HOW TO GET TO THE TOP LIKE CAROLYN

Be prepared Dame Carolyn McCall is renowned for her organisation and preparation for any meeting. ‘That’s what makes me confident,’ she says.

Do what you love McCall works 14-hour days and travels extensively for work. She never takes a job she isn’t passionate about to make it all worthwhile.

Always keep your phone on Getting to the top is relentless, and McCall never goes anywhere without her mobile phone. Sleeping, on holiday, you never know when you may be needed.

Don’t have an office At EasyJet, and at The Guardian, she worked on the floor with all her staff keeping her in touch with what was going on.

Take time-outs To get through the day and avoid burn-out, McCall grabs a few minutes of personal time to have a break from work such as calling her children.