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I've run my own company very successfully for many years and can now invest six-figure sums.

On one investment, the numbers weren't looking so good. I wanted someone to walk me through them. More than once, the answer was: “Don't be so emotional.”

One has nothing to do with the other. After all, I'd asked about facts. At least my AI, which was running during a meeting, praised me afterwards for keeping my composure.

And later I had a conversation to clear the air. Because as women, we don't always have to be “nice”, and we're allowed to call out unfairness.

I was pregnant. After the birth I was away for just five weeks, and even then I answered emails. A client still wanted to cancel.

What he should have said: “How amazing that you're juggling both. I'm so glad I have you!”

And next time, I'd let him go. Because that isn't a relationship between equals.

Many years ago I gave my ex €4,000. Because I was naive and too considerate.

At first: happy together. New flat, and he set up the rent deposit. The savings account for it was in his name. I didn't even know, because I'd never questioned it. Later I couldn't prove that I'd paid half of the deposit, because I'd paid in cash, in two instalments.

After the breakup I felt really guilty about “asking for something” on top of everything. But that “asking” was really just the least I was entitled to.

Thankfully I've changed and learned my lesson. I'd never do that again.

I got the tip after about six months: “Get yourself a monthly business report. You need to know how much you have to earn.” Of course I sort of knew that, but I'd never thought about a report like that, and I wouldn't have known how to put one together.

AI makes it easier today. But you still have to do the planning yourself: what revenue can you realistically make, and what are your costs?

At first it's scary, because suddenly you've got concrete numbers you have to hit. Otherwise your business case is worthless. But that report is a hugely important tool, not a detail. It's one of the things that helped me grow as an entrepreneur and become bolder.

A woman I know was left by her husband after 40 years of marriage. All those years she stayed at home with the children while he worked. Before the wedding she'd signed a prenup that left her nothing if they separated. After 40 years she was supposed to leave with nothing.

What she didn't know: a contract like that often doesn't hold up in court. Sadly, she never challenged it. I think she ended up moving in with her children.