Binge Thinking

Back on the Apprentice bandwagon - Ros Palmer

So, back on the Apprentice bandwagon, I'm still conflicted about the way the men versus the women are treated on the Apprentice (and in the business world at large for that matter).   Sir Alan sees Lee as an affable bloke while 'rottweiler' Clare got the heave ho despite the fact that she did learn to keep her mouth shut in the latter boardroom showdowns.  At least Karen Brady liked her and I wonder if she has made her the job offer she promised at the ruthless interview stage?

I'm not so sure that Sir Alan is misogynistic.  I think he has his own agenda for who he chooses and it is more to do with a)keeping the TV ratings great until the end of the series and b) someone who can obviously fit into his organisation.  In the past he has chosen both male and female winners (with mixed results all around). 
No, this issue is more about how the media portray pushy women and what we at home, on our sofas, think of them as they meet the blokes at their own game in being manipulative, single minded and determined to win. 

I like to think that the Apprentice is just a super clever psychometrically profiled reality programme which shows how demanding business is but that distorts what you have to do to get ahead.  In my experience, most really successful business people are decent people, with vision and great human qualities.  At worst, they get so stressed trying to make things right for everyone that they can sometimes be at their worst but mostly get to the top because they are great at what they do and great to work with.  Naive?  Well I was in the media business for over two decades so I think I can at least comment from personal experience. 

For me, this is more about language and how strong men versus strong women are described.  Let me state that I don't like anyone, of any gender, who is a piece of work and backstabs.  But I do respect success and if somehow meek Margaret Mountford metamorphosised into Sir Alan what do you think the commentators would have to say about her?   Less than flattering comparisons to Margaret Thatcher and Elizabeth l spring to mind. 

Recently I interviewed Lynne Franks on this exact topic.  Watch out for our July ezine for the exclusive audio interview.  Not surprisingly Lynne has lots to say on the issue.