part of the winning team.”