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Dear Corporate Governess

I made some risky investments this year and got creamed in the market meltdown. Unfortunately, I work at an investment firm known for its safe but reliable advice. I'm worried my bosses (or worse, my clients) could find out I lost my shirt. Any advice?

Joel T., Toronto

Dear Joel

I understand why you'd want to instill confidence in your employer and your clients. So if rumours start flying after you trade in the BMW for a Kia, you'd better have your story straight. For some top advice on how to protect your image, I turned to an expert in crisis management: Mat Wilcox, of the Wilcox Group in Toronto and Vancouver, whose PR firm has handled such disasters as the avian flu epidemic.

Wilcox first wondered why anyone would need to know anything about your finances. She recommends holding that information personal and confidential. "As a broker, you made risky investments, so you alone have exposed yourself to the downsides of the market," says Wilcox. That said, she adds that "your personal brand should be managed carefully, and your reputation is only as good as your last decision."

As for that Kia, Wilcox suggests that you put your own spin on it. Tell your co-workers that you're just following the lead of movie stars by turning "green" and using less fuel. Perhaps your hankering for vintage reds has "evolved" into an exploration of Italy's fine (and cheap) wines from the Abruzzi region. Your uptown condo was sterile in comparison to your funky new digs on the wrong side of the tracks. And it's your new-found love of cooking that's keeping you home at night. Best of luck.

Dear Corporate Governess

The new manager in our office is a ringer for Antonio Banderas. Problem is, while we're all business at work, I dream of having sex with him at night. Is this dangerous?

Samantha G., Ottawa

Dear Samantha

Only if you end up ambushing him in the supply room. Otherwise, consider it a fringe benefit of the job.

Frankly, I find it refreshing that your unconscious mind has balls, so to speak. Men have been sexualizing the women they work with for decades. Thinking of your manager as your secret sex toy could be rather empowering. I'd suggest you avoid over-analyzing this. Freudians might look for deeper meaning in your nocturnal romps, but researchers at the Harvard Medical School now believe that dreams are merely your brain's attempt to make sense of randomly firing neurons in your cerebral cortex during sleep. Given that the day's events are often all your brain has to work with, it's no surprise that your manager shows up. He's made a recent, strong impression on you. Be grateful--you could have been dreaming about that pimple-faced kid in the mailroom.

Got a question? Write the Governess at Report on Business magazine: corporategoverness@globeandmail.com