Karren Brady

TV personality and vice-chairman of West Ham United, Karren Brady, 42, is one of Britain’s top businesswomen. She lives with her husband, Paul Peschisolido, and their two children, Sophia and Paolo, in the Midlands…

As a child I wanted to be…

A vet, as I loved animals. But then I began to ask myself who did I want to work with? What kind of company did I want to build? What kind of brands did I want to be associated with? And most importantly, what job would I most enjoy?

Believe it or not…
I was turned down from a Saturday job on the basis that I was too glamorous. I don’t know how that was possible – I was a teenager with no fancy clothes or jewellery. But yes, I was too glamorous and that’s the only reason they gave for me not being suitable for their employment!

The friends who best know me would describe me as…

Determined, loyal, hard-working and good fun.

My secret talent is…

I am a fabulous parker! I can get my car into the tiniest space at the most difficult angles, no problem. I was able to do it from a really young age.

My great fear…

As with many people, mine is death. I know from when I had my serious illness some years ago [Karen suffered a brain aneurysm in February 2006] – that put everything into perspective for me. I think as you get older, you start thinking about making better choices for your body. Yes, death is a thought I don’t like to dwell on too much. It scares me greatly.

My ideal day would be…

Going to see my son, Paolo, play rugby in the morning, then we’d head off to watch a film in the afternoon with my family. Then I’d watch my own football team play afterwards before a lovely meal in town that evening.

When Spring comes I like to…

Have a holiday! I also think it’s a good time to start getting ready for the summer, so I’ll definitely be updating my wardrobe and indulging in a bit of shopping.

On rainy days I like to…

Watch old films and make roast dinners – perfect!

The best thing about being a mum is…

Everything! Honestly though, the answer’s so hard to pinpoint. Just watching your children grow and develop into these wonderful people with so much potential for greatness is incredible. It’s been an honour and a joy to witness their development and help them along the way.