Talking heads: Tricia Henderson

Name: Tricia Henderson.

Position: Managing director.

Company: Tricia's Total Coordination and its training divisions, Tricia's Academy of Learning, and New Zealand Hospitality Management Academy.


What makes your day at work?


Seeing lots of satisfied customers - our students - and happy, productive staff. We have about 60 staff, 40 of whom are dedicated tutors.

What is the biggest challenge for your organisation in the present economy?


Ensuring we maintain and grow our quality management systems and accreditation. That will allow us to continue to expand the business and develop further areas of specialisation. Participation in consulting groups will hopefully give us a say in how the present Government shapes its education and employment policies.

How did you get to where you are today?


By anticipating trends and possible challenges. By paying attention to detail, then meeting the requirements to ensure we are in the running to take advantage of these challenges as they arise.

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


If you can't do it yourself, then you can't expect others to follow with the same passion. If you lead from the front, then you can influence the way others work and achieve.

How have you dealt with any pitfalls in your career?


By deciding what action must be taken, and getting on with it. We must read changing trends and government policy, the effects of economic downturn and how it may affect our business. The acceptance of the inevitability of change and implementation of appropriate measures to ensure your organisation handles it effectively is important.

What one thing would you have done differently?


I would have started my own business earlier in life. As it was, I had 25 years of PA experience before taking the plunge into business in 1985. Being in your own business allows you to make your own decisions and plan your own future.

What advice would you give to a young person starting out on a business career?


For young women in particular, make sure you get as many qualifications as you can, so you don't have to waste half your time trying to prove you are as capable as your male counterparts.

Women have a different way of operating in the business community from men, and they have much to offer in developing a balanced workplace.

What ambitions do you have?


There are many new challenges on the horizon. One of them is to develop, with my husband, our 14 acres in Coatesville. We plan to grow lavender and olives and open a tourist attraction in due course.

How do you relax?


Planning improvements for the property, music, the internet, etc. Following up on family activities. In rare moments of repose, uncluttered thoughts of strategies for the growth of our company.

* Tricia Henderson spoke with Paula Oliver.