The responsibility of directing an expanding company: It is very interesting that in your life, you find that you can always break your limits.

Running the business: We liked working hard without being in an environment where you cannot be creative. There was a lot of fun behind it.

Financing the start-up company with their life savings: Sometimes it caused sleepless nights but that is the only way not to have investors in there.

The 14-hour day: My social environment is the company.

Developing a stock options plan for her employees: The philosophy is that we want everybody to participate in the group's success.

The State's industrial policy: I think the whole investment policy - to invest in the new industries, in the financial services, IT, pharmaceuticals - and the way Ireland attracts investors is fantastic and very creative.