How to do it all (without having a breakdown) – written for Real Business

I heard the phrase “I don’t know how you do it” for the gazillionth time this week. Here’s how I juggle my business with everything else.

I’ve written three business books (and just finished a fourth for the FT). I write countless business articles a month. I train thousands of senior staff at around 80 events a year. I sell or buy around 20 companies a year. I sit on the board of seven companies as a non-exec director. I travel thousands of business miles every year. I’m setting up a new online business. I run three homes (one overseas). and I bring up four children (five if you count my husband). 

How do I do it? Here’s how.

• Firstly, “I” do not do it all. I admit to being an A* control freak and like things to be my way but, once I trust people, I’m an A* delegator. And I have help. Lots of it: brilliant PAs; a fantastic professional support team; a full-time housekeeper; two gardeners; and every gadget you can think of. 
• I’m very, very organised. I am one if those very sad people who writes everything down. Yes, I have lists of lists. And I have a daily update from each of my key reports. 
• I use every moment to maximum advantage by travelling in anything other than the car (where I am driving) so that I can write, use the phone and catch up on emails in what would otherwise be down time. 
• I take my work to the hairdressers and even the beauticians, the latter being somewhat challenging at times. Even a multitasker like me struggles with a manicure and sending emails from the iPad. 
• I do as much shopping online as possible. I have all my Christmas shopping done and wrapped by end of September, latest.
• I’m blessed with very good health and much more than average stamina. If I am not very, very busy all the time I feel both worried and bored. I do go on holiday a lot to renew my batteries but largely, after a few days, I am itching for a distraction. 
• I admit that I’m not an easy person to live with. I’m manic. But I am happy.

Is this what makes a successful entrepreneur? Well it makes me.

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