Valentina is an Italian-born cook and our very own fabulous food expert. 

We love — Valentina’s recipes and food stories are a joy. They transport us across oceans of flavour every month.

Follow Valentina for fresh dishes that are sure to bring colour and flavour to your dining table.

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She tells us how she stays passionate and motivated every day.

What do you think is the key to success?

For me, the real key to success is to honestly understand and accept what I am good at and what I am bad at, and then to surround myself with people who can do those necessary things that I am not so good at — and then resisting the instinct to micromanage (and probably mess up) thereafter!

The other key for me is to always strive to create a sensible work-life balance — something that is never easy when you are your own boss, but hugely important nonetheless.

What do you love about this stage of your life? 

I love that I can put into practice all the valuable lessons that life has taught me along the road. And pass them on.

What motivates you? 

The drive to always give the best of me that I can; to lead by example and to recognise that I am very lucky indeed to be doing what I love. It’s so important to remember that and not to squander such a gift.

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Get to know the rest of our top 50, here. New announcements coming daily until April. Subscribe to Platinum magazine to read more inspirational stories.