My Life: Megha Mittal, Managing Director Of Escada

My Life: Megha Mittal, Managing Director Of Escada

Megha Mittal is part of the Lakshmi Mittal dynasty - he's Britain's richest man - and is married to his son Aditya. In 2009 she won a bidding war for the fashion brand Escada, and works as the chairman and managing director of the company.

All of this is credit to Megha's tireless work, but she also understands the importance of letting go and relaxing, even while managing a huge, global company.

She is one of the nine panellists at the Third Metric conference on 30 July in London, who are discussing - along with founder Arianna Huffington - the redefining of the word success to include wellbeing as well as money and power.

We caught up with her for a glimpse of what life is like.

You are chairman for a huge company - but how do you make time for yourself?

I focus on the two or three things at any time which are really important to me and try to fit that into my week. I make exercise a priority. I also love to read ( mainly non- fiction and biographies) which I do on long flights and weekends.

What do you do for a time-out?

I go for a long walk or for a workout. I find that it really helps to reset.

Are British women good at wellbeing and looking after ourselves?

This changes at different phases of our lives, being particularly difficult during the child rearing years and particularly for working mothers. We do need to take care of ourselves and also be a role model for our children and no, I don’t think we are always that good at doing it.

You're responsible for a brand that covers an area related to how women perceive themselves - how does Escada (and you) promote wellbeing?

Escada stands for craftsmanship and immaculate tailoring. Escada makes a woman feel confident. We like to think of ourselves as a woman's best friend - one she can rely on.

What are the main challenges with working for a massive business and grounding yourself?

One needs to be adaptable and always ready to embrace the next wave. Also, believe in oneself and stay focused. My family keeps me grounded.

In what ways (big or small) do you give back to the world?

Having two young children of our own, my husband and I feel very close to causes related to children. We have recently supported the redevelopment of the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. We also support projects focused on eradicating child malnutrition in India.

Do you have a mantra on how to keep balanced and happy?

This maybe the best moment ever, so enjoy it!

Do you feel like you get everything you need to do done, and if not, what are your ways of dealing with that?

Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't - when I don't , I just do what needs to be done at that moment.

You have kids - how do you balance working and spending time with them?

I try to put my mobile off the hook for an hour each evening to give my children undivided attention. Quality of time is more important than quantity. Balance is a flowing river, it needs to be constantly readdressed.

How do you like to unwind?

A long walk is very unwinding. Reading is my escape.

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