Like most working mothers, I think you just have to accept that at times you have to focus on work and just go for it

My most powerful memory as Chief Executive of Lessons for Life Foundation was meeting the mother of one of the children we've supported through school. Her name was Carabello, and she lived in Southern Africa, a region ravaged by HIV/Aids and poverty. She had very, very little and was herself terminally ill but the passion she had for her children and specifically the education of her children was amazing. It was at that point that I realised that all mothers all over the world are the same – we all want the very best for our kids, regardless of where we live or our circumstances. The injustice is that just wanting the best is often not enough if by accident of birth you live in a poor country. That injustice and doing something about that injustice drives me.

Like most working mothers, I think you just have to accept that at times you have to focus on work and just go for it. Doing things in half measures has never really been my style! That does mean that when I am at home with the kids the same rule has to apply. Carving out family time and being engaged with my children’s day-to-day lives is so important, so that home time really is home time. Unfortunately, while my kids are so small, I think ‘me time’ comes pretty low down on the list of priorities but if you love your work, your friends and your family, I think it can wait.

I always make sure I have a plan - A and B! - and am clear about my decisions. Being able to remove the fog and get that clarity brings me strength. I think some of that comes with age and experience but it is also about stepping back and not taking yourself too seriously. Always take your work seriously but honestly… not yourself!

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In 2015, the foundation will be launching a major appeal to increase the number of kids we can reach and the impact we have on their lives. We want to use the power of technology to drive change in education in Africa, and reach millions of children and young people. For myself personally, I hope to have happy, healthy children who will look back at their childhood and be proud of the difference their mum is making in the world. A less worthy ambition is getting a decent lie-in one of these days!

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