When did money become about so much more than money?

Every series has an episode that takes an unexpected turn. Episode 3 was it.

What began as a conversation about first jobs and the earliest experiences of earning money became one of the most thought-provoking discussions of the entire first series.

Like every episode of Girlfriends, it started with laughter. The women reminisced about their early career journeys, first jobs, the people who shaped their work ethic, and the values that stuck and stayed with them. There were lots of giggles, moments of disbelief, and plenty of talking over each other.

Then the conversation shifted. It started with a simple observation about strength. When Bijna described Emmie as one of the strongest women she knew, Emmie disagreed. She challenged both Bijna and Sophia instead, two women who never seem to stop, who push themselves and give to others and still reach for more.

Bijna smiled before answering in Hindi. "As long as I have life, I'll keep pushing myself." It was one of those rare moments that changes the direction of an entire conversation.

What does strength actually look like in a woman? Is it confidence? Is it success? Or have women become so used to carrying everything that they've mistaken endurance for something to be proud of?

From there, the discussion reached far beyond business. They explored the ethics we inherit from the people who raise us, why values matter more than titles, and why leadership isn't something you demand but something you earn. They laughed about the idea that, between the women in their own circles, they could probably run the country better. Women don't have all the answers, but collaboration, empathy and accountability deserve a louder voice in leadership.

Then the conversation moved into one of the least talked-about subjects of all. Money as a form of power.

Economic abuse. Economic empowerment. Financial independence. Three phrases that sit at completely different ends of the same spectrum.

They talked about the importance of having your own money, your own financial knowledge, your own choices. Financial independence isn't just about income. It's about freedom. It's about knowing that nobody else controls your future.

That led them to question why financial literacy still isn't treated as an essential life skill. Why do children leave school understanding equations but not mortgages? Why are young adults expected to navigate debt, pensions and tax without ever being taught how money really works?

They also explored the financial pressures facing families today, the reality of wealth transfer, and the uncomfortable fact that despite enormous amounts of wealth changing hands over the coming decades, only a tiny proportion of investment capital currently reaches women.

Throughout, there were laughs, disagreements, challenges and moments of real reflection. Nobody pretended to have all the answers. But together they asked the questions that matter. By the end, it was obvious this episode had become about far more than money.

It was about freedom. Identity. Leadership. Responsibility. Values. And ultimately, choice.

The most powerful thing said all day was also the simplest. Sophia said, "Money doesn't own me. I own money."

And maybe that's the mindset we should all be teaching the next generation.

Favourite quote of the session

"Money doesn't own me. I own money." 

What surprised us

A conversation about first jobs became the biggest eye-opener of the series.

Join the conversation

Should financial literacy be taught as a core subject in every school? We'd love to hear your thoughts.