Headspace: Elaine Heyworth

Do you see risk or opportunity?
Both, but with a definite leaning towards opportunity. People are far too gloomy these days.

What are you thinking about right now?
I’m on the board of a medical devices charity, RAFT Enterprises Ltd, and I’m doing a lot of work on commercialising scientific medical research in order to create a sustainable income stream.

What is your greatest fear?
That someone will accidentally erase the cloud.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Telling someone it would be useful if they had a brain when doing a pub quiz. It wasn’t what I meant to say, but my daughters made fun of me for days!

What is your most treasured possession?
My engagement ring. It’s a one and a half carat diamond, with two tiny flaws, reminding me that nobody’s perfect in a marriage.

What makes you happy?
A good book, and some chocolate, and peace and quiet.

What makes me unhappy?
Injustice. At the moment, cheating athletes potentially competing at the Olympic Games - disgraceful.

Who is your greatest hero?
My Dad. He has survived bowel cancer, while watching several members of his family die of it, and still cheers me up when I call home!

What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Leaving a company I loved working for, with nothing to go on to. Sometimes you have to take risks in life to get ahead.

What is the worst job you’ve ever done?
I was a waitress in a coffee shop at home in Dublin in the early 1980s. Never, ever again. Customers are a pain in the neck.

What is your greatest achievement?
I’ll let you know when it happens. (Although being profiled in The Sunday Times is a pretty good one to date.)

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned?
Take your time when making important decisions. Don’t rush in before considering all the angles.

Tell us a secret
If I had known what I would face when leaving Ireland 25 years ago, I would never have got on the boat!

Elaine Heyworth is risk consultant and former risk manager for Everything Everywhere (Orange and TMobile)