Well, yes OK, I am a ginger ... but not a typical one! I like working — yes really I do — and seeing new places, listening to music that moves me, eating chocolate, chocolate-related food and food in general.

I'm a business development, sales and capital-raising specialist having run my own and other people's businesses. Prior to SmartShow, most recently I was the establishment General Manager of the Wellington (New Zealand's capital) angel investment network and my 'girl geek' status was confirmed when I was appointed as chair of Unlimited Potential, New Zealand's leading technology business network, in 2006, a position I held for two years. I have been interested in the potential for technology to shape meetings and events since my involvement with Virtual Expos NZ established in 2007.

I've also owned a sales/business development consultancy, started and sold a café, managed sales for an enterprise software company in Wellington, established a government project office and founded a tech-startup which funded my Philosophy degree.

When I said I liked work, I meant it! In my spare time, I'm actively involved in the World Mentor programme, mentoring schoolgirls planning tech careers and have recently set up Founder Friday, a peer-to-peer networking group for female tech entrepreneurs in Wellington. I also provide business advice to the local MakerSpace.

I moved to New Zealand with my partner from the UK in 2001 and never looked back. We now live on a 60ft fishing trawler which we're renovating — a massive project which has now lasted several years and one which underlines my personal philosophy; no pressure no diamonds.

My dreams for the future are to travel the world working to give women the skills and confidence to follow their own dreams.