Karren Brady, the dynamic and influential businesswoman known as the First Lady of football, has worn many hats over her illustrious 30-year career. However, her most exciting role to date is set to begin in the coming weeks as she prepares to become a grandmother for the first time. This remarkable woman, who famously refrained from taking a holiday for 13 years, is now determined to put work on hold to support her 27-year-old daughter, Sophia, during this significant life event.

Brady eagerly anticipates the arrival of her grandchild, and she couldn’t be more thrilled. “Oh, wild horses couldn’t keep me away,” she declares. “I’m really looking forward to it, and Sophia and her fiancé, Frankie Makin, are so excited. She’s healthy and well, touch wood, and everything’s ready and prepared. It’s going to be great – the first grandchild in the family.”

As the family prepares for this joyous occasion, one matter remains undecided: what will Karren Brady, the West Ham United vice-chair at 54, be called by her grandchild? Brady acknowledges that some options are off the table, humorously stating, “We haven’t settled on that. It’s difficult because my mum is ‘Nanny,’ so I don’t think I can be that, otherwise it might be confusing. Sophia’s fiancé’s mum is ‘Grandma,’ so that’s out too, right? I think we’ll decide when it happens. I’ve got a friend called DeeDee, which I quite like, so I might be BB as I think it sounds cute. That’s where we’re going at the minute.”

Throughout her highly visible career, Karren Brady has consistently placed her family at the forefront of her priorities. She is set to return for her 13th year as one of Lord Alan Sugar’s trusted assistants on “The Apprentice” next week, but her family remains her rock. Married for 28 years to former footballer and Canadian international Paul Peschisolido, 52, their careers have often taken different paths, but their unwavering support for each other has remained constant.

“My husband is my best friend,” Brady affirms. “Our careers sort of went like this,” she says, gesturing in opposite directions. “When the kids were younger, he was a footballer travelling all over the world, and I was based at home. And then when he retired, I moved to London to run West Ham. We’ve always been there for each other and supported one another. There’s never been any jealousy or one-upmanship or anything like that. What we have in common is the complete love for both of our children, and their health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do.”

The couple has raised two accomplished children, with daughter Sophia flourishing as a successful social media influencer based in Dubai, while son Paolo, 25, works as a tax consultant. Karren and Paul have instilled in both their children the importance of pursuing careers that they are passionate about and fostering their independence.

“It doesn’t matter to me what they do, as long as it’s something they love and it fulfils them,” Brady notes. “Waking up with no purpose, drive, or ambition I think is quite soul-destroying. We’re a super-close family, and we do everything together. My daughter comes over for seven or eight weeks at a time, and when she’s not here, we speak every day on a video call. I probably see my son four times a week and speak to him every day.”

Despite her demanding schedule, Karren Brady maintains an effortlessly chic appearance, known for her impeccable style on “The Apprentice” and a youthful appearance that belies her age. She openly acknowledges investing time and resources in her appearance, not to appease external judgement but because she values looking as healthy as she feels.

“I don’t care about being under scrutiny. I only care about what I think,” she asserts. “There’s nothing more horrifying than being 54 and seeing your face on a 50-inch television screen. It is terrifying! So, I’m always conscious of how I look. Not out of vanity, but in the sense that I want to look as healthy as I feel.”

Brady avoids invasive surgeries but embraces a regimen of non-surgical treatments, such as laser facials and a recently discovered non-surgical facelift called Softwave, which employs ultrasound to reduce lines. She admits to having some Botox in the past but emphasises her preference for a natural appearance with a mobile forehead. While she is not a gym enthusiast, she maintains her fitness through cycling and walking.

Karren Brady’s path to success is well-documented, from her early career at Saatchi & Saatchi to her ascent to managing director of Birmingham City FC at the age of 23. She broke barriers as a young woman in a male-dominated industry and achieved remarkable feats, including floating the club on the stock market and overseeing its financial turnaround. Her move to West Ham United was another milestone in her career, marked by remarkable financial achievements and the promotion of gender diversity within the organisation.

A champion of women in business and a vocal advocate for addressing issues such as the gender pay gap and affordable childcare, Brady continues to use her platform to push for positive change. She firmly believes that the corporate world, politics, and decision-making positions should include more women. Her commitment extends to advocating for menopause policies in the workplace, with West Ham becoming the first Premier League club to receive Menopause Friendly Accreditation.

While she dedicates substantial time to her role as Baroness Brady of Knightsbridge CBE and a life peer in the House of Lords, she emphasises that she has never taken any expenses or fees from the House of Lords. Her involvement is rooted in a sense of privilege and honour to serve.

Despite her many achievements and the opportunities that have come her way, Karren Brady has consistently declined offers to stand as a Member of Parliament (MP). She values the autonomy she has built over 30 years, making choices because she wants to rather than feeling compelled to do so.

Brady once contemplated retiring at 40, then at 50, but she leaves the door open for her future plans. “They say nothing’s work unless you’d rather be doing something else,” she reflects. “So, until I get to that point, I’ll be working.” With her incredible drive, passion, and dedication, there’s no doubt that Karren Brady will continue to make her mark in the worlds of business, politics, and beyond.