Page 30 - Trump Never Give Up: How I Turned My Biggest Challenges into Success

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T HE A PPRENTICE

renovated Wollman Rink, I took control through a long-term
lease.) I thought it sounded like an interesting idea, so I said yes.
When I arrived to see the skating rink transformed into a jun-
gle, I have to admit I was surprised. Then suddenly a young man
appeared and introduced himself to me. It was Mark Burnett,
and I told him I knew who he was so the introductions weren’t
necessary. Mark quickly went on to ask me for a meeting to dis-
cuss a new idea he had. I said fine.
About a week later, he came to my office, and after some
preliminary chat, told me he had an idea for a new jungle reality
show, only the jungle would be the canyons of New York City
and the world of big business. There would be a 13-week job
interview, and the winner would become my apprentice in real
life—they would get a job at the Trump Organization. There
would also be an educational subtext, which appealed to me
immediately. A reality show with some substance could be a new
concept for everyone. I told Mark I was interested.
Then what we had to do was pitch the project to the top
networks. Everyone wanted it, and they too loved the concept.
We went with NBC, who also broadcasts my Miss Universe, Miss
USA, and Miss Teen USA pageants; we already had a strong rela-
tionship, so that was a done deal.
Now for some of the challenges. First, not one single person
except Mark Burnett and NBC was enthusiastic about The
Apprentice and my participation in it. All my advisors thought it
was a risk, that it would bomb, that my credibility as a business-
man would be jeopardized, that my focus would be lost, and that
I was making a huge and ultimately very public mistake. When I
look back, it’s pretty amazing how dead set against it they were.
“The biggest mistake you’ll ever make” was a common phrase I
heard. I didn’t feel a lot of support. I reviewed their considera-
tions and thought, I hope they’re not right because I already
told Mark Burnett I was going to do it. My gut instinct told me
it was the right thing to do, without consulting anybody.

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