“I will only sell coffee less than 48 hours out of the roaster to my customers, so they may enjoy coffee at its peak of flavor. I will only use the finest organic, and pesticide-free, shade-grown beans.” These words were pledged by the Founder of The Blue Bottle Coffee Company when he launched his business in Oakland, San Francisco, in 2002. He has remained true to his promise.

I have chosen this quotation not only because I adore Blue Bottle Coffee when I’m in The Bay Area, but also because I believe these words epitomise the spirit of the entrepreneurs that I know and admire in San Francisco. They are as authentic and as strong and invigorating as this divine drink. They have integrity - which I define as doing what you say you will do.

The women entrepreneurs I met last week were so refreshing it was as though someone hooked me up to a caffeine drip and energised me intravenously!

I have often remarked how dramatically different San Francisco is from the rest of California, but my recent trip there enforced my observation. Somehow the social and business culture there thrives on innovation and creativity. San Franciscans often boast of ‘living in a bubble’ and I believe that businesses that wouldn’t necessarily survive elsewhere can thrive and incubate in this ‘bubble’.