"I think a combination of Co-ordinator and Manager do describe me and the job that I do. I need to work with people but also lead."

"I manage three businesses in London, Houston and Dubai to carry out ship surveys around the world. I check work in the London company and sort out any problems arising amongst 300 worldwide surveyors.I oversee the finances of the group and monitor any potential problems coming up. I liaise with the managers of the other companies to ensure smooth running and motivate.I plan marketing activities to promote the business and find new clients - development of website, LinkedIn, Twitter etc. I organise travel to meet clients around the World or attend conferences & exhibitions. I meet any clients or surveyors that visit London."

"I originally asked an agency for a job using languages and was sent to a shipping company – but a Greek one (that certainly wasn’t one of my languages!). But the job sounded interesting so I took it, helping the Insurance manager for a fleet of 70 vessels. I loved the world of shipping and was hooked. I moved to the company I am with now where the guy was just starting it up to manage one vessel. That was a way to learn just about everything with only 2 people in the company. As the company grew he encouraged me to do the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers exams as he felt at that time (early 80’s) a woman would not be taken seriously without qualifications. He was so right! Over the years I have done just about every job with the company, even learning how to do the accounts so I could work from home when my children were little. Eventually 10 years ago I became the Managing Director of the London company, and earlier this year took on being CEO of the whole group."

"I love sailing and would love to spend more time doing it, but realistically get a couple of trips a year (sometimes I manage to build a bit into a work trip!). I have a dog and my husband and I always walk at the weekends. My kids are grown up but I often meet up with my daughter to go to films, theatre etc – my son lives in New York so that’s more of a challenge to stay in contact (but a great place to visit him).I like exciting stuff and have done parachute jumps, paragliding, zip wires (did the longest one in the world in UAE this year!).I like to travel and see other countries, ways of life. I do get to travel with my job but try to go to places I’ve not yet seen on my holidays too."

"Go through emails. Talk to staff about what is going on with all the surveys. Check through reports from other group companies in Houston and Dubai. Check through any financials for the companies. Talk to surveyors about any problems they have with the jobs. Handle anything needed for marketing & client liaison"

"3 x A levelsInstitute of Export examinationsInstitute of Chartered Shipbroker examinations"