A BUSINESSWOMAN fired from BBC reality show The Apprentice by tycoon Sir Alan Sugar said she was probably “too nice”.
Gabrielle Omar, who runs architectural practice Lolli and Square, exited the programme in week 10 after an art gallery task.
She said: “Obviously I’m disappointed because everybody wants to get to the final.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, and I’ve learned new skills that in the real world I can put to good use.
“I realise I need an accountant with me 24/7 to see that I don’t overspend on materials!”
Ms Omar, whose parents own Captains Cabin fish and chip takeaway in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware, said she surprised herself with her successful sales technique and was the top-earning contestant in several tasks.
She said: “I think I came across quite well. My friends and family are proud of me.
“I got on with everyone although I think being nice was seen as a weakness. I wasn’t being ruthless.
“If I had to do it again, I would have taken a back seat and then started to come from the shadows late on.
“I think I was quite lucky. I was in the final three in the first week but I became the first first-week project manager never to be fired, and the more times you’re in the boardroom, the more Sir Alan learns about you and he can see what kind person he wants to work with.
“In the end I got fired because I couldn’t sustain it for a 10-week period.
“I was just so exhausted. We’d get up at 4am and get back to the house at midnight. I needed time off and I think that showed.”
She said the experience of The Apprentice has helped shape her business decisions in the real world.
"I helped set up a creative agency for branding and promotion called We Be 3 in West Kensington.
“It only launched five weeks ago and we had 200 to 300 people turn up. I would have never opened a creative agency that turns into an art gallery if I hadn’t have been on the show."
Ms Omar said she thought Nick or Adam will win the show and bag a £250,000 investment and advice from Sir Alan.
