Q & A Question Time with Shivani Gupta

Gupta presented the SBS ratings hit Risking it All this month. The series, which focused on rookie entrepreneurs as they attempted to establish their own businesses, attracted almost 2 million viewers across the four episodes.

Showing no signs of slowing down, Gupta has launched her first book nationally, Passion at Work.

Indian-born Gupta is a former senior manager who left a position with BHP Billiton after a life changing trip to Nepal in 2001 to establish her own coaching business, Passion @ People.

HOW DID IT FEEL SEEING YOURSELF ON TELEVISION WHEN YOUR SERIES SCREENED ON SBS?

It felt surreal. It was wonderful that it finally eventuated after months of shooting.

AS FAR AS COACHING ROOKIE ENTRTEPERNEURS ON TELEVISION GOES, DO YOU THINK YOUR STYLE IS MORE LIKE GORDON RAMSAY OR DONALD TRUMP?

Neither, I hope. One swears too much and I hope I have better hair than the other. Maybe more Donald because I am no-nonsense in my business advice.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR YOU CAREER WISE?

I'd like to continue doing more TV. Maybe a second series of Risking it All. I am developing more products like my book Passion at Work to help small business owners.

WHAT'S THE KEY TO JUGGLING WORK COMMITMENTS WITH FAMILY?

Work-life balance is a high priority for me. The key is taking responsibility for your time and not being a martyr. Just like in an emergency on a plane you need to put your own mask on before you can help others.

IS IT TRUE YOU CAN DANCE?

I love to dance. It's a great stress buster. I sometimes incorporate a bit of Bollywood in my presentations. At the Newcastle Samaritans business breakfast earlier this year we got 250 people up and dancing.

WHY HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO LIVE IN NEWCASTLE OVER A CAPITAL CITY?

My beautiful husband and soul mate Scott and the boys [stepsons] live here. And it's a fantastic city with a great lifestyle and great people.