I run a football club — and love fashion

Carolyn radford, 36, is a lawyer and CEO of Mansfield Town football club. She lives with her husband John, 52, and their three sons. She has a degree in politics, did a law conversion course at durham University and has a Masters in professional legal practice. She says: WE’RE all guilty of judging books by their covers, but I’d say to any young woman rising up through the ranks of law or business: ‘Don’t ditch the lipstick to be taken seriously.’ Look at Amal Clooney. She’s stunningly beautiful yet she is one of the best legal brains in the country.

I like to look my best, wearing make-up, fashionable clothes and making sure my nails and hair look perfect. It means that people — particularly some men — can’t see beyond that.

I once had a football agent refuse to speak to me over a transfer deal — he wanted to speak to the male manager instead. Attitudes like that are disrespectful and frustrating — but I love challenging old-fashioned views. On that occasion, I made sure I was involved in the deal at every level and that we came out of it very favourably — just to prove my point.

I’m a 36-year-old mother-of-three with a degree, a Masters and over a decade’s experience in law and business, yet some people wonder how I could possibly do my job better than a middle-aged man.

I admit that when I first started working in football, I’d wear trouser suits to be taken more seriously. Now, as long as I’m dressing appropriately, why should I hide my love of fashion? You can stereotype me as a blonde bimbo, but you’re going to be surprised when I start talking business.