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June 08 You’re Hired! Yasmina Siadatan
So despite Kate’s all-round perfection and her big shiny teeth, it’s 27-year-old Yasmina left holding the most famous job on television. We caught up with the winner of The Apprentice 2009 to discuss victory, mistakes and Sir Alan for Prime Minister…
Congratulations Yasmina! What do you think swung it for you? Thanks, I’m still in shock. Well, Kate and I are very different people and I just think that the kind of job Sir Alan’s got lined up for the winner was gonna fit somebody like me that better than somebody like Kate.
Was Kate “too perfect” to win the Apprentice? When people make mistakes you can see their true character. And if people do push themselves really far then they are more likely to make mistakes. I think Sir Alan wanted to see somebody that was gonna really push themselves. I was a bit of a yoyo, I did make mistakes, but then my highs were higher than Kate’s. So yeah, her perfection was her downfall.
Do you think Philip played a part in her downfall too? I don’t think so. I think it caused Phil some problems and had a part to play in him getting fired but I think the way that Kate handles herself is fantastic, the girl is spot on. I think other women perhaps might have crumbled under that kind of pressure. She’s a very strong girl.
Your chocolates in the final task were quite shocking and feisty - does that sum you up? [Laughs] Well yeah, that was the whole point. And looking back, it really did epitomise everything I stand for, that I’m willing to take that risk. You can’t win The Apprentice without taking risks and I think I’ve proven that.
All the fired candidates came back for the last task – which ones were you looking forward to working with again? Debra and I clashed cos we were very similar, so we didn’t find it easy to work with each other. We definitely didn’t bring out the best in each other. Whereas, I didn’t work with Howard until the final task but when I did it was a real pleasure. I enjoyed working with everybody really but I always knew Kate would be my biggest competition.
Some candidates seem to go on the show to pick up media jobs afterwards. Do you fancy staying in the spotlight? Nah, not really. In fact I was really shocked by the whole thing. I was kind of astounded at how interested people are in people that go on The Apprentice. At the end of the day, I just went on there to get a job, and all of a sudden people are interested in my boyfriend and my dad and my mum and I’m like, wow this is crazy. So no, not interested.
How brutal were those interviews in the semi-final episode? And has it made you re-think your C.V? It’s not a real interview situation, they’re pushing your buttons to see how you react and to see what your personality’s like. I hadn’t thought about my company accounts for three or four months, so I got all flustered. There was nothing wrong with my C.V.; I just got floundered cos I was being interrogated.
Were there any moments where you doubted your ability? Yeah loads. Just before the presentation in the final episode, I’d never been so scared in my whole life. You’re waiting to come on and you don’t know if you’re gonna mess it up and you’re terrified. And not only that; it’s gonna be on the telly. And you’re up against Kate – the best pitcher of the series. It was big pressure.
How is the £100,000 salary gonna change your life? The money itself isn’t really gonna change me. I love going camping, I love eating out, I love spoiling my friends if I’ve got some money, so I’ll just be the same old ‘Mina but I’ll be working in a whole new industry.
Sir Alan’s in parliament now but how about Sir Alan for Prime Minister? I think Sir Alan would be a good Prime Minister because he’s got the real business skill. But on the other hand, running the country is obviously a really hard job and I want Sir Alan to have more of a nice life cos it doesn’t look like Gordon Brown is enjoying himself at the moment! I really like Sir Alan and I’d hate to see him go through that.
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June 07 Live Blog - The Grand FinalClick F5 to refresh your screen and keep up with the live blog. Click here at any time throughout the show to leave your views... SHOW STARTS: It's the Grand Final of The Apprentice 2009 and for the two remaining candidates, it is the toughest challenge yet. Kate and Yasmina have just three days to create and brand a new box of chocolates with 'original flavours' before launching them to an audience of more than 100 industry experts. ...Sure, it would be okay if that was the only thing to contend with but some of the fired candidates are back to help (ahem!) - Will their man management be up to scratch? (After Yasmina's prize cock-up with her accounts, if Kate doesn't win it'll be a travesty!)
Who do you think deserves the title of Apprentice 2009? Click here to leave your views... "This is a job interview from hell. First prize you get to work for me, second prize doesn't exist!" 21.05 - They get the call and as they get ready, Yasmina reveals it's all or nothing. "Coming 2nd is like coming 20th - It's about coming first, I want that job".
21.07 - The task is revealed and as it's a tough one, so the girls are offered 'some help'. A selection of fired candidates enter... Yasmina is asked to choose heads or tails
- Tails it is so she can choose first. Yasmina chooses: Howard Lorriane James and Philip (Kate avoided selecting him) Kate chooses: Ben, Debra, Kim and Rocky 21.09 - Mmm..? When it comes to target markets, Yasmina's team opt to aim for men??? Kates team (or should I say Ben) comes up with a cracker! A box of chocolates designed to share between a man and a woman. Kate loves the idea of sharing... "It's never been done before!"
21.10 - Ben cracks me up, as alway she takes it one step too dar by sugesting that the box be in the shape of a 69! Kate nips his brainstorming in the bud, "This is about sharing, romance and passion. I draw the line at sexual acts!"
21.12 - Yasmina's team aren't listening. They take a poll from men on the male chocolate idea and the guys blow it out of the water... After their Q and A Philip insists it's just because it's a new idea and never been done, but Yasmina's forced to think twice when she's told that it's women that buy the chocs. Do you really want to isolate half your market?
21.15 - Yasmina decides to go with the name Coco Electric and adapt her concept. The chocolates will be aimed at everyone, but the chocolates will be eclectic with funky flavours.
21.17 - Kates chocolatier has other ideas about her set price. For the sophisticated, specialist flavours she's looking for (such as Sea Salt and Caramel) the price must be higher. She agrees to go up to £13 - Kaching! I know they're going for the luxury market but when Yas is flogging hers for a fiver, there could be trouble ahead...
21.22 - Kate starts off by chooseing the name Intimate Chocolate Co but when Debra returns from the chocolatier, she hates it. She has a point, "It sounds like at 'intimate' product. After much stress and deliberation they come up with a flip lid box and the name Choc D'Amour. Ah, Oui Oui!
21.24 - The Coco Electric box looks amazing! It's a slide design in black and pink and for £5 is a steal (and a great gift!)
21.25 - Yasmina's team is not too impressed with the chocolates themselves - Instead of shocking and explosive, they're a little tame. Even Sir Alan's assistant Margaret has a bash, but she's not even blown away by the chilli flavoured choc! "I'm still waiting for the explosion!"
21.27 - Kimberley is in charge of the Choc D'Amour promo ad, but Kate's finding it all a bit cliche. She gives the traditional idea of a romantic night in a real twist and the female model is asked to tie her husband up with his tie and then scoff the whole 'share' box to herself. What a cracking idea! 21.28 - Yasmina's ad and campaign reflects the box. Models are asked to look shocked, as though a taste explosion is happening... Effective enough but not as innovative as Kate's concept. Her campaign has real originality - The 'share' idea's never been done and she has Ben to thank.
21.30 - The girls prepare for thie presentations. It's a tough call as they have to address over a hundred people and there nervous. There's props to select for thie backdrop, chocolates to prepare and lay out on each table and most importantly, the speech.
21.34 - Just listening to Kate's pitch and it was all going so well until she quoted the price. The line 'For her. for him, to share...' went down a storm, as did the idea of staying in being the new going out. 21.36 - Kate is questioned by the experts and every issue relates to price. She's confident that there'll be profit and claims that the high retail was based on what's out there already (of similar quality) - But the higher price is based on the ingredients and 'luxury' of the item. I don't think that was stressed enough
21.40 - Mmm... Sir Alan didn't seem too impressed with the Coco Electric presentation. He rolls his eyes as the dancers pass him by and Philip carries a box of chocolates on a glowing tray... Then again he's never really been a fan of Pantsman has he? Yasmina is visibly nervous and a little static, but she holds her own toward the end.
21.41 - The experts love the price of Coco Electric at just £5 (Could be Kate's downfall?) - But they give the impression that some of the flavours are not to their taste. Yasmina's confident: "We have had nothing but positive feedback, especially with the strawberry and basil".
THE BOARDROOM:
Both girls have done well, but it's a toss up now. Will Sir Alan vote for the better concept from Kate or the better price plan from Yas? Kate is commended by Debra on her leadership and Debra adds that she's a worthy winner in her opinion. Sir Alan nods, but knocks Kate's confidence by discussing the price of her chocolate box. "I don'tknow anything about chocolates, but an expert on my table pointed out that this is not a 'mass market' product as you say. For the price of these chocolates, you would never sell to a mass market. You would have to start small or specialist and build a name". Kate says that's fair point, but she's happy that Sir Alan liked the overall concept. The 'share' idea was genius.
On the flip side, Yasmina went for the other end of the market.
Sir Alan was happy with the price, but the problem was the chocolates. "The weren't shocking flavours, the chocolate was the cheapest of the cheap!" Ouch! James has a moment of glory when he pipes up, "Everything we did for this task was bob on, but the only thing we couldn't do was taste the chocolates when they were finished". Yas points out that if this product was actually going to market, they would be able to head for the kitchens and make sure the taste was good - Wouldn't that mean raising the price? Better chocolate, higher costs... We're back to pricing and accounts again aren't we? Let's not forget about the Sandalwood fiasco.
Justify yourself...
Although Kate is knows as a great pitcher, she's the first to say that's not her forte - She loves to sell and can sell. She's looking to continue her self-development and eventually become a director. Yasmina says she has creativity and a spark about her that cannot grow while she's running her restaurant. Sir Alan doesn't want to put anyone out of work but Yasmina assures him that her brother will be continuing the business, so no one will be laid off.
It's decision time:
Sir Alan addresses the finalists... "Kate, I'm thinking about my organisation now and I'm thinking about where you can slot in. And what would worry me would be that it's only sales and presentation, Im wondering if I could afford you the time to move forward and what it would be and what direction it would be..." Yasmina, I think of myself at your age, in fact i was nine years younger than you when I started my business. In fact, it was two years later that that I knew I was made. I didn't have fortunes, I didn't have loads of money but I knew that I didn't need anybody else. I knew that I could do it myself and I think you can, you've done it yourself and in a funny way, will I be depriving you of that opportunity and will yoube resentful of that in the next few years... So that's the dilema I have. You are the best that I've had in this boardroom, that I promise you...
My instincts are telling me...
Yasmina, you're hired!"
 Yasmina beams and hugs Kate. She turns to Sir Alan, "Thank you so much for this opportunity. I'm going ot be the best apprentice you've ever had".
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It's Coming... The FinalIt's the Grand Final of The Apprentice and for the two remaining candidates, it is the toughest challenge yet. Kate and Yasmina have just three days to create and brand a new box of chocolates with 'original flavours' before launching them to an audience of more than 100 industry experts. ...Sure, it would be okay if that was the only thing to contend with but some of the fired candidates are back to help (ahem!) - Will their man management be up to scratch? Join me live tonight from 9pm for the live blog. I'll be here when the show airs to give you my views on the Grand Finale, I can't wait to hear what you think...
After Yasmina's prize cock-up with her accounts, if Kate doesn't win it'll be a travesty! Who do you think deserves the title of Apprentice 2009?
Click here to leave your views... See you tonight...
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Exit Interviews"I don't talk behind people's back. If I don't particularly like them, they'll know it. I'll say it to their face and sometimes that directness and honesty - some people do find it abrasive. But I'm not a bullsh****r and I don't lie to people. Maybe the world would like it a bit better if I smiled at people's faces and talked behind their backs, but that's not who I am."
Lorraine, Debra or James? Read our full interview with the three fired candidates to find out! More soon...
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June 03 Live Blog - Episode 11It's time... The live blog is running now, feel free to join in throughout the show (or afterward) by clicking here... Press F5 to refresh your screen and keep up with the live updates... Tonight, the five remaining candidates must face their biggest verbal challenge yet. Sir Alan is going to test their character by probing into every aspect of their personal and professional lives and to do it - They face the dreaded interviews!
 Four of Sir Alan's trusted business colleagues head the questioning but that's not the half of it... If they can pass the test and make the final, it's off to the boardroom for a meeting with Sir Alan himself!
So how will the final five fair? They're off to meet Sir Alan...  It's not good news. The candidates are advised that they will each face a set of interviews and on their completion Sir Alan says, "One of you could go or three of you could go!"
In these interviews, candidates will discuss their CV's, previous work experience, attitude to work, references and personal statement.
They all seem to be looking forward to the interviews, except Lorraine. "I'm petrified and nervous, and I'm good in interviews!"
21.10 - James is ripped to shreds. His CV is described as "Extremely bad - It's filled with telecoms jargon and it's not impressive, it's unreadable! James tries to explain that it's specific to the industry, but that doesn't wash.
21.15 - Kate does well. My first impression of her is positive and confident. She's currently a licensing manager for a large coffee chain, has worked in marketing and has a degree - so she knows her stuff! She explains that she would love to work for Sir Alan, wants to expand her horizons and is hoping to be successful.
I'm impressed! Focused on the questions, took a breath to think, gave precise and relevant answers - and she didn't squirm at all.
 21.18 - Ouch! Yasmina was thrown completely, you could literally see her shaking! In interview she was pulled first on her accounts... She claimed that her restaurant made four and a half percent gross profit - it didn't (they checked!) She couldn't believe that they had copies of her accounts! Then, her figures for turnover were scuppered too... I've never seen Yas so out of her depth, she tripped over her words and lost it - He ate her alive! 21.22 - Lorraine is pulled for claiming that her last employment started in May 07 when it was May 08 - 12 months is a significant amount of time.
21.24 - Back with James and good lord, he's sweating. He starts to rise to the onslaught of questions and admits he's finding it hard to cope with. When he described what he does he wrote, "I put a leash on those who sp*nk money up the wall!" He's asked if he really thinks Sir Alan wants someone who'll use that sort of language to describe his vocation. There's nothing he can say...
21.26 - It's Debra's turn and she's being accued of not being a team player (correct!) - She say sthat she loves working in a team but the panel don't believe her. We have comments from people who work with you and have worked for you. "You either love her or hate her and most people hate her.." She's accused of being ruthless, "Ruthless is a word I don't like to use... I know what I want. I don't see any reason why people would hate me." 21.27 - Kate is fantastic but plastic it seems! "Your interview technique is flawless, but I'm not seeing any fire - It's all quite robotic". She has examples at the ready... "I don't think you can get anywhere in business without passion. I was the youngest person (at 16) to start the McDonalds Management Program so to do that so early, it can't be said that I have no fire". She's asked about her relationship with Philip Taylor, but she brushes this off and explains that she didn't feel it had anything to do with the process (regardless of the fact that it was brought up in the boardroom) - So there! 21.30 - THE BOARDROOM
The panel were not impressed with Lorraine and said it was impossible to shut her up. She said that her intuition was something Sir Alan would find useful and understand, but added to another panelist that it was verging on psychic ability - Instant turn off! "She thinks she's Mystic Meg!" - She also spoke far too much about her family and situations...
The panel say, "She'll drive you mad!"  Yasmina is commended on her passion as she actually got up and started her own business.. The main issue with Yas was that she lost it after her accounts were revealed. She was also questioned about borrowing money from her mum and then giving her just 1% of the business - Was that ethical?
Sir Alan points out that he went to his parents when he needed things starting out (so I guess she's got his support on that one eh?) Kate gets rave reviews (based on her confidence and skill), but loses points for her fears about working with women. "Women are moaning, emotional and bitchy" - Sir Alan replies, "I'm glad you said that!"
The panel give her full marks though, "She was professional and confident. She won't let you down!" Debra doesn't come out smelling of roses. Sir Alan isn't shocked that she's no team player, but he's disappointed that it's splattered all over her references - other staff don't like her. She alienates people... The panel say, "She'll do anything to get a sale, but she'll step on people to do it - She'll upset staff!" Poor James is just painted as a joker who's lucky to have made it this far... He has little to say in reply. He was given one final chance to impress and told the panel that he'd like Sir Alan to be like Willy Wonka and give him that golden opportunity - Not really something about you that James! SIR ALAN SAYS: "We need to remember with you Debra that you're only 23 (What? She looks older) - But you really do have no understanding about how you work with people, you alienate them. That shows naivity to me..."
"Kate, I'm concerned about how you come across... It's almost robotic". Kate takes that as a compliment as she says it shows control, Sir Alan disagrees...
"James I've taken on board everything you've said and there's nothing wrong with being friendly and nice. You make people laugh and you've made me laugh in this boardroom, but I think you're a corporate man and there's no place for that in this business... It's with regret that I say, you're fired!"
I love James, he's a hero and he's made this show! James agrees that Sir Alan made the right choice, but he's gutted the experience is over. "I didn't even think I'd get near that interview room!"
Sir Alan: "James had a terrible tendency of putting his foot in his mouth. There's a time for having light hearted people around and there's a time for business - That's why I had to fired him". Who's next?
"Kate, you may be controlled, but you have to have some passion. Personality has the ability to open doors, but character keeps it open." "Lorraine, I'm worried about how you look at this, with the instincts and the after the horse has bolted statements". Lorraine replies, "What I've learned from this is that I should have pushed my insticts more and I will take that with me in the future". He shakes his head, "You can take it with you now. I have to think what's best for my company, you're fired!"
I feel for Lorraine. She said that she wanted to come on this show to do more than what she'd done with her life - That's quite sad and shows how low her self-esteem is. She has two children who she's very proud of and managed to get on this show. Her attitude to herself lost her this. Sir Alan: "She had some great expressions like 'I'm a slow burner in the up-take department' but she upset a lot of people to get here, that's why she had to go". But that's not all... Sir Alan's just taking a break.
So will it be Yasmina, Debra or Kate? Kate is the first to be told she's through to the final. It's between Debra and Yas and if you ask me, I think it will be Yas. Debra's had nothing but knocks tonight for alienating others and her gung-ho attitude. Correct! Debra's fired, but Sir Alan seems unsure and is the first to tell her to "Keep in touch". Mmm... He doesn't say that to everyone you know!
Sir Alan adds, "Debra is so aggressive, that is the reason that I've had to let her go". I think her attitude is more down to environment than anything else - She works in cut throat sales for crying out loud! I do agree with Sir Alan tonight though. Both Yas and Kate have proved themselves team players and that's obviously what's got them through. I'm sure Debra will go far, but like Sir Alan said "it's easy to forget you're so young". She needs more experience... and lessons in 'nice'. Sunday's Final: On Sunday the ex-candidates return to help Kate and Yas create and launch a brand new box of chocolates, then it's off to Sir Alan for the fianl decision. Selena x
PS - Line of the evening goes to Jo Brand on BBC 2's The Apprentice: You're Fired! She loved James and said he lifted the show and should have made the final (on entertainment alone) - "You were like Price Cheery Kn*bhead!" I couldn't have said it better myself Jo.
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The Interviews!Join me tonight from 9pm for the penultimate episode of The Apprentice. I'll be here to blog the episode live and can't wait to hear what you think...
Tonight, the five remaining candidates must face their biggest verbal challenge yet. Sir Alan is going to test their character by probing into every aspect of their personal and professional lives and to do it - They face the dreaded interviews!
Four of Sir Alan's trusted business colleagues head the questioning but that's not the half of it... If they can pass the test and make the final, it's off to the boardroom for a meeting with Sir Alan himself!
See you tonight at 9pm...
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May 30 The Apprentice Final - Time Slot Changed
Instead of being aired on Wednesday, the conclusion of series five will air on Sunday the 7th of June at 9pm. This means the show won't clash with ITV's coverage of England's World Cup qualifier. A BBC spokesperson said "We appreciate that many viewers will want to watch both The Apprentice final and the England World Cup qualifier. Our priority is to schedule programmes in a way that offers viewers the best experience possible." On Wednesday the remaining candidates will face the tough interview round, and the winner will be announced in the final show on Sunday. An additional programme 'Why I Fired Them' will also be broadcast the same day. Who will Sir Alan choose out of Yasmina, Lorraine, Debra, James and Kate? Don't forget the change whatever you do. See you for the Live Blog on Wednesday... Selena x Love this blog?
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Apprentice Interview"Kate: She's got the set of skills that anyone would want in a large organisation like Amstrad. You could put her in charge of any account, in front of any client, managing any team and you know she'd do a brilliant job. She's the person you want in your company."
Who do you think is Kate's biggest fan? Nope, it's not Philip...
Click here to find out...
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