Gerri, You're Fired!

How did you feel watching the episode?
It was very evocative, I got quite upset at one point. They'd edited it so well that I was actually sitting there thinking Jadine or Naomi might go, but then realising of course it's me that goes! I was angry at myself for not standing up for myself more in the boardroom. I came across as a bit defeated – if only I could go back.

 

Do you believe Naomi should have been fired instead of you?
Yes, even though she's gorgeous. It's difficult to criticise someone so yummy-looking, but she was a weak manager, all said and done. I knew the girls as a group were going to gang up against Jadine because they felt threatened by her, but I honestly didn't think she was the worst person on the day. Perhaps if I'd said Jadine to go and been quite vocal against her, I'd still be here, but I didn't believe that so I'd rather stick with what I believe.

 

Do you think Sir Alan prefers more aggressive women?
Some people have said that he doesn't like people that look like they're not too distressed in the boardroom, so maybe I should have looked more terrified. I've been told I looked very passive but I've just developed a way of looking like I'm not threatened. But I was feeling awful in there. People have said that if I was more ruthless I would still be there, but I don't like being ruthless. So be it. You have to be ruthless to win The Apprentice but you don't have to be ruthless in the real business world.

 

Do you wish you had hidden in the background for a few more weeks, like some of the candidates seem to be doing?
Like everyone else, I watched the last series and saw Michelle Dewbury remain very quiet for the first few episodes so I thought that's what I would do. But if I don't agree with someone, I won't keep quiet, so there was no chance for me hiding anywhere. I do think there are people who are getting away with not being hugely effective. Ghazal in particular hasn't contributed very much at all.

Do you still think that face painting was a good choice for a business venture?
In hindsight I'm sure there was something better, but we were given a list of 200 approved business services and compared to the rest of them, it looked quite a feasible option. Car washing would have been great except you had to have a mains water supply which isn't easy to get in Richmond town centre. Escorting was also on the list so at least we didn't stoop that low!

 

How did you feel about the kissing task?
Absolutely awful. None of us wanted to do it but it was a quick win, we didn't need to buy any equipment and, if it was a very busy pub night, you could potentially get a lot of customers. We all recognised that it was crass but when things were going badly with the face painting and we'd assumed that the boys were doing fantastically, the word desperation sums up how we felt. I tried to suggest doing something else but I didn't want to be accused of not being a team player.

 

Who is your tip to win the series and be hired by Sir Alan?
Jadine, if she can take on board what Sir Alan said to her in the boardroom. I was able to see beyond her aggressive side. She's got a bit of an attitude but she just needs to be tamed and taught how to put her ideas across a bit more diplomatically. Sir Alan's the right type of person to teach her. I think Jadine is a rough diamond with the makings of a really slick business person.

 

And who is your favourite of the boys?
My favourite bloke was Rory so I was gutted when he left. I think the girls are the much stronger team, I really do. Natalie speaks her mind, Jadine certainly does, Christina is a really strong character and very competent, as is Katie. Sophie hasn't been very effective.

What's next for you?
I've got a fantastic job that I start next week, working for a firm of consultant engineers, but in my own time I'm launching a product – my father-in-law has invented something so I'm going to treat it like one of Sir Alan's tasks and take it to market.

 

Do you regret not taking the MI5 job that you were offered the same day as you were offered The Apprentice?
I don't. Things happen for a reason, I'm a very big believer in fate. That would have taken me down an entirely different path but I'm very content with my lot.

 

Do you have a message for Sir Alan?
I'd love to say Sir Alan that you're very naughty for saying that I contributed nothing. He and I both know that he praised me on at least two occasions on things that I contributed. I accept his decision and I respect him, but I'd like him to know that my confidence isn't thwarted.