Her latest book, The Company of the Future, was published in 2002 by Harvard Business School Press. In March 2003 she won the Institute of Internal Auditors' annual award for business and management journalism. She is also the author of The Death of Distance, a study of the economic and social effects of the global communications revolution, first published in 1997 and re-published in a completely new edition in 2001. In October 2004 she becomes rector of Exeter College, Oxford.
DR TIMOTHY WALKER has been director general of the Health and Safety Executive since 1 October 2000. Previously an academic scientist, he has taught physics and chemistry at various universities, has worked on trade with the Middle East, telecommunications liberalisation and grants to industry at the Department of Trade and Industry; has been principal private secretary to successive Secretaries of State for Trade and Industry; and taken responsibility for civil nuclear matters. Other posts he has held include UK governor of IAEA, chairman of the EBRD Nuclear Safety Account, Home Office DG for immigration and nationality, and deputy chairman of HM Customs and Excise. He is also a non-executive director in the public and private sectors, a lay member of the Council of Warwick University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
SIR RANULPH FIENNES OBE is the world's greatest living explorer. In 2003 he completed seven marathons on seven continents in seven days despite having just undergone emergency double bypass surgery. He draws the analogy between nature's most dangerous and difficult challenges, and the very real day-to-day challenges faced by everyone. The elements vital to the success, and sometimes the survival of Fiennes and his colleagues include teamwork, determination, patience, discipline, enthusiasm and creative thinking - all equally important in less hazardous occupations. Building a team with the right character and attitude is of paramount importance. Persistence, tolerance, understanding, planning skills, high organisational ability, fitness for the task in hand, flexibility to meet and beat unexpected obstacles, dedication, goal-setting, and performing under extreme pressure are all factors in the success of his remarkable endeavours, just as they are in any highly competitive career.
