"The Leader" from September 3, 2001

SUE Barrett may be one of Victoria's top businesswomen, but she is determined not to work herself into an early grave. The Caulfield resident is managing director of her own company, but also makes time for her partner and three-year-old child, performs with a community theatre group and does yoga.

And it appears her focus on a balanced life has been the secret of her success. Ms Barrett was a finalist in the Telstra Victorian Business Women's Awards this year, an honor she also received in 1998.

She founded Barrett Consulting Group in 1995 with just $3000 -today the Caulfield business has an annual turnover of more than $1 million and employs 12 people.

"Our consultancy helps businesses become more effective and profitable, by recognising their people are the most important resource and to treat them accordingly.

"We look at the life cycle of the employee from hiring to induction, development, work practices and management. "When people enjoy their work and do it effectively, it's not a chore."

And like most working mothers, Ms Barrett agrees that balance is a key theme in her life. "I have made a conscious decision to make time for my family," she said. "So nearly every day 1 try to go home at about 2pm to spend some time there"

But at the same time, she did not put her life on hold the minute she became a mother. "When I was nominated for the awards in 1998 I was heavily pregnant," she said. "I gave birth at 7am and then had an interview over the phone with the awards people at 3pm that afternoon. "Two weeks later I took my son along to the awards night."

Ms Barrett said being named a finalist was an honour and gave her the opportunity to take stock of her business. "It's nice, after working so hard, to stop and take a look around and realise what we Have achieved, " she said.

"I had a vision for the type of company I wanted to run. "And I think we are well on the way, and at the same time are making sure we balance vocation with other areas of life."