Susan Ronai

I started my working life in the Public Service as a primary school teacher but soon saw the error of my ways! 30 (ish) young souls constantly in my care from 9 to 3.30, hanging on my every word and using me as a role model was more than I felt justified in having to deal with.

When I left teaching - yes there is life after teaching! - I had my own business for a few years. It was seasonal; doesn't sound very serious, but was definitely a great learning curve in the world of business. It was a kiosk on the beach which ran full time from September to April (I had winter off). I had to manage all aspects of running a business and despite the fact that lack of customers was not a problem, I faced all business challenges that owners of any size business experience - to name a few - HR issues, accounts, ordering, staffing and so on.

I then progresssed into advertising sales for radio; again a learning curve into the life of businesses, which was followed by another term in business for myself - a businss magazine. This was cut short due to a health issue.

Now I am back, looking after SMEs and their professional business networking. My aim in this is to give each attendee the best experience they can ask for regarding facilitating introductions to people who they want to meet. We are called Opportune Business Network - no coincidence to the word "opportunity".