Pete says:
Good evening David, and thank you for coming in to see me. How have the other interviews gone so far?
David says:
Good evening, Sir.
The other interviews have been okay, I think?
Pete says:
Well I'm no longer teaching so you don't need to call me Sir, but thanks anyway!
David says:
Force of habit, lolol. Mr Pete.
Pete says:
Thank you for providing your CV. Just to explain how we'll work... I will be asking you questions based on the information you've provided to us. Is there anything you want to ask before we begin?
David says:
No, I have no questions thank you.
Pete says:
Ok, then we'll start. Firstly, you gave a number of your key skills which we'll discuss in detail shortly. Just to start off, I want to know which ONE SKILL you possess do you feel is the most valuable in this process, and why?
David says:
I would say that reliability is probably the most valuable. You can be the best businessman or woman in the world but if you are unreliable, there is no place for you in a company. I can say, with evidence to support me, that I am one of the most reliable people you will ever see.
Pete says:
That's fair enough, a good trait. an you think of a SPECIFIC time when your reliability has had a direct positive effect on something? It can be in this process or outside of it.
David says:
If I use the process then I will say that throughout the process, the more reliable you are the better you work whether it be individually or as part of a team.
However, referring to in real life. Achieving 100% attendance on multiple school years proves that I won't let a little thing get in the way of success & striving to learn.
Pete says:
Yes, that's all good. But you REALLY think reliability, 100% attendance and such, is THE MOST IMPORTANT trait we're looking for? My binman is reliable and turns up every week, but I don't think Lord Sugar will be hiring him anytime soon.
David says:
In all respect, I do think that reliability is a vital thing. Statistics prove that with every year that passes, more and more people take days off work ill. My past record proves that I won't let a pathetic little cold get in my way. I am here to win, and I mean it.
I do think that my other key skills, such as Leadership, Confidence & Creativity also are very important and go hand-in-hand.
Pete says:
Okay, I accept that, I'm just not sure if its THE thing that springs to mind first is all. Anyway, I am glad you mentioned those other skills as i was about to move on to them. I must hand it to you...
on paper, you come across quite well indeed. Your creativity paragraph on the CV I was quite impressed with, and I noted the example from the task you gave. Could you give me an example of your creativity OUTSIDE this process?
David says:
Outside of the process, I can't honestly say I have that many great examples of creativity.
Obviously, I'm only 17 so apart from the obvious school presentations, I don't have much practical experience.
HOWEVER
Pete says:
Really? Are there any from elsewhere on DS maybe?
David says:
I would liken my experience in the process to one of a journey. I have largely developed my skills throughout the process.
I wouldn't consider Digital Spy real life? But going by that, I have come up with many themes which, okay, aren't that great in the grand scheme of things, but they do show a flourishing amount of creativity.
Pete says:
i just said "outside this process", and i would say yes that's a valid example so we'll move on.
I want to talk about leadership next, as that's something you mentioned and certainly something we're looking for.
David says:
Oh, yes. I think leadership is very important
Pete says:
I would like you to tell me how you would deal with criticism as a leader, either from a superior above you (e.g. LAS) or someone on your team?
You can use an example from the process if you have one,
or else hypothetical is fine.
David says:
Ooh, that is an interesting question.
Pete says:
take a moment, that's fine!
David says:
I've never really come across it, unfortunately, seeing as both LAS and my team have both declared me a fantatic Project Manager when my time has come, even after a loss.
Pete says:
I think you forgot "modesty" from your list of attributes on the CV?
David says:
I feel it is very important to ensure that the team morale isn't bad is a great thing.
That being said, I would work around the problem. I will take criticism and don't react badly towards this criticism.
Obviously, I would listen to the others and then improve my strategy if that was the problem, or just make sure I am seen as a stronger leader.
Also, I would conclude I am incredibly modest.
Pete says:
And what if you had an issue with someone not pulling their weight? What would you do then?
David says:
As I mentioned in my CV, I am confident. I won't deny that. I feel as if, from my experience in the process, I am one of the strongest candidates. However there is a great line between confidence and arrogance/cockiness and I don't cross that, I believe.
Well, I have already had to experience that one, as my first time as Project Manager. With Luke.
Pete says:
Ok, go on...
David says:
In hindsight, my targetting him in the boardroom was a bit... feral to say the least. I really went all out on it and looking back I would definitely not 'turn' on somebody in the same light again.
Playing the blame game, which is something I don't really like because in a team everybody is to blame to some degree.
Pete says:
That is very honest of you.
David says:
In retrospect, I would honestly not go all out on them again. Although I don't like slackers, I would try my hardest to utilise their skills - because regardless of education or previous experience, everybody has an impressive skillset.
I would do my best to utilise the weakest links skills and allow them to flourish. My only weakness in this retrospect is that I find it very hard to put people down, especially in front of others.
In the task itself, I did make mistakes. Instead of going behind his back and asking Tyjet & Mary to re-do his sections, I should have ensured that we were working as a team and helped him out. Obviously, circumstances were against me, with his inactivity and being unreliable. However I do feel I handled it as well as I could and it ended with a very close result which divided opinion.
Pete says:
I want you to imagine I'm going to ask everyone in this process (including eliminated candidates) to HONESTLY describe you as a team member, what words do you think would most frequently come up?
David says:
I think that the words people would use to describe me would be:
- Hard working
- Vocal
- Creative
- Intelligent
- Positive thinker
Those 5 are obviously positives, I know, and yeah, I probably do look quite cocky saying that
However I have never had an 'off' weak, in my opinion. I have been consistently strong throughout the process.
Have gained nothing but good feedback from viewers & other team members alike.
Pete says:
What words would Luke use, do you think? The ones you stated?
David says:
Although we did have our differences on the task, I would say he would consider me a strong leader, hard working & intelligent. Not to mention vocal!! Hehe
He said himself that I was a strong Project Manager, both before and after the task.
Pete says:
Ok, thanks. You are obviously the youngest candidate. Do you see this as a positive or negative, and why?
David says:
A positive, definitely.
Although I do not have the experience as some of the older people. What I lose in experience I make up in the study and theory of business. I also have a flair which in my opinion is perfect for this sort of thing.
I have the right skillset & qualities which allow me to progress and succeed just as much as everyone else.
I said it at the start... Bill Gates and many other entrepeneurs were all around my age when they came up with their winning ideas.
Age is only a number, and if I am allowed to stay in the process I can prove this.
Pete says:
The CVs i received from the 4 of you were of varying quality, IMO. Knowing yourself and the other candidates, where do you think your CV places in the 4, if you were to be honest? By this I mean the skills and experience you told me about - where you think it places in the four of you.
David says:
I can't possibly tell you, because I haven't seen the other CVs, however if I were to estimate I would position myself 2nd. I say 2nd because I do believe that my CV was very strong, as you have said yourself.
If I had the experience as some of the older candidatesd
I wouldn't hesitate to position myself up top.
Pete says:
But you said that wasn't a disadvantage?
David says:
Once again, I'd like to just say that isn't cockiness or arrogant. If you want to be successful you have to be confident
Also, in response to that
Your question specified on paper
If we're basing it on more than just the CV & the experience on the CV, I would say I am definitely the strongest.
Pete says:
You have mentioned twice now your confidence isn't cockiness, but a couple of times now it has almost seemed like you're correcting my wording - do you think this is appropriate in an interview? What would you say to this - would you be correcting LAS all the time if you were successful?
David says:
i'M SORRY!
I didn't mean it like that, I promise.
I don't seen it as... correcting you?
Just picking up on a technicality which you then used to make it seem as if I was saying something I wasn't.
Sorry, again. It is no way to conduct myself & for that I am apologetic.
Pete says:
Its ok, it just raised a thought in my mind that's all. I saw your other transcript earlier too and i noticed you were close to the bone with another interviewer, calling their question "unfair" i think at one point, so I just wondered how you would deal with business hierarchy if you were successful!
For the record though, I think you have accounted yourself very well and very honestly in this interview.
David says:
I can't remember exact details. (sorry) However if I hvve the
have the right question, I would say that the 'unfair' remark was well warranted?
I am a very vocal person, and with the greatest respect, Rory mentioned himself that I shouldn't be discredited with a PM loss, and that was the question brought up.
I just didn't think it was fair to bring it up after Lord Alan Sugar himself declared it as not really a proper PM loss.
I know my place, I do push boundaries in a good way. But in a hierarchal system, I listen to my leader, or boss.
I have always shown that I am a team player & will do anything that is asked of me.
Pete says:
No worries - just that LAS the other interviewers and I are joining all the dots and i just wondered if there was a link - i can't remember the details surrounding that exact comment. don't worry.
David says:
And thank you for the compliment. I would never lie on purpose.
Pete says:
But if i thought a job interviewer was unfair, i'd think it but maybe not say it?
Anyway....
just quickly
your CV answer where you placed yourself 2nd, who was first in your opinion then?
and why them?
David says:
I would consider Anactoria to have been the best, on paper alone.
She obviously has an English degree andtth
therefore has a way with words. I think that it was pretty evident that this documented her in the best light.
Obviously, I have not seen the CV's so I can't use evidence or proof to support this, but I can just see her writing herself in an almost-perfect light.
Pete says:
Ok, thank you.
One last question...
Imagine I ask you to reduce your CV to one summarising sentence selling you as a candidate – what would that sentence be?
Feel free to take a moment to think about this one.
David says:
"Despite only being 17, I am ripe. I want this and have the correct business & social acumen to be able to achieve goals that are set. I am a motivated individual who has a practically endless number of skills which are ultimately perfectly suited for this."
Pete says:
Erm, that's 3 sentences and just copied directly from your opening paragraph?
Would you like to edit it a bit maybe?
David says:
Oh?
I didn't realise you actually meant like, to come up with a separate sentence!!
(My bad)
Pete says:
Ha ha, yes!
David says:
I'll be a moment...
Pete says:
like one summary that tells us EVERYTHING about why to hire you
David says:
Sir Alan should hire me because I have the right business acumen & understanding and could really prove to be a vital part of his organisation and if I am given this chance I can show him that with my key skills, such as being unbelievably reliable, being confident and a natural born leader.
Pete says:
Thank you. Is there anything you'd like to ask me, or anything you'd like to clarify from your CV you haven't had opportunity to talk about?
David says:
You're welcome. I have no questions, however I would just like to say something.
Pete says:
Ok...
David says:
I am an intelligent person, I think this have been proven throughout the process combined with my education. I don't mean to sound big-headed, but I have always been told I am a very smart person and although I may not be a straight A* student but I am able to show how much I want this if I was to progress to the final. Thats all, thank you very much and I hope I have made a good impression.
Pete says:
Ok, thank you, well the interview is over, thanks for your time and good luck with the viewer interview and the final decision.
David says:
Thank you, have a good night & take care!

Pete says:
Good afternoon Beth, and thank you for coming in to see me. How are you today?
Mercedes says:
Good afternoon, Pete. I'm well, thank you, and how are you?
Pete says:
Quite well, thank you. Thank you for providing your CV. Just to explain how we'll work... I will be asking you questions based on the information you've provided to us. Is there anything you want to ask before we begin?
Mercedes says:
No, I think everything is clear, thank you.
Pete says:
Ok, thank you. Firstly, you gave a number of your key skills which we'll discuss in detail shortly. Just to start off, I want to know which ONE SKILL you possess do you feel is the most valuable in this process, and why?
Mercedes says:
I believe that my most crucial skill in this process has been my ability to communicate, which is why I went into such detail about it on my CV.
Due to the internet-based nature of this game, I have had to modulate my 'tone' throughout to ensure that I never came across as confrontational, and the majority of the tasks have involved large amounts of written work, which I succeeded at brilliantly.
I've also managed to effectively communicate my ideas and opinions throughout the game, which have led in several cases to team wins.
Pete says:
Yes I noticed that it was very detailed, and also that it was split into written and spoken communication on your CV. Do you think either of these forms are more important than the other in business?
Mercedes says:
I would say that both are crucial, but that spoken communication perhaps has the edge in most cases; it is integral to teambuilding, to planning, to brainstorming, etc.
However, as written communication has been used to such an extent in this process, I decided to assign it the same amount of space on my CV.
Pete says:
Could you maybe think of an example where you have used communication to solve a conflict? This could be in real life, or in this process, or another web-based example.
Mercedes says:
Sure. Throughout my role as an X-Factor host, I have had to communicate many times with game participants in order to resolve and smooth over conflicts. For example, I resolved a potentially explosive conflict when running a Eurovision game a couple of months ago. Although I have never been involved in a game-based conflict myself, I have a great deal of experience in using my diplomatic skills to
fix them.
Pete says:
Yes. On that note, do you think there is a reason why you don't get involved in conflicts and others do? For example, throughout this process?
Mercedes says:
I think that I tend to have a less confrontational approach than certain of the other candidates - I approach problematic situations with a diplomatic tone. Although this might be seen as a downside in The Apprentice (where candidates are urged to be confrontational), I don't think it's posed a problem when it comes to putting across my views, and in a real business environment, diplomacy tends to
be much more effective than an aggressive style.
Pete says:
Yes, and we are looking for someone to fit into a real business environment after all. But with that in mind, I have a further question for you...
on your CV you note maintaining friendships on DS as one of your plus points. Do you really think there is a place in business, or in any competitive environment, for genuine friendships? Why is this noted as a key achievement?
Mercedes says:
Yes, I absolutely think there's a place for friendship in business. Whilst I don't believe in making unwise business deals in the name of friendship, I do think that friendship can open a lot of doors in business, and it can potentially pave the way to mutually beneficial agreements.
Pete says:
Okay, thanks. I'm going to move on slightly. One skill I couldn't see on your CV (forgive me if I've missed it) but was noted on the other three's CVs is leadership. Do you think this is important, and do you think you display leadership qualities?
Mercedes says:
I did actually mention leadership in the DSA section - I noted that I had demonstrated crucial skills as a project manager.
The reason I didn't go into great detail about it is simple - it's not a skill that I have so far had the opportunity to test in a real world situation, as my roles so far have all been fairly junior. However, I absolutely think that I've displayed leadership qualities - I am a phenomenal planner and organiser, and my teambuilding is excellent.
Pete says:
Yes actually, I see you did touch on it, but the others seemed to bring it out more as a skill they possess. But I see your point. However, I do note that you have some experience in teaching. As a teacher myself, I do think you would have displayed some leadership qualities there? Can you think of an example to tell me about maybe?
Mercedes says:
That's a good point, and one that I hadn't thought of. Although I was teaching students that were pretty much the same age as me, and I considered (and still consider) them to be my friends, I did display leadership qualities in this role - for example, when chaperoning the students around London, I kept my head in difficult situations, such as when a few students got lost on the Tube.
In that situation, I was very quick to act - I immediately called the team leader to apprise her of the situation, and then found the quickest Tube route to 'rescue' the students.
Pete says:
Friendship does seem quite a theme for you, and its obvious business relationships mean a lot to you. So let me put this hypothetical situation to you. As a manager, a team member who works for you is also a quite close friend, but has become incompetent in their job. You are getting pressure from above you to deal with it, or else the person is fired. What would you do?
Mercedes says:
I would never put friendship above business, but as a friend, I would speak to him/her frankly about the situation, and try to find out whether s/he is having any issues that could be affecting job performance. (I also want to note that our friendship could potentially help me a lot in doing this.)
If it turned out to be simple incompetence or laziness, I would have no option but to let my friend go if s/he was unwilling/unable to fix the issue within a short timespan; if, however, there were a bigger issue, I would encourage him/her to perhaps take some time off, and to return with a fresh perspective.
Whilst this might be seen as an overly-nice solution, you stated that the person involved had 'become' incompetent (suggesting that it hadn't always been this way), and it would make no sense business-wise to lose out on a competent worker because of a short-term real life issue.
Pete says:
Ok, all good options, thank you. What about if you were working closely with someone you really personally disliked, on a day-to-day basis? How would you handle this, avoid conflict, and try to make sure that you both get the best business outcomes possible?
Mercedes says:
Yes, absolutely. Whilst I believe that friendship can exist in a business setting, I also recognise that it doesn't have to, and that many coworkers manage to succeed on a business level even whilst disliking each other. I feel that I can absolutely be civil with people I dislike on a personal level (and that I've demonstrated this during DSA), and that this is often the best route to achieving a
positive outcome.
However, I want to note that I would not continue to work with somebody who was outright confrontational or aggressive about their dislike for me.
Pete says:
So what would you do in this situation then, refuse to work with them?
Mercedes says:
I would take a step back from the situation, and if possible, speak to a manager about the issue. If there were no managers involved & we were working together on an independent basis, then yes, if the confrontational behaviour continued, I would refuse. I believe that mutual respect is paramount in business, and that a toxic work environment can lead to further problems down the line.
Pete says:
Ok, thank you. I'm going to move away from relationships now and discuss some of the other attributes you noted.
Mercedes says:
Okay, sure.
Pete says:
You said you were resourceful... could you tell me of a time where your personal resourcefulness has directly led to a positive outcome? Either in RL or DSA?
Mercedes says:
I believe that I demonstrated this skill very effectively in Task 4 of DSA; although my team lost this task, I was the person who sourced eight out of ten items at the lowest price, and to do this, I had to make extensive use of my resourcefulness throughout. I feel that during this task, I demonstrated my skills as a savvy businesswoman, along with my dedication and willingness to stand up to authority when necessary.
Pete says:
Okay. I'm going to talk about the overall CVs of all candidates in general now.
The CVs i received from the 4 of you were of varying quality, IMO. Knowing yourself and the other candidates, where do you think your CV places in the 4, if you were to be honest? By this I mean the skills and experience you told me about - where you think it places in the four of you.
Mercedes says:
I don't wish to be arrogant, but I'm going to guess that my CV was the best of the four; I would say that I've had more opportunities to gain real-world experience than a couple of the other candidates, and I'm also very good at picking out relevant attributes.
Pete says:
Thanks for your honesty. So, on that basis, you're the one who we should we hire?
Mercedes says:
Solely on the basis of the CV, then yes, I think I would hire myself over the other candidates. (I think it's also notable that I was the only one who bothered to hand it in on time.) Taking everything else into account, I think I'm a strong candidate for the final, but I also believe that the other candidates are extremely strong and passionate, so Rory will have a difficult decision to make.
Pete says:
Surely you should be telling me you're the one we should hire? That's certainly what I would be doing, and have done in RL interviews.
Also, the thing about handing in on time HAS been noted already by LAS.
I weren't sure if you were responding to that, but shall i move on? There are just a couple of questions left.
Mercedes says:
As stated, I think I'm a strong candidate for the final, and that CV-wise, at least, I was the strongest of the four. I believe that all four of us have come into the semi-final on a strong footing, and that it's up to Rory to distinguish between us on the basis of these interviews - but yes, I think I've put forward enough positive qualities to demonstrate why I'm an excellent candidate for the r
ole.
Pete says:
I want you to imagine I'm going to ask everyone in this process (including eliminated candidates) to HONESTLY describe you as a team member, what adjectives do you think would most frequently come up?
Mercedes says:
I like to think they would describe me as intelligent, dedicated, and creative - I've demonstrated all three of these on a regular basis throughout the process.
I also think that they might use words like 'organised', 'practical', and 'diplomatic'.
Pete says:
What if they were use to some less positive adjectives? If we said they HAD TO think of some? Which words may come up?
Mercedes says:
I think it's possible that I might be described as 'cold' or 'too perfect', and perhaps as 'stubborn'.
Pete says:
Ha, I do think 'too perfect' has come up actually from a couple of transcripts I've read... any comment on that?
Mercedes says:
As I told Aliyah yesterday, I think it's a complete non-insult; it's just avoiding the real point (that I'm an excellent candidate for the role) in order to pin something negative on me.
Pete says:
Fair point, yes. One last question...
Imagine I ask you to reduce your CV to one summarising sentence selling you as a candidate – what would that sentence be?
Feel free to take a moment to think about this one.

Mercedes says:
I am a modern businesswoman, blending youth and experience with creative flair, a resourceful mind, and a proactive attitude.
Pete says:
Thank you. Is there anything you'd like to ask me, or anything you'd like to clarify from your CV you haven't had opportunity to talk about?
Mercedes says:
No, I think we've covered everything, thank you.
Pete says:
Ok, thank you, well the interview is over, thanks for your time and good luck with the viewer interview and the final decision.

Hello Ana, please take a seat
Mercedes says:
Hello, Aliyah.
Aliyah says:
So you've made it to the final 4, how does it feel?
Mercedes says:
It feels pretty nervewracking, to be honest, especially since I'm up against such strong competition.
Aliyah says:
Is there a level of self doubt there?
Mercedes says:
No, I don't think so; I consider myself as strong as any of the other candidates, but at the same time, I think it would be a very bad idea to underestimate any of them.
Aliyah says:
Very well, so It’s the final four, and you know Lord Sugar will have to make a decision on who the final two should be, in your opinion, who should be the final two?
Mercedes says:
I think Gav ought to be a cert for the final two; he's a very strong candidate in all areas, he gets along with everybody, and he was a fantastic PM.
Aliyah says:
Who should take up the other spot?
Mercedes says:
For the second spot, I'm torn - both Carlisle & I have won an equal amount of tasks, and I don't think either of us have made any big errors, and Tyjet might only have won once, but he's shown throughout that he's incredibly dedicated.
But I'm going to go with Carlisle - not because I don't think that Tyjet or I deserve it, but because I think it's very difficult for me to assess my own strengths, and I haven't worked closely with Tyjet so it's hard to assess his in this context either.
Aliyah says:
So you don't believe that you fully 'deserve' a place as the final 2, and that Carlisle and Gav are more deserving of a place? Lord Sugar is looking for candidates who see the winning goal, he wants fire and belief, those are the qualities he's looking for, he may not think you are right for this competition if you believe Carlisle and Gav should be the final two in place of yourself?
Mercedes says:
I do believe that I'm deserving of a place - I believe that all four of us are, for different reasons - but as I said, I think it's difficult for me to assess my own strengths.
From my own perspective, I think that I've worked well throughout this competition, and that I've done well both as a PM and as a team member.
But I think it would be arrogant of me to presume that all others involved in the competition see me in the same light.
Aliyah says:
Difficult to assess your own strengths...hmm at this point in the competition, Lord Sugar would need his candidates to have the ability to "know" themselves, would you say, that you lack in self-belief? By pointing towards Gav and Carlisle, you're also undermining Tyjet in a sense, and yoruself too, if you think those two should be the top two, then you might as well not try at all?
You did not mention yourself....completely, when I asked you who should be the final two, it seems as though, you find it difficult to picture yourself as the final two? Is there more to this?
Mercedes says:
Speaking frankly, I honestly believe that all four of us would be fantastic finalists, and that we've all demonstrated this throughout the competition.
Aliyah says:
So who would you say, is the weakest of the four? If you had to base it completely on each candidates qualities?
Mercedes says:
I don't wish to undermine Tyjet at all - I think he's been a great candidate throughout, and that although he's only won one task, he did tend to shine through in the tasks that he lost.
This is a difficult one, especially as I haven't worked with Tyjet, so he hasn't had an opportunity to demonstrate his strengths to me in the same way.
Aliyah says:
Do you believe you are a superior candidate to Gav and Carlisle? The two who you think are more worthy of a top two placing?
Mercedes says:
No, I don't believe that I'm 'superior', but I don't believe that I'm inferior either.
Aliyah says:
So you're on the same platform as them? So if you were to win this competition, you wouldnt believe you were a worthy winner either, because they were "all worthy winners?"
Mercedes says:
I believe that whoever the final two is, there'll be very little between them and the third- and fourth-placed finishers.
Oh, I would be a very worthy winner.
Aliyah says:
But equally, everyone else would be a worthy winner?
Mercedes says:
I've dedicated lots of time and energy to this competition, and I've done very well in difficult circumstances.
I believe that the distinctions between us as candidates are difficult to make out, and that it's in these interviews and the final that they will become more apparent.
Aliyah says:
You have to remember, you are in competition with each other, so at the same time, you must possess and demonstrate qualities that exceed the other candidates, but you find it difficult to admit to that?
Mercedes says:
However, as it stands, I think we've all come into the final four on a very strong footing.
I'm perfectly happy to admit that I'm a very strong candidate - I'm a team player but I also work well independently, I've come up with a couple of task-winning ideas, etc.
I'm also happy to state that in certain areas, my talents exceed those of the other candidates.
Aliyah says:
On the latest series of the american celebrity apprentice, donald trump fired the celebrity who didn't mention themslves in answer to this question regarding the top 2, why should Lord Sugar not do the same to you?
Mercedes says:
If he wants to fire me on that basis, then he's free to do so, but I think he would be making a mistake.
Aliyah says:
Go on
Mercedes says:
Throughout the tasks, I've demonstrated my abilities as a thinker and a communicator.
I succeeded in gaining a clear win as PM when my team was effectively halved by circumstances outside my control.
I've come up with some fantastic ideas - for example, I take credit for the idea of the celebrity RPG in the first task.
And I've also never taken a backseat in any task, at any point.
Aliyah says:
Is there anyone who has taken a backseat?
Mercedes says:
Of the remaining candidates, I don't believe so - and I know this sounds like a copout, but I genuinely can't think of any times when they have.
The closest example I can think of would be Carlisle perhaps being distracted as PM in the most recent task.
However, he had real life to think about - & I think we can all agree that that comes first - and not only did he pull it back massively to achieve a victory in the second day, but he's also been a fantastic candidate outside of that.
Aliyah says:
Ah, how did you feel about Carlisle during that moment when he was PM?
Mercedes says:
Honestly, I was slightly irritated, and I think he knows that.
Aliyah says:
Do you think it was a little unprofessional of him to make you wait like that without delegating any of the roles?
Mercedes says:
Oh, this is a difficult question.
Maybe - a little - but that said, outside of that he was a terrific PM, and I think we would have won the task thanks to that, whether we'd waited till the next day or not.
Aliyah says:
From what I remember, the bulk of the task was written up the following day - on the Saturday, and you seemed a little frustrated that night before? At that time, were you frustrated as Carlisle as PM?
at Carlisle*
Mercedes says:
I wouldn't say 'frustrated', because I understood that he had real life things to think about, and I'm sure that I would have been equally distracted if I'd had kittens in my room.
But yes, I was a little irritated that it was taking so long.
Aliyah says:
Did you voice your concern?
Mercedes says:
Yes, I would say so.
I asked him a few times to decide who would be writing what, and to his credit, he did listen to me and he delegated the writing that night.
Aliyah says:
Ok. Now you havent worked with Tyjet, but hes been in the losing team the most out of everyone else, do you really think the luck is simply not on his side, or there's more to it?
Mercedes says:
I do believe that he was very unlucky in his team members for the first two tasks.
I think it says something that three of the remaining candidates - me, Carlisle, & Gav - were on the winning team in those tasks.
I also believe that he was massively unlucky in his team for the final task, in that Seth was a totally absent PM.
Aliyah says:
However, you and Gav were left alone during Task 3, but still managed to win the task inspite of the loss of various team members, is Tyjet perhaps not pulling his weight and relying on the "luck" excuse?
Mercedes says:
[12:59:11] Mercedes says:
With regard to the third task, I believe that it was a very close-run thing, but that the other team did not totally understand the brief.
[12:59:29] Mercedes says:
I don't think that means they didn't work hard - I think it's clear from the great work they produced that they did.
[13:00:20] Mercedes says:
However, I think they made a key mistake by misunderstanding the 'point' of the task, and I think that worked against them.
[13:01:12] Mercedes says:
(that said, I don't think Tyjet is any more at fault for that than Carlisle, Mary, & Luke, and I also don't think that it's a game-losing mistake.)
Aliyah says:
What about for the first 2 tasks?
Mercedes says:
Do you mean, do I think Tyjet was at fault?
I think we can all agree that the teams were unbalanced in the first two tasks.
Aliyah says:
Do you think Tyjet had the capability to pull the team together, (like how you did with Gav)
Mercedes says:
IMO there's a fine line between pulling the team together and taking over as PM, and I think he was trying to avoid crossing that.
I am not sure that his idea for the first task was the best in the world, but I don't think they came up with any others?
Aliyah says:
Tyjet has already been accused of being a bit of a control freak though, would you agree with that? (based on BR stuff)
He was already accused of trying to "take over" during the BR discussions
Mercedes says:
Well - I think he was facing a very difficult situation, and he recognised that the team needed a strong leader (which maybe Luke didn't provide?)
I also think that sometimes it's necessary to take over to an extent.
For example, if I hadn't overriden Poth's decision to stop looking in Task 4, we would have lost by a far greater amount.
Aliyah says:
Ok. So you think Gav is almost a cert for final 2, do you think Gav has had an easy ride?
Mercedes says:
In terms of team members, I would say that he's been lucky throughout most of the game.
However, I think he's very much stepped to the forefront throughout, whether PMing or not.
Aliyah says:
Is Gav a hard worker?
Or has he taken a backseat, during any points?
Mercedes says:
He was a fantastic PM in the second task, and he really stepped up in Task 3 (he worked very hard on Florrie's marketing campaign).
During the tasks I've worked with him, he hasn't taken a backseat at all.
Aliyah says:
He's a little more quiet than the other candidates?
Mercedes says:
I believe that he was also the one who found the cheap Jagermeister and Bon Iver tickets, which won his team the task, so I don't think he was slacking at all there.
I think he is less confrontational than the others.
IMO he has a great deal of (deserved) self-belief.
Aliyah says:
Do you think being less confrontational is a good quality to have in business?
Mercedes says:
He's also had the disadvantage of never being in the BR properly, so he hasn't been able to speak up for himself in the same way.
Aliyah says:
Are there other candidates who are more confrontational?
Mercedes says:
Yes, I would say that it's a positive quality.
Gav has gained the respect of all the other candidates throughout this process.
I think probably all of us are slightly more confrontational than he is, yes.
Aliyah says:
Is it always a positive quality?
Mercedes says:
I should have qualified that, sorry.
In the way that Gav uses it, it's a positive quality.
He's straightforward and sensible, and he doesn't shy away from giving his point of view, but he doesn't do it in an overly-forceful way.
I think it COULD have worked against him if he'd had different team members (for example, if he'd been in Tyjet's place in the first task).
Aliyah says:
Do you think being less confrontational equates to lack of passion, perhaps?
Mercedes says:
No, I wouldn't say that; I think Gav's been dedicated to this game throughout.
Aliyah says:
Yes, if Gav had to work with a lot more confrontational team members, than would he not be eaten alive, with his approach?
Mercedes says:
I think that's a possibility, but then I also think it's a possibility that he could change his approach for dealing with different people.
Aliyah says:
Though you never faced the final boardroom, some could see that as a disadvantage as a couple of the others have really had to fight to stay here whereas you were never in as much danger, do you think it could hurt you to not have had as much boardroom time as some of the others?
Mercedes says:
I think I was at more of a disadvantage before I'd faced the initial BR in Task 4, and as I've said, I think Gav is perhaps disadvantaged by never having faced the BR at all.
I think it works in my favour to have had the chance to put my opinions across in the Task 4 BR, without having been seen as a negative contributor to the task by anybody.
Aliyah says:
Would you say that having never faced the boardroom almost displays a robotic quality to both Gav and yourself, as no sense of vulnerability has been exposed, as of yet?
Mercedes says:
People could choose to see it that way, but no - I don't think either of us could be described as 'robotic'.
Neither Gav nor I would have got nearly this far if we hadn't displayed passion throughout.
Aliyah says:
Would you consider yourself to be almost "too perfect"?
Mercedes says:
In fact, I would say that it was passion and resourcefulness, rather than a robotic tendency to always follow orders, that kept me out of the BR in Task 4.
Honestly, I think that's a bit of a non-insult.
Aliyah says:
Go on
Mercedes says:
I've succeeded throughout this process because of my strengths and passion, and if anybody chose to discount that on the basis that I'm 'too perfect', that wouldn't really be assessing me as a candidate.
I should add that I don't think I'm perfect in any sense of the word.
Aliyah says:
in what way?
Mercedes says:
What do you mean?
Aliyah says:
in what sense would you not consider yourself to be perfect?
Mercedes says:
Oh, okay.
I think I've made mistakes throughout this process, and that it's been very much a learning process for me.
For example, I pushed hard for a slogan in Task 2 that could, in retrospect, have damaged us badly.
I also think I underestimated the other team in Task 4, as I was quite confident that my team would win.
Aliyah says:
Very well.
In comparision with each member of the final four, can you give me an example or reason why you are stronger than each one of them?
Mercedes says:
Okay, sure.
I think, from what I've seen, I'm a more creative thinker than Tyjet.
(this is going on the games we came up with in Task 1, in which I think mine had the edge.)
Aliyah says:
Ok go on
Mercedes says:
I think I'm maybe more focused than Carlisle - for example, in Task 3, I focused intently on the brief & what was required of my team, whereas I don't think he quite did that.
And I think I'm stronger than Gav in that I've demonstrated that I can switch between being confrontational and non-confrontational as the situation requires it.
(as I've said, he might well do that too, but I don't think we've seen it in action.)
Aliyah says:
Very well. Thank you for your time Ana.
Mercedes says:
Thank you, Aliyah.

Aliyah says:
Hello, please take a seat.
So, it's the final 4, how does it feel to have made it so far?
David (: says:
It feels wonderful, I'm proud of my progress
Aliyah says:
Proud of your progress? You didnt expect it?
David (: says:
I did, yes. I'm still proud though, it's an acheivement
Aliyah says:
It’s the final four, and you know Lord Sugar will have to make a decision on who the final two should be, in your opinion, who should be the final two?
David (: says:
Myself and Beth or Gav
Aliyah says:
Who out of Beth or Gav?
David (: says:
I don't really think I can make a fair judgement on Beth since she's the only person I haven't worked with, but from what I've heard, she's very capable
Aliyah says:
So, you dont think Carlisle is worthy of a top 2 place, why?
David (: says:
Overall I think Gav is a better candidate and I imagine Beth is too
Aliyah says:
Gav is a better candidate compared to Carlisle, would you like to expand on that? What does Carlisle lack in?
David (: says:
Well, on the treasure hunt task (for want of a better name), Gav definitely performed much, much better than Carlisle. On the following task, the pub one, Gav again performed very well. In comparing Gav's performance on that task to Carlisle's performance on task three (as the tasks were quite similar), Gav definitely has the edge. He understood the task, realised that we needed a clear target market that would be feasible for a pub and, although neither of us agreed on the theme/target audience Seth decided on, he did his best in making sure the entertainment plan was designed solely with our target market in mind. However, in task 3, Carlisle did not do this with our diary, and that's what essentially lost us the task as everything and anything was included.
Aliyah says:
So out of the 4 remaining candidates, you think Carlisle is the weakest?
David (: says:
I do, yes
Aliyah says:
On paper, you have 4 losses out of 5, statistically, you are the weakest candidate, what makes you a better candidate than, Carlisle, for example?
David (: says:
None of those losses were down to myself though. Three of them were down to pretty poor management - Luke, doing nothing & managing us poorly in task 1, Louise's internet cutting out in task 2 and Seth forcing an idea Gav and I didn't like on us then ditching. On the first two tasks (and on task 5 with Gav), I had to take it upon myself to make sure that we at least had something respectable out. No, we didn't win, but on both tasks it was essentially a team of 1 vs a team of 5. I know that while the end products weren't anywhere near as good as the other team's, they weren't actually bad. I've said already that the loss of task 3 was down solely to the mistake our PM made, an issue I actually did raise at some point during the task. What makes me a better candidate is that a) I actually understood the task and b) I actually did something to salvage the task while the rest of the team sat and watched everything fall apart.
Aliyah says:
So in regards to the first few tasks...would you consider yourself to be "unlucky"?
David (: says:
Yes, definitely. The teams were very unbalanced in the first few tasks with the three weakest candidates on one team
Aliyah says:
During task 3, Ana had lost 2 of her team members, but still managed to win the task, surely you still had the capability of holding the team together during the first few tasks?
David (: says:
Definitely, but on task 1, Luke was still there. He hadn't disappeared and we were all still following his direction. I didn't actually step in until he wasn't actually around at the time. As for task 2, well, we didn't know what was happening with Louise. She hadn't told us she wasn't going to be around, so for all we knew, she was just about to come online
Aliyah says:
So you were unsure of what was happening in those tasks 1, although a few of the candidates had accused you of being a bit of a bull dozer character i.e. forcing your ideas onto them, is that a fair comment to make?
David (: says:
Not at all. On task one, the game idea was mine, but it wasn't me who pushed it onto them, it was Luke. And in task 2, I did suggest Derby, but again, it wasn't me who pushed it, it was Louise (and iirc, she didn't actually have to push it as everyone agreed it would be good)
Aliyah says:
So why would the candidates continuously accuse you to be a bit of a "control freak"?
David (: says:
Probably because I'm the only one who actually did anything when things were going south. The rest of them just sat and watched it happen
Aliyah says:
Very well. Onto task 4 now, how do you think Carlisle and Gav percieved you as PM?
David (: says:
I never did get any feedback from Carlisle on that, but I think he'd say I was good. Afterall, we did win the task and the majority of the items were found by myself. Gav did say I was a very good motivator and wasn't afraid to actually do some work myself
Aliyah says:
What if I was to tell you that the same accusations of you being a "control freak" and "not a teamplayer" were brought to the table, how would you respond to that?
David (: says:
It would depend on the task, really. On the basis of task 1 and 2, I can see why someone would think of me like that because I did what I had to do to (try and) win us the task. On the basis of any other task, I'd be very confused
Aliyah says:
That question was in regards to task 4
David (: says:
Well, I'd be very confused. I don't think I was in any way a control freak or not a team player
Aliyah says:
Do you think your team mates were happy that you found most of the items? That on paper, you took most of the credit for the task? It seems as though Carlisle spent a good few hours looking for the tv, but you ended up finding the cheapest option, do you think there was a lack of strategy for that task?
David (: says:
I think they were happy. If I hadn't found most of the items, then who's to say that they would have found them that cheap? We very well may have lost. I don't think there was a lack of strategy either. We'd decided early on that everyone would find every item and we'd go with the cheapest and look for items we weren't happy with even cheaper. I did, at a later stage as Gav to focus on a few items and carlisle to also focus on a few items because we were happy with the rest of our items.
ask*
Aliyah says:
Very well. Who do you think has given 100% to every task, and who hasn’t?
David (: says:
Gav has. I can't judge Beth because I haven't worked with her
Aliyah says:
Who hasnt?
David (: says:
I don't think anybody hasn't really
Aliyah says:
Would you say any of the candidates have taken a backseat at any point?
David (: says:
Nope, I wouldn't
Aliyah says:
Do you think Gav/Ana have had an easy ride?
David (: says:
I think the three of them have, since they've all been on the winning team 4 times out of 5
Aliyah says:
Would you be able to draw on the negatives from that?
David (: says:
Yes. Winning as much as they have has meant that, since they've had very few boardrooms, they haven't had the chance to really show the public what they're made of, and have kind of faded into the background throughout the process
Aliyah says:
So do you think you've placed the same amount of hard work, if not more into this process, compared to the other three?
David (: says:
I would say so, yes
Aliyah says:
How so?
And because Ana/Gav have never been taken back to the boardroom, do you feel as though theyve never had to fight for their position, they havent really displayed the want and passion?
David (: says:
Yes, I would say that
As for your other question, I haven't taken a back seat on any of the tasks and can safely say that a large chunk of the positive contributions on each of the tasks is down to myself
Aliyah says:
Do you feel Gav lacks passion for this process and has not displayed any vulnerability as of yet?
David (: says:
I wouldn't say he lacks passion. No, he hasn't yet displayed any vulnerability, but on the treasure hunt task, he was quite determined to get the Bon Iver tickets at cheaper than £60
Aliyah says:
Do you fear going up against any of the other three in the final tasks, or do you think you are capable of easily beating any of them?
David (: says:
I don't fear going up against them, no. I think I'm perfectly capable of beating them
Aliyah says:
You are perfectly capable, but that capability was not used to it's fullest amount during the 4 tasks...?
David (: says:
I don't see how it wasn't used during the last 4 tasks
Aliyah says:
Do you think you’ve maintained a good rapport with the other candidates?
David (: says:
I have done, yes. I've not had any fights or arguements with any of them throughout the process
Aliyah says:
It seems as though youre a little blind/unaware of what some of the other contestants genuinely feel about you, are you unaware of your own mistakes/flaws, or do you believe they're judgements are flawed?
David (: says:
If I'm unaware of how the other contestants really feel about me, then that's down to their own two-facedness more than anything else. I'm not unaware of any flaws I may have, I never claimed to be perfect and I actually said to Peter that I'm quite the opposite
Aliyah says:
So you feel the other candidates should voice their concerns with you in front of you?
And what would you say your flaws are?
David (: says:
Yes. Bitching about me behind my back is not going to help anyone
Aliyah says:
Which candidate did you have the most difficulty with? And do you think you were able to overcome that?
David (: says:
Like everyone else, I have many flaws. I'd say that I am quite opinionated, probably quite loud too. However if an idea I come up with is not well received, I won't try and push it, I'd just let it go and move on
The candidate I had most difficulty working with was definitely Luke. I overcame it by simply not letting myself get frustrated with him
Aliyah says:
Another candidate tells me that you pushed the Paris Hilton idea, which clearly did not win over the public, so who was out of touch with the public, here?
David (: says:
I didn't push that idea at all
I've already said that, yes, the idea was mine, but the person who chose to go with it and "pushed" the idea was Luke, not myself
Aliyah says:
Ah ok.

Obviously you are all good friends, but would you turn on any of the final four in order to make sure you get ahead of them in the boardroom?
David (: says:
I think anyone who doesn't do that is just showing that they don't really want it
Aliyah says:
Turn on them, as in list their flaws in the task that was not mentioned during the actual task, in other words "two-facedness" something you earlier stated, you were against?
David (: says:
That wouldn't be two-faced at all. It's the boardroom and you have to fight for your place. I wouldn't say anything in the boardroom that I wouldn't tell the contestant themselves if pressed. I haven't lied to any of them
Aliyah says:
That is two-facedness, to an extent, especially if another candidate was to "fight for their place" by turning on you and stating your flaws which was not previously mentioned to you before, but it would still be okay considering they are "fighting for their place"?
David (: says:
The big difference is that I haven't bitched about them behind their back's however, obviously they have been
Aliyah says:
In comparision with each member of the final four, can you give me an example or reason why you are stronger than each one of them?
David (: says:
Carlisle - I'm far more determined than he is, as shown by the treasure hunt task.
Gav - I'd say I'm more ballsy than he is and more willing to take a risk.
Beth - I haven't worked with her, so it's hard to say. However, I'd say she's the candidate that's "too perfect" whereas I'm perfectly flawed
Aliyah says:
Thank you very much.
You may leave the room.
David (: says:
Thanks very much

Aliyah says:
Hello Carlisle
Welcome to the final 4, how does it feel?
David says:
Hello, aliyah!
It feels great, actually? I came in to the competition quite optimistic, as in I really wasn't sure how well I would do so I am ecstatic to be only one step away from the final 2!
Aliyah says:
You came into the competition optimistic but werent sure on how you would do? So there was a level of self-doubt there?
David says:
Well - I wouldn't say self doubt?
I'd say it was more entering the unknown.
I had NO idea what sort of tasks would be implemented, who would be my competition.
That sort of thing.
Aliyah says:
Do you feel lucky to have made it this far?
David says:
To an extent, I would say luck has been on my side. Obviously having gotten put on Team Footprints at the start...
HOWEVER
I feel as if it was more than just luck that has gotten me this far. I have shown an array of skills which have obviously helped a load throughout the tasks.
I fully deserve to be here, in my opinion.
Aliyah says:
Ah ok, so you feel luck has been on your side, but time and time again, Lord sugar has stated that Tyjet has been "unlucky", would you agree?
David says:
I disagree, actually.
I do think that Tyjet has been an able candidate, however other than perhaps in the first task, he hasn't been that unlucky.
Anactoria showed in task 4 that
even though her team lost, one person CAN indeed carry the whole team through. If he was fantastic at the tasks, regardless of how unlucky his team placement was, he would still excel.
Aliyah says:
You've worked with Tyjet a few times, why do you think there is a level of disconnect there?
David says:
Oooh, thats a tricky one.
I think he knows it himself, but he is a bit of a bulldozer figure - in my opinion.
I mean that as in
When he thinks of an idea, I feel as if he really pushes it and practically won't let anybody else get a say-in edgewise. At least, from what i've seen that has had an element in it.
Aliyah says:
Bulldozer figure, as in....a Jim-like character?
David says:
For example task 4, when he saw craigslist he literally spent the ENTIRE day looking for items on craigslist and it made our effort seem a lot less than it actually was. Although, I don't know if thats the perfect example. From what i've been told, Louise had a perfect idea in task 1 - a murder mystery style game, however he bulldozed it out of the way with his
Paris Hiltons BFF concept, which in my opinion, wasn't that great.
I would say that Tyjet definitely has similar traits to Jim - although I do think he is more tactile and less... offensive.
Aliyah says:
Task 4 - the task where he was PM? How did you feel about that task?
How did you feel about Tyjet in that task*
David says:
I was actually quite annoyed, however I'm unsure of whether it is valid.
Aliyah says:
Annoyed at what?
David says:
Gav & I put in a lot of effort in the task, looking through sites for items
But when we got back the next day, he had literally found EVERYTHING for much cheaper
which, although was good because we won
Aliyah says:
yes..?
Aliyah says:
Ok, from what I remember, Tyjet decided to agree to your plan which was for you to not delegate the items but for each of you to find each item, it appears that you're not happy he found most of the items and took most of the credit, how does that equate to you being a team player? or do you feel tyjet was not a team player?

David
Although he could be congratulated for diving head first in, I just feel it was slightly reckless. If I hadn't suggested that strategy and had simply waited around for direction, I feel as if I would've been waiting for a VERY long time - if not until the end of the task.

Also, I don't think it's fair to suggest I am not being a team player.
I actually feel as if I am more of a team player than Tyjet. I don't mean to sound arrogant, but I have continuously proven myself & have NEVER taken credit for something I haven't done. Anybody who has been on a team with me will acknowledge my maximum participation & the effort & work ethic I put in to everything I do.
Aliyah says:
You seem a little jealous that Tyjet found most of the items, seeing as though you were looking for the tv for a couple of hours and he came back the next day with a very cheap tv?
David says:
Haha, sorry, but I strongly disagree! I'm not jealous at all...
I may have given out the wrong impression? It just felt as if he was trying to do anything he could to get a one-up on us.
Aliyah says:
Why did you not vent out your frustration in the conversation, so he couldve perhaps changed strategy?
David says:
I'm thankful he did, because we won.
David says:
That would have been awful for team morale. There is nothing worse in a business than an internal argument and I feel as if this would have been very destructive for our team.
Plus
Half of the point I am arguing is that he didn't have a strategy! I was the one who came up with the stratedy and unfortunately it was the only one the team offered.
Aliyah says:
But if you had lost, you wouldve turned on him in the Boardroom, yes?
David says:
I would not have 'turned' on him.
But I would have expressed my confusion & question his PM skills.
Aliyah says:
It seems as though you are holding all of this untill Boardroom and playing the "they shouldve listened to me" card?
David says:
That is totally untrue!
I don't understand your point - sorry.
In context, there is no reason I would've pulled the 'they shouldve listened to me' card.

Aliyah says:
It seems as though, you're not very vocal about these issues during the tasks but keep it to yourself as a way of defending yourself in the boardroom if you were to ever be called back to the boardroom, surely if there was a problem, you would voice your opinion and sort it out amongst your team members?
David says:
If i'm going to be honest, I am more than vocal! I questioned Luke's agenda in the task I 'turned' on him. The entire team agreed that he was just not up to the standards and that is why I pinned the blame on him - because I feel as if it was his fault.
(shhh.)
I have no regrets and I feel as if I handled the situation very professionally.
Aliyah says:
Very well. So It’s the final four, and you know Lord Sugar will have to make a decision on who the final two should be, in your opinion, who should be the final two?
David says:
Although Gav picked up some sort of Helen reputation, with the neverending wins. I feel as if the top 3 should be Anactoria and myself. I feel as if we are the two strongest candidates and have continuously proven our strength throughout the process.
That being said, Gav is obviously really strong - too.
Aliyah says:
So you believe the weakest of the 4 is Tyjet, i take it? Also - why Anactoria over Gav?
David says:
I think 4 losses out of 5 speaks for itself...
And, I consider Anactoria a stronger contender over Gav because although I feel Gav was the strongest PM I have worked under, Anactoria has been more of a continous spark. She has done more than enough to prove herself worthy of a final 2 position.
Aliyah says:
And why do you feel you are stronger than Gav?
Also. Gav has been the strongest PM but he hasnt done enough to make it to top 2, could you give me an example of why?
David says:
Although I have already explained that I feel Gav has been a splendid PM and has been a strong candidate. I have committed more than Gav & have shown more skill and initiative in EVERY task, whereas Gav is more... off-and-on.
Aliyah says:
Could you expand on that? re off and on
David says:
He's like a lightswitch. One task he's really on the ball, however another task I feel as if he was slacking. However, I still believe he has been a very strong candidate and is a worthy finalist.
To expand on it:
Task 1 - Gav was ~okay~. I wouldn't say he was great, but he made an impression!
Task 2 - He was fantastic and really cememted himself as a strong person
Task 3 - I wasn't with, but I hear from that the task on their behalf, despite the win, was't that fantastic? I don't know all the details though.
Task 4 - He definitely took a backseat in my opinion. I can only remember him getting a good deal on the rolex, which was then beaten, 80 pound in fact, by Tyjet.
David says:
Task 5 - I wasn't with, again, so I have no idea.
Aliyah says:
So would you say Gav being a "hardworker" is a little exaggerated?
David says:
I do believe that when Gav is on the ball he is potentially THE strongest candidate. However, I feel as if the fact he has taken a backseat in the occasional task decreases the accolade and premise of his achievements.
That being said, I stand by Gav as an exceptional character & one well worthy of a final place.
Aliyah says:
I followed your team during task 4, and although Gav was a little quiet during the conversations, it seems as though he was working hard in finding those items, whereas you were the more "loud" member during the conversations, so I wonder, do you think being vocal all the time equates to hard work?

David says:
Okay. I do think I am quite vocal in my approach, however that is most certainly not a negative. I spent just as much, if not more, time searching through very extensive websites
looking for great deals. I found several items which were included in the final hand-in, for example the budget kilt.
Aliyah says:
yes but you only brought back faulty items, and threw a hissy fit when they were not allowed, whereas Gav seemed to bring back items which fitted the brief?
David says:
I also feel as if being talkative & social is not actually that bad of a thing. In business, hard work & social interaction are both important.
Aliyah says:
so you think Gavs more silent approach really is not business-like?
David says:
Without the social aspect, you don't make friends, although this is business not 'paris hiltons bff', if you have a good relationship with your fellow teammates, the more successful you will be.
I think that it's incredibly unfair to suggest I had a 'hissyfit'.
David says:
As far as I remember, the only time I was genuinely frustrated with an item was when the TV with a 'barely visible' scratch was written off.
It was CLEARLY in working order & was practically brand new. The only fault in it was a scratch which is only visible when the TV was turned off.
Aliyah says:
Also - re gav not being up to it during task 3, where did you hear that from?
David says:
I was informed by an insider on the team.
Aliyah says:
Who was that insider?
David says:
I read it in the boardroom.
Anactoria stated that she had done most of the work.
wrong week
:C

Aliyah says:
So you drew from that?
David says:
Both from what I saw in the boardroom & in task 5, it became evident that Anactoria had in fact been the standout strength in that team, one of two weeks in which this was the case.
Aliyah says:
Carlisle, someone told you that gav was a weak-link in a task
and you said task 3?
and now it's task 5?
David says:
What?
It's task 3!
Aliyah says:
So musician task?
David says:
I've already said I have no idea what happened on task 5
Yes, the musician task
Seth was MIA
Aliyah says:
and you said Ana told you that gav was weak in that task?
David says:
I'm sorry, but you are twisting my words.
David says:
She said that SHE was the standout.
In the boardroom
Aliyah says:
Ah, and from that, you drew from it that gav did not work as hard?
David says:
she explained how she had been forced to do practically the entire task herself with a little bit of Gav's insight.

Aliyah says:
I followed gav/ana during that task and they both worked super hard, so someone is telling porkie pies or misunderstanding it completely.
David says:
Then I must be d, sorry.
David says:
I have mistaken Gav's input in task 3 for task 4, and I am sorry for that!
It was entirely accidental.
Aliyah says:
Ok sure.
Aliyah says:
Do you fear going up against any of the other three in the final tasks, or do you think you are capable of easily beating any of them?
David says:
As Sir Alan Sugar said in the first episode, "If you think anybody else is stronger than you, there is no point being here."
Aliyah says:
So you dont fear any of them when going up against them?

I don't fear them, at all.
I've had pre-result jitters before
David says:
I think it's only natural to be nervous before the results were aired, especially in task 4 & task 5 which were vital in my recovery after PM loss.
Aliyah says:
So
at this moment of time
you dont fear any of the other candidates?
David says:
I have never been afraid on anybody else in this competition. If I don't think I could beat any of the others, I wouldn't be here right now.
I am strong enough, and have proven I am, to still be here & I am strong enough to continue and go on to, hopefully, win.
Aliyah says:
But you have been beaten, and as project manager too, and after being beaten, you still dont fear anyone?
David says:
Everybody else in this competition has at least one loss.
Aliyah says:
but you lost as PM...
David says:
I think that is INCREDIBLY unfair.
I'm sorry
Aliyah says:
thats huge responsibility...
David says:
but EVERYBODY agreed that I was a fantastic PM
and it was a very close loss and we were literally pipped at the post.
We definitely split-opinion
and it was made pretty clear in the boardroom I was not to blame and had done everything I possibly could have done, as PM, to excel in that task.
Aliyah says:
Do you think others still hold the opinion that you were a fantastic PM?
David says:
I don't mean to sound rude, but I can quote Rory when he said that I was a good PM, even after our loss had been announced.
Aliyah says:
For the both tasks you were PM...
David says:
I do think the others still hold that opinion.
David says:
In the second task I won, it was made apparent that we won by a great number.
I won that task, with the help of my team member.
Aliyah says:
Do you think the actual process during that task ran smoothly, do you think anactoria was happy with you being PM?
David says:
I admitted myself in the boardroom that I was distracted on the Friday night.
I think having my cat have kittens is a pretty damn good reason to be distracted
David says:
Other than that, I made sure I delegated and yes, I do think she thinks I was a good PM.
Obviously, you may know something I don't.
I am the first to put my hands up when I am to blame, and that is exactly what I did.
It was silly of me to be so distracted by the ADORABLE little kittens rather than delegate properly on the friday night. However we worked our backsides off on the Saturday and it all came together
Aliyah says:
You made sure you delegated? From what I remember, Anactoria was waiting 45 minutes for you to give her something to do, during the second day, and you literally did everything on the Saturday
David says:
I can't apologise for having a heart.
I just admitted that I made a mistake by being distracted by the CUTEST kittens you will EVER see in your life
But before we went to bed on the friday night, I made sure we BOTH knew exactly what we were to do
and we finished with plenty of time
and had time to edit & perfect our work, which certainly paid off.
Aliyah says:
But you couldve mentioned it in the conversation before leaving Anactoria waiting for about an hour?
and from what we saw the following day, Ana wasnt happy, was she?
David says:
I saw nothing from Anactoria other than hard work. She was brilliant and put up with me coo'ing over the kittens
If what you are saying is correct
and she wasn't happy on the final day of the task
then I have to remind you of your accusation of me, earlier
pulling the 'You should've listened to me' card
and bringing something like that up to 'turn against me' in the Boardroom.
She said nothing of the sort to my face.
Aliyah says:
So she did not stress at any point that she was unhappy with you as PM?
David says:
She did seem slightly aggravated on the Friday night
however by the end of the night, we were sorted and ready to go
and she made no concerns about how unhappy she was and I am horrified that she feels that way!
Aliyah says:
Very well.
Do you think you’ve maintained a good rapport with the other candidates?
David says:
Based on the apprentice, and only the apprentice not other forum stuff, I have maintained a very professional but sociable relationship with the other candidates.
I have made plenty of friends I have not previously spoken to through this process. Most notably Gav & Mary.
Perhaps they don't feel the same way towards me, and I must admit I would be hurt if I felt they did not feel as if I was either a horrible person or an unworthy candidate.
But I feel as if we have all worked brilliantly together and very much deserve to be the top 4.
I have maintained a strong relationship with the others and although I knew Tyjet & Anactoria prior to this, I kept everything professional and did not let my previous friendships get in the way of anything...
Aliyah:
What do you possess that each of the other candidates do not?
Aliyah (in particularly, anactoria)
David
As the youngest candidate, I have flare.
David
Solutions that really drive companies come from younger people. Bill Gates, Steve Jobs—when they created their vision, they were really young. I strive to be as successful at them
Aliyah says:
are you pasting your cv?
David says...:
It was in my introduction...
Aliyah:
In particular..Anactoria?
David:
I love Beth, I think she is 'perfect'
David
but very much a Kate or a Helen figure
David
who in my eyes can't win.
Aliyah
Do you need perfection equates to lack of passion, perhaps?
David
Oh no, I think she's passionate
David
It's a tricky one, actually.
David
Anactoria is a very strong candidate and I am intrigued to be up against her
David
however, I am a perfectionist. I would go as far as to say I am the definition of brilliance in the new generation.
David
I have ~it~.
Aliyah
So you strive to be perfect? but you just said "perfection" = cant win?
David
Using the real life Apprentices as case studies, the one who on the outside is quite robotic & 'perfect'
David
won't win.
David
I am far from robotic, as you said yourself.
Aliyah
but you're still a perfectionist?
David
I'm a sociable, intelligent character who is able to push boundaries without stepping over the line & stumbling in to arrogance.
David
Yes, I am very much a perfectionist.
David
However, I have my flaws.
Aliyah
a non-robotic perectionist?
David
I'm NOT perfect
Aliyah
perfectionist*
David
I strive to be it
David
and that is why in the future, I aim to be perfect
Aliyah
so you strive to be perfect, but you still admit to your flaws?
Aliyah
hm ok
David
Of course, every person has flaws
David
Except, in this process, Anactoria... hasn't really shown them
David
which is why it makes me feel she is very much a Kate Walsh figure
Aliyah
You think she's "too" perfect for business?
David
and not in the sense that she'll be hosting washed up celebrity gossip TV daily on channel five.
David
Yes - too perfect.
Aliyah
David Ok.

(The interview is so long I've had to put it into two) )

Aliyah
A couple of your other candidates have never had to face the final boardroom, whereas you have, do you think you that puts you at a disadvantage going up against others who were never in the firing line?
David
Definitely not.
David
Gav escaped the 'firing line' based on a technicality
David
although I do feel it's inevitable that Seth would go, regardless.
David
So, without the technicality, it would only be Anactoria who escaped the firing line at all
David
And I actually see that as a disadvantage
David
She hasn't had the oppurtunity to properly defend herself and show everybody she means business
David
which is what I definitely did in my time in the boardroom...
Aliyah
Ok, very well.
Aliyah
Thank you Carlisle
Aliyah
You may leave the room.
David
Thank you, aliyah.

Aliyah says:
Hello Gav, please take a seat
So, you're in the final 4, how does it feel?
gav says:
Hello, thank you. It feels amazing to have made the final 4
Aliyah says:
Thats great, It’s the final four, and you know Lord Sugar will have to make a decision on who the final two should be, in your opinion, who should be the final two?
gav says:
I would definitely say myself, I think I've worked incredibly hard and have a strong track record in the competition. The other one is difficult, I don't really think it's for me to decide as the other three are all credible, competent candidates, but if I had to say a name it would be Beth.
Aliyah says:
So Beth definately possesses something that both Tyjet and Carlisle do not, what do the latter lack in?
gav says:
I don't think either of them are lacking, both are extremely competent with definite strengths.
Aliyah says:
but who would you say is the weakest of the four?
gav says:
I don't really think its my place to decide that, it's more for Lord Sugar to say.
Aliyah says:
but you've worked with them for five tasks, so i think you have the ability to have an opinion on who you personally think is the weakest of the four?
You've said that both yourself and Beth should be top 2, indicating that the other two are lacking in something, so you have already indirectly given your opinion on that matter, surely you can answer this question?
gav says:
I've enjoyed working with all three of the candidates, and I definitely feel we're the strongest four, by far. I wouldn't say that any of the candidates I've worked alongside have made any major mistakes, which is why I'm struggling to name one as the weakest. The reason I selected Beth as the strongest of the three is because of the music task
I think we worked incredibly well together on that task and I was really pleased with the output, beth made some fantastic decisions and showed a lot of instinct and skill.
Aliyah says:
You and Tyjet were also left without a PM on task 5, how does that compare to task 3 i.e. how does working with Ana compare to Tyjet, seeing as though you lost task 5?
gav says:
Working with Tyjet was great, the reason I think we lost the task was because of Seth's decisions. We also spent too long thinking Seth would come back, which is why a lot of our work had to be done later on, which also contributed to why we lost the task. Ideas wise, it was great working Tyjet, and he worked hard and came up with some good work.
Aliyah says:
Some people have called Tyjet unlucky to have lost 4/5 tasks, do you think he was unlucky or that he's simply using that as an excuse?
gav says:
I think he's been unlucky with the teams he's been on, but I think in every circumstance the right team won.
Aliyah says:
So he has been unlucky, but we have seen various times how even with absent team members - the team can still win the task, do you think Tyjet had the capability of holding the team together but failed to do so?
gav says:
I think although he's incredibly talented, i'm not sure he rallies a team around him in the same way other people do.
Aliyah says:
So he is not a team player, could you expand on this?
gav says:
no, he is a team player
I just think he's not as good at motivating others
Aliyah says:
but he doesnt rally the team around him? so surely his "team playing" qualities arent very useful there?
gav says:
I'm not suggesting he's out for himself at all, from my experience he always does his fair share of the work, and he's been a key part in every team he's been in so far. I just think that when the odds are against a team, he doesn't really encourage or motivate a team to do any better.
Aliyah says:
So he's quite individualistic?
Can you give me an example of when you've experienced this with Tyjet
gav says:
of course. On task 5, we wasted too much time waiting for Seth to get back, and I felt he was happy to wait. I think in reality we should have accepted Seth wasn't coming back earlier, and I think although I'm partly to blame, Tyjet should also have been more motivated to reignite the team.
I feel like he sort of just accepted that we were going to lose the task.
Aliyah says:
Do you think this was the same kind of attitude he had in tasks 1 and 2 as well?
gav says:
I wasn't on his team, and I don't really know what was going on, so I don't think I can give an answer
Aliyah says:
Very well. How was it like working with Carlisle?
gav says:
I really enjoyed it, he was very creative and contributed to everything really well.
Aliyah says:
Do you think both you and Carlisle are almost opposite figures in your approach? i.e. he's a lot more loud/animated?
gav says:
I don't really understand where the idea that I'm quiet comes from, because I'm really not.
Aliyah says:
It seems as though, a lot of your other candidates percieve you to be a more silent figure, is that a fair judgement to make?
gav says:
No, not at all, I don't think I'm silent or quiet. Obviously I'm not the loudest candidate, but I don't think I've said any less than anyone else
Aliyah says:
Do you think being quiet is a bad quality to have in busness?
gav says:
I wouldn't say its a bad quality, but I don't think it's one I possess. I don't just talk for the sake of talking and ramble on about things noone is interested in, but at the same time I'm not silent, and I think I've spoke quite a bit.
Aliyah says:
Do you think you're just not as confrontational as the others?
gav says:
I hate arguments, and I think I go out of my way to avoid them, but then I haven't noticed any of the remaining candidates getting invovled in arguments either.
Aliyah says:
They do get involved in arguments in the BR, do you thnk being confrontational is a lot more business-like than being non-confrontational?
gav says:
I think it's quite unprofessional to get involved in arguments
Aliyah says:
So you think business equates to happy families?
gav says:
I think a happy team is more productive than an argumentative team. Obviously when you're passionate and believe in something strongly things get said in the heat of the moment, but I always make an effort to find a nice or positive way to voice any frustrations
Aliyah says:
Surely a difference of opinion is needed for progress?
gav says:
Of course, some debate is healthy. I think there are just nice ways of voicing concerns that wont lead to arguments.
It's more a case of choosing words wisely.
Aliyah says:
Ah very well, you said that arguments are unprofessional, so would you call both Tyjet and Carlisle unprofessional as they've had a few arguments in the BR?
gav says:
I think the BR is a completely different situation, and I'm lucky enough never to have been in there. In that situation you kind of have to fight to stay in the competition, so that's different. What I do think is unprofessional is the arguing in the threads, or people carrying things on past the boardroom.
Aliyah says:
So though you never faced the final boardroom, some could see that as a disadvantage as a couple of the others have really had to fight to stay here whereas you were never in as much danger, do you think it could hurt you to not have had as much boardroom time as some of the others?
gav says:
I don't really think I should be punished for working hard and being competent.
I think I've focused my energies on actually winning the tasks, rather than on fighting not to be fired in the boardroom
Aliyah says:
Ah, but does that put you in a disadvantage a little as the other candidates have displayed their passion in front of Lord Sugar, whereas you've also been described as the "Helen" and Helen has been critisized for being a bit too competant and not displaying any vulnerabilities, almost too robotic?
Lord Sugar has not seen the fire in your belly, as of yet, or have you displayed that?
gav says:
I'm not robotic at all, I think anyone who's worked alongside me will testify that I have a sense of humour and I'm not just bland and boring. I think I've shown the fire in my belly on the tasks - I focus on winning them and put as much effort as possible into that. I think winning 4 out of 5 tasks shows just how fired up I am about winning.
Aliyah says:
What if I was to tell you that your other candidates may disagree with what you have just said? and say that you've had an easy ride?
gav says:
They're entitled to hold whatever opinion they want, but that's completely wrong.
Aliyah says:
But why would they form that opinion in the first place?
gav says:
I have no idea why they would say that.
Aliyah says:
Ok. moving on.
Which candidate did you have the most difficulty with? Do you think you were able to overcome that?
gav says:
I don't really think I had any issues with anyone. The only issue I had was Seth disappearing on the last task, but I think we worked hard to overcome that, and I don't think its fair to blame him when obviously IRL issues got in the way of things.
Aliyah says:
Ah and would you turn on any of the final four in order to make sure you get ahead of them in the boardroom?
gav says:
I don't really think I need to.
I think all the candidates have a mutual respect for eachother, and I would be disappointed if anyone felt the need to slate others to get ahead.
I want to get into the final based on how good I am rather than by focusing on the weaknesses of others.
Aliyah says:
Is the BR not the place to fight for your place so would it not be nessesary to turn on the others?
gav says:
If I had a genuine issue with someone else's performance on the task I would say so, but I'm a big believer in honesty and I wouldn't exaggerate any issues. Of course I would fight for my place, as I reeeally do want to win this competition, but I'd prefer to focus on myself rather than on what everyone else is doing, unless I thought they'd done something wrong.
Aliyah says:
What if they turned on you? Would you sit there still telling Lord Sugar about how great you are not react back to them - and turn on them too?
gav says:
I think I would make the point to Lord Sugar about how cheap and two-faced the other candidate is being, point our their flaws on the task if I thought they had any and then focus on why I think I'm a better candidate overall.
Aliyah says:
Very well. This will be the last question
In comparision with each member of the final four, can you give me an example or reason why you are stronger than each one of them?
gav says:
I think all three have definite strengths - Carlisle is very creative, Beth is very good at expressing herself and Tyjet is persistent and determined, but I think I have the right balance of all of those strengths, and I think my track record shows that. I work insanely hard and I really do think I want to win more than anyone else left in the competition.
Aliyah says:
Ok. Thank you very much gav
gav says:
Thank you!
Aliyah says:
You may leave the room