This much I know: Brendan Courtney

My next big ambition is to be a designer.

When I left school, I went to DIT and studied business and economics, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do until I was about 22. I knew I wanted to do something creative. For some reason I wasn’t allowed do art at school, so I didn’t learn to draw until my 30s. TV seemed like the only other creative medium for me at the time.

It’s difficult to pick a favourite fashion designer — I have so many favourites for so many different reasons, but overall I love Phoebe Philo and McQueen.

My first job ever was washing hair and sweeping up in a salon as a Saturday boy, aged 11.

My earliest memory is of getting chased by a gaggle of geese in Arklow.

I certainly do not believe in fate. I believe we are 100% the master of our own destinies. I believe luck is a combination of preparation and timing.

I actually work to live, not the other way around. I love my life and make sure to take time out — so my work-life balance is pretty healthy.

The best advice I ever got was from Robert Dogget from the Trocadero Restaurant in Dublin. Sinead O’Connor had just stormed off my chat show and I was really stressing about it. Well, Robert just turned to me and said “THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS”. Brilliant. I’ve never forgotten that. It reminds me to never, ever take myself too seriously and always be grateful for how privileged I am.

I am very health conscious. I work out three to four times a week at least and watch what I eat.

Head to toe navy is definitely my safety look. If I’m wearing that it probably means I was running late — or that I’m feeling fat.

If I could change one thing in our society, it would have to be greed. It’s the root of all evil.

I don’t believe in God, in the traditional sense, but I believe in energy and karma. What you give out you get back one hundredfold, good or bad.

My top beauty tips are to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water.

I don’t stick to any kind of constant daily routine — I just roll from one mental day to the next and try to keep abreast of it all, but I am very happy with that.

Death is the last great taboo, and exorcising your fear of death makes for a much happier life.

I spend most of my free time with my partner and love of my life, Mike. We met in Sitges which was the most memorable holiday ever.

The person who has had the biggest influence on my life is my mother, of course — a constant source of strength, humour and inspiration.

So far life has life taught me that it’s all very uncertain but that there’s no point worrying about it.

The trait I most admire in others is humbleness.

I’ve had lots of challenges in my life so far, from health to wealth issues, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

My worst habit is probably drinking.

I think the tide is turning in the beauty industry. There is a new-found confidence in women to feel okay about simply being who they are. The beauty industry is waking up — thank God.

TV presenter Brendan Courtney is one of the judges at the Carton House Most Stylish Lady competition in association with Ladbrokes on Easter Monday, April 9, at The Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse Racecourse, Co Meath; details at www.cartonhouse.com