David Bullard is a British-born journalist who currently has a column titled 'Out to lunch' on www.moneyweb.co.za. He was previously a columnist for the Sunday Times. Bullard is a regular guest speaker and MC and is well-known for voicing his controversial opinion on topical issues.

1. What was your first job/ where did you start?
It was with a stock broking firm in London back in 1981.

2. What made you want to build a career in your profession?
I only moved into journalism after 24 years in the financial markets. I fancied a mid-life career change and it didn’t look too difficult, so I thought I would give it a try.

3. Describe a day in your life at present.
Every day is very different, but I usually get up at 05:45 and go for an hour’s walk. Then I shower and have a very leisurely breakfast while I listen to Aki Anastasiou describing the chaos on the roads. At about 08:30 I turn my cell phone on and knock off a column if I’m on a deadline. I generally arrange a fairly festive lunch with friends at a favourite restaurant and go home for a siesta at about 14:30pm. In the evening I may be speaking at a function or MCing something. If not, I open a good bottle of wine and have dinner at home or with friends.

4. How do you unwind behind the scenes? List your favourite song; movie; and book.
I listen to masses of music; read the newspapers and magazines like Vanity Fair; and occasionally watch television. I also spend more time on the internet than I used, to because there is so much of interest out there. Favourite song: I am the walrus by the Beatles for sheer inventiveness; movie: Blade Runner or maybe The Godfather; and book: Complete Works of Shakespeare.

5. Who would you most like to meet – dead or alive, and why?
Helen of Troy – was she really such a hottie, or was it all hype?

6. What has been one of the most important lessons you have learnt?
Never trust the current Editor of the Sunday Times.

7. What is your secret indulgence and your three ‘can’t live without’ items?
Secret indulgence remains a secret, but not-so-secret indulgence is a good bottle of whisky. Three can’t live withouts - easy. iPod nano with video camera; digital camera; and cell phone.

8. Who do you think is getting it right in the industry?
Not many people, but Moneyweb is streets ahead as far as internet content is concerned, and Naspers takes the trouble to invest in people and products.

9. Which person in the industry do you think is making waves?
Nobody. Journalism is a very meek profession in this country.

10. Who is your alter ego?
Denny Crane from Boston Legal.

11. What is your favourite perfume?
Can’t go wrong with Chanel No. 5.

12. Which car would best personify you, and why?
The Rolls Royce Phantom. It’s flashy; stylish; very good at what it does; and makes a strong statement. How much closer to me can you get?

13. What is your favourite reality TV series?
The Apprentice UK version.

14. Who is someone you truly look up to, and which qualities do you most admire about them?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I don’t share his religious beliefs, but what a man of courage; humility; humour; and integrity. A rare jewel in our tarnished crown.

15. What’s your stance on social media?
Love it. The most exciting communications development to have happened in my lifetime. But, like sex; drugs; and rock n roll, to be used in moderation.