— I’m very driven. My parents worked hard and expected us to as well. There was never any question of being supported or marrying into money. I learnt that if you want the good things in life, you have to go and get them.

— My first business wasn’t a financial success – I wish I’d known then the difference between doing something I wanted to do and making money to support a dream. I had tried to make my business fit my dream. Now I just ask: is this a good business or not?

— I am the only female dragon, but I don’t register the male-female thing. Men do, but I flatly refuse to let it enter into any decision-making – if you recognise it, it becomes an issue. Either I’m good enough and make the right investments, or not, so get rid of me.

— I’m not sure capitalism is selfish. There are a lot of caring people whom we call capitalists. And wealth means you can afford to be ethical – there is no point saying “eat organic chicken” if you can’t afford to feed your family.

— Making good business decisions is more important than people’s emotions – you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg. My job is to make a business thrive. If you do anything else, it’s going to get confused.

— I’m not an early riser. I’m not good until at least 10am. That doesn’t embarrass me. It’s silly to be first in the office and last out.

Explore Celebrity

• People

Times recommends

• How I lost the gift of joy for a while
• How to get Coleen Rooney's post-baby body
• The A-Z of winter style rules