Ajay Sharma, 35, regional director, HLM Architects

What has been the hardest challenge you鈥檝e faced to get where you are?
Standing up and being recognised. I didn鈥檛 want to push too hard and seem too desperate for success. I just kept my head down and worked very hard.

Where will you be in 10 years?
I would like to have earned myself a position on the board of directors.

What has been your career low point so far?
In all honesty I haven鈥檛 experienced one yet.

Who is your hero?
My late father. He was a hard worker, great businessman and teacher. He taught me how to be a businessman, ruthless yet sensitive to situations.

If you could take one thing with you to a desert island, what would it be?
My iPhone G4. I am often accused of not switching off when I鈥檓 on holiday or on a break 鈥� why change the habit of a lifetime?