Quotes from Karren Brady

I used to love villas when the kids were small but now I like hotels.

When you're starting your own business it's really important to think through your plan: what's the idea, why is it relevant to the market, how much money you are going to invest, how are you going to tell people about it.

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

I did indeed put on weight after I got married.

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.

The toughest thing about being a success is you've got to keep on being a success.

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

On 'The Apprentice,' I'm 100 per cent certain I'm paid the same as Claude Littner. I insisted on equality when I negotiated my contract. I would not have allowed anything else.

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.

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 mean, I've been in a very male-dominated industry from a very young age.

I prefer my men slightly overweight. Having said that, my ultimate dream man is Jimmy Nail and he's skinny.

I think young people respond much better to openness and frankness and practical stuff than speeches.

People who see successful young women think that there must be an angle there. It's too good to be true that woman from a good upbringing can walk into a good job and be director.

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.

You have to have two personalities: your home personality and your work personality and the trick really is not to allow one of those personalities to drain the life out of the other.

By the time I sold Birmingham City football club in 2009, 75% of the directors were women, which I take great pride in - that's unique in business, full stop.

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.

When I'm at home I'm 'Karren Peski Solido mother-of-two' when I'm at work I'm 'Karren Brady don't mess with me.'

The only thing I wanted when I left school was independence. I had been at boarding school for many years. When you're boarding, nothing is your own and your whole day is scheduled. You're told when to sleep, what to eat and when. You have zero independence.

The most beautiful women in the world, I find, are those who have inner confidence.

I love business and that's why I go on other people's board because it is my hobby. Some people join a tennis club to do things in their spare time. I join boards because that's what I love.