Talking Heads: Debbie Tawse

Role: Managing director

Company: Celebrity Speakers

What makes your day at work?

Being on the phone all day to clients and prospective clients. My team know if I'm on the phone all day I'll have a smile on my face at the end of it. I find it easy to be motivated because I'm dealing with such successful people all the time and if I'm having a bad day all I have to do is look around at them to pick myself up. Luckily I can hand over the paperwork and things to others, because I don't enjoy it. I like building relationships with the speakers and my clients and hearing good feedback from them.

When did you first become a manager?

I'm not sure I ever have! I've realised I'm not really a manager, but I try to give people the ability to make decisions themselves and do what they think is right. I like them to say they work with, rather than for, me. I've had staff reporting to me since the 1980s but rather than manage them I mould a team. I have a vision of where I want to go and try to give them the same one.

What was the most important lesson you learned on your way up?

Never close the door when people say no. When you're rejected for something keep in touch and eventually the door will open. When I started this business I went to visit an oil company that said they didn't want my services. I politely rang them regularly, offering my services again, and inevitably there came a change. They remembered me as being friendly and that is something I try to apply to my whole life. I always try to leave things on a good note.

What has been your best moment in business?

Being approached by Sir Edmund Hillary and Lady Hillary to help handle some of their commercial affairs. He's such an icon both here and overseas. It was very special. I was completely humbled by him and we've had a good relationship since. My other good moments have been meeting certain people, but they are so numerous I don't like to single out a few. It's always nice to coach a speaker and help them improve their skills, which I often do with sportspeople who may have reached heights very quickly.

How have you dealt with any pitfalls in your career?

I'm upfront if anything goes wrong. I've found my skills are generalist and I'm a people-oriented person so I need to gather others around me with more specialist skills. I'm not afraid to seek advice and I'm heavily reliant on my financial team. But if a mistake is made, I don't believe people should waste time and energy on it. Deal with it and move on.

What annoys you most?

People asking me who's hot and how much does it cost to have a celebrity speaker. It's not about who's hot, but who has the skills that can meet a client's needs. And the money thing - when people say it seems a lot of money for an hour's speech, it's not. It's a night away from home and they've been striving for years to get to where they are. It's small recompense for their years of hard work.

What will be the big business issue of the next decade?

Businesses becoming more socially responsible. People are realising they have to give back to their environment, team, and other people. It's becoming a big thing here and overseas and I think that will only increase. Some of the most successful companies out there have demonstrated a commitment. The other thing I think will become big is the issue of protection over the internet and how people are protected from what's on there. I don't know how it will be solved.

How do you relax?

I like nothing better than sitting down with a good novel. I spend so much time with business books it's nice to escape to something else. I'm also enjoying gardening around my new house. I love the theatre and music and sometimes I just enjoy a bit of peace and quiet after a hard day on the phone. It's nice to put my feet up.

* Debbie Tawse spoke with Paula Oliver.