AMA Apprentice Forum in Jacksonville

Three former participants on the hit NBC reality show “The Apprentice” discussed the leadership lessons they learned both in their business careers and on the show at an AMA Current Issues Forum on April 19th at Florida Community College Jacksonville. This program was offered by AMA’s College and University Program, where AMA seminars and events are offered on campus to the local market.

Angie McKnight, Erin Elmore and John Gafford answered questions posed by the Forum moderator and AMA faculty member Jim Vidakovich and the diverse audience of students and business people.

Following the panel the audience participated in an “Apprentice”-style competition in which teams developed solutions to a commonly faced workplace business issue. The on-camera “Apprentice” personalities served as mentors and judges to the teams.

Work hard, be persistent and set goals were some of the “Lessons Learned” shared by the participants. They also debated the “Book Smarts” vs. “Street Smarts” theme of this season’s show. Both John and Angie were from the “Street Smarts” team, not having a degree and, though they value education, they do not believe that they’ve been held back in pursuing their business goals. Erin, who earned a law degree, has decided to pursue a career in her undergraduate major—broadcast journalism—by looking for a job as a TV anchor.

Angie described all the different jobs she took as a single mother supporting her two children—caterer, auto mechanic and bartender. She currently is the owner of the first Curves for Women gym franchise in Los Angeles. In relating her history, Angie always presented the positive view – she refused to be caught up in negative energy.

John discussed his varied business endeavors—from insurance to selling vitamins on eBay. He advised entrepreneurs to follow low or no-cost models and multi-level marketing opportunities. He is also a big proponent of “giving back” to society as in the charity he has formed in Tampa. “Dream Big and Act is his motto. He is a strong believer in visualization of your goals.

Erin made sure the audience knew that they each were the ones to create their own opportunities. Whether it was succeeding on the “Apprentice” episodes or looking for jobs, each individual controls his or her destiny.

Among the many words of advice offered by the panel during the course of the program were:

• WIIFM—What’s In It For ME—when working a room (WAR), remember that your passion and determination drive your success. No one can sell it better than you!
• It’s not about making do—John Gafford quoted Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of the TV show, “I don’t tread water—I swim.”
• Building relationships and exuding confidence are very important traits to develop.
• Listening and matching your style to accommodate the person you are speaking to can make a huge difference in the outcome of the exchange.

Following the panel discussion and question session, attendees broke into teams and participated in an “Apprentice” style competition. The two finalist teams received AMA prizes.

Read about our earlier AMA-“Apprentice” Forums in New York , Chicago and San Francisco.

Click here for information about upcoming AMA Executive Forums and other events.