Welsh adventurer Tori James told a business audience about how listening to Amy Winehouse spurred her on to conquering Everest and becoming the first Welsh woman to do so.

Business Argus has asked the local business community what music motivates them...

Beverley Jones, Awaken Life Coaching

The song which inspires and motivates is me is Lee Ann Womack - I hope you dance. The song is powerful and reminds me that whatever may be happening the message should always be 'keep moving' for movement is what keeps you growing in all aspects of your life including work / business life.

Leanne Owen, partner at HSJ Accountants, Newport

The piece of music which inspires me is the Rocky theme tune 'Gonna fly now'. As soon as I hear it I think I can push through and achieve anything, this could be when I'm running, a work related pressure or simply finishing my ironing! It just makes me want to smash it! That's why I love it!

Jonathan O’Connell, head of software development, Harding Evans Solicitors, Newport

I listen to London-based musical duo Public Service Broadcasting while I work. Their material is often centred around historical human achievements and innovation in the face of overwhelming odds. As a developer we often have to find creative ways around seemingly impossible hurdles and I find it inspiring to listen to music that reflects that!

Steve Morgan, Steve Morgan Associates

The music I listen to very much depends on the mood I’m in. If I’m in the gym its upbeat to keep me going, if I’m working and want background music, then it’s got to be Miles Davies or John Coltrane. The rebirth of vinyl has encouraged me to go back to the good old fashioned record player and listen to the music that I bought in the 1970s and 80s. I always go back to the same album. It’s the one that I have on permanent shuffle in the car and don’t ever remember a time of not listening to it. It’s also probably one of the first albums I bought with every track a classic. The album, ‘All Mod Cons’, is still one of the greatest collections of British song writing by the great Paul Weller.

David Barnes, owner, David Barnes Public Relations, Newport

A favourite film of mine is reggae king Jimmy Cliff's The Harder they Come. The signature song from the film and 'You can get it if you really want' are pretty insiprational.

Carys Roberts, Sales Manager, Kingston Newell Estate Agents, Newport

After a brief consultation with everyone here we’ve agreed that Flashdance What A Feeling by Irene Cara is our favourite motivational tune. It’s high energy, optimistic and catchy which is perfect because we love a good sing along in the office!

Victoria Morris, director, Foxwood Recruitment, Newport

My motivational song probably isn’t a one you would imagine being on a gym playlist but you might find it on your go-to party playlist - Lionel Richie (bit of a guilty pleasure) is probably better known for his soothing 80s pop anthems than your typical motivational go-to. Nothing quite gets me in the mood for productivity than Dancing on the Ceiling by Mr Richie. Reminding me of times spent on holiday with my girlfriends and an embarrassing but 100 per cent heart-felt rendition at my wedding (by yours truly, not Lionel unfortunately), this tune gets me in the mood to tackle any challenge thrown at me. For me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling, when we’re dancing on the ceiling.

Gareth Waters, director, BrandNuCreative, Cwmbran

If I need some motivation to get going then I like to put on some old-school house music. In my younger days I used to DJ in some of the well-known Newport and Cardiff nightclubs and house music was always guaranteed to get everyone moving! Nowadays, when I'm working and need a boost I tend to put some of my old Ibiza classic CDs on, or I might even dust off some of my old vinyl and put them on the turntable that I have in the office!

Dan Smith, director, M4 Property Consultants, Newport

We have an eclectic selection of motivational songs in the office. Disco songs from the 80s (although we aren’t old enough to have been around when they were first released!) often prompt an impromptu singalong. If we were to name one, it would be Gold by Spandau Ballet.

Matt Trevett, director, TMPR Marketing Consultants, Newport

Rock music always motivates me and older Metallica tracks such as ‘Seek and Destroy’ fills me with energy as does some of the old classics including Deep Purple’s ‘Hush’ and just about anything by AC/DC. I may not have the hair anymore but I certainly retain my love of rock music.

Nathan Vidini, head of employment law, Howells Solicitors

I wouldn’t have a single piece as I have an eclectic range of musical influences depending on mood / situation. Classical (especially Chopin’s piano concertos) background music for work / focus; opera – for inspiration / passion (intellectual that is!); Spanish guitar / beach soul - for relaxation; grunge / 90s Brit Pop – Green Day, Nirvana and Bush for a blow out; Christian Rock for everyday listening / motivation.

Leanne Fieldhouse, practice manager, Budget Vets, Newport

Whilst we could go for an animal related theme, my motivational song (and guilty pleasure) is Queen’s Bohemiam Rhapsody. It’s quite a long song but has so many different parts building up to the famous chorus. This never fails to get me singing along and motivated.

Gerald Davies, executive chairman, Kymin, Newport

I have varied music tastes. Music that makes me happy includes: Mr Blue Sky (ELO); Violin Concerto (Mendelsohn); any piano concerto (Mozart); Il mio Tesoro (Donizetti); Somewhere Over the Rainbow (sung by Judy Garland). In other words a wide eclectic mix, depending on my mood. I particularly like listening in the car.