Despite only 20 per cent of the construction sector workforce being female, Valerie Owen defied convention by becoming the first female chair of the £100m turnover Swan Housing Group.

Discover what makes her tick in her First Women have the Last Word interview.

The woman I most admire is Michelle Obama because she is an excellent role model, both as a professional and a mother, and an inspirational speaker and leader.

To juggle my work-life balance I have to be very organised, and have always maintained hobbies and wider interests (like being a leader in Girlguiding). Hobbies serve as a ‘valve’ – diverting me from the pressure of work.

My biggest career break was joining Jones Lang LaSalle with a remit to help set up architectural businesses in London and Paris.

The biggest influence on my career was my father. He loved me and my sisters unreservedly; he was unstintingly proud of us, and yet constantly challenged us to be our best and make a difference in the world.

One thing that makes me mad in business today is a lack of ethics, values and positive behaviours.

Are boardroom quotas necessary or nuts? Neither – having women on boards is common sense. Why fetter your business by recruiting from half the talent pool, only?

My one tip on negotiating a pay rise is to win new, profitable business and maintain happy clients/customers, upfront.

In five years I see myself on the board of either a FTSE 250, or ideally a FTSE 100 company.

My number one piece of advice to young women starting their careers is: `Girls can do anything!’

My favourite wind down activity is spending time with my family, walking our crazy spaniel along the sea front.

The last book I read was Brick Lane by Monica Ali.

The one thing I can’t live without is my husband; I can’t imagine life without him.