When it comes to getting more women into parliament, politicians have at least started to take active measures. The British Labour Party introduced all-female shortlists in 1997.

I grew up in a home where I was literally told from a young age, 'No daughter of mine will ever wash a man's socks,' and I am pleased to say I never have. It was made clear that whatever I wanted to do I should aspire to, regardless of my gender.

Philanthropists today want input into how their monies are being deployed. The big question is, can governments use this insight to sell the rich the idea of paying more tax rather than spend more on charitable giving?

Experience is not the poor relation of expertise. Valuable insights in business often come from the people on the ground.

I'm not good with blogs and social networks because those things come and go. By the time I am used to one thing, a new type of social media is already trending.

I like to meet girls in real life because social media is such a front, and you can come across and look however you want.

I wanted to use the hippo to get people out of their homes, away from the Internet and the TV, and to explore London with a new perspective.

Social media affords me an opportunity to interact with fans on a daily basis, not just for a few seconds apiece at a science-fiction convention.