Home : Celebrity Apprentice: Lessons Learned from the Season Finale

Celebrity Apprentice: Lessons Learned from the Season Finale

Posted by Barry Lenson on 3/28/2008 at 2:53 PM

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Episode Summary:

Piers Morgan becomes the first Celebrity Apprentice!

This season’s finale gave viewers three great experiences in one. First, it showed highlights of the season. Second, it delivered blow-by-blow coverage of Piers and Trace as they completed the season’s final task. And third, it took us live to the boardroom, where Mr. Trump named Piers the winner. What a blockbuster show!

Prerecorded footage showed Piers and Trace as they battled to win this season’s final task - a charity auction. It was interesting to see how both men made good on the strategies that they developed for winning the task. Trace held the line against the Backstreet Boys’ unreasonable requests and got them to present an excellent stage show. And Piers’ strategy work beautifully too. His high-end contacts spent tremendous sums of money at the auction. Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, paid $200,000 for two of the prizes. And Simon Cowell was happy to bid $100,000 to go shopping with Ivanka Trump.

When the auction earnings were totaled, Piers had brought in $376,000, to Trace’s $64,000; Trace had sold $38,000 worth of tickets to the event, compared to $12,000 for Piers. Yet the competition was about more than money. When the two men got to the boardroom firing (held live onstage this week), Mr. Trump also explored how well they had handled all the aspects of the charity event. Mr. Trump then brought the season’s other celebrity contestants onto the stage and polled them about whether Piers or Trace should win.

Finally, both contestants made compelling appeals to Mr. Trump about their charities. Trace explained the anguish that a food allergy had caused his family, and spoke compellingly about the importance of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. And to drive home the importance of the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Piers invited wounded veterans onto the stage. Their appearance brought tears to the eyes of many members of the live audience.

With only a minute remaining in the show, Mr. Trump showered Trace with well-deserved praise for being such a wonderful human being. But Piers’ stellar performance in every task of the season won the day - and Mr. Trump named him Celebrity Apprentice.

This season, Celebrity Apprentice raised more than $1 million for the contestants’ charities - a sum that Mr. Trump augmented with an additional $250,000 of his own.

* * *

This season finale proved that doing business and doing good really can go hand in hand. Let’s take a closer look.

* * *

When Trace’s wife and two adorable daughters showed up only minutes before the start of the charity event, he was overcome with tears. Then he calmed down and refocused on getting the Backstreet Boys to present a great show.

Success Lesson

Remember why you are building your success. It’s not for greed or dollars. It’s an expression of care for the people you love.

* * *

When Piers got his high-flying contacts to open their wallets and hearts again this week, he reminded us that you don’t have to build your success entirely on your own. The people who respect you will be glad to lend you support.

Success Lesson

Ask people for help. And do it with your head held high. They will feel good to help you - and you’ll build your success at the same time.

* * *

When Piers invited a group of injured veterans onto the stage, he brought the audience to its feet.

Success Lesson

Fight for causes that are bigger than you are. If you serve others as unswervingly as Piers did this season, you will enjoy personal success too.

And a final thought about this season . . .

When Mr. Trump created Celebrity Apprentice,he decided that the all the prize money would go to charities. Tito’s charity supported children, Stephen’s supported breast cancer - and the list goes on and on. It was an entertaining season - but the fact that it helped so many people made it stand head and shoulders higher than most any other program on the airwaves.

We look forward to future seasons of Celebrity Apprentice. See you there!

Barry Lenson, Executive Editor at Trump University, is a businesss journalist with more than 20 years experience - and a dozen books to his credit. Barry created the weekly "Lessons Learned from the Apprentice" summaries that have been published on NBC.com for four seasons.

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26 Comments Post a comment

Posted by Business 2000 Foundation on 03/28/2008 3:23 PM

Wow! That was two great teams with Piers and Trace. And they did work well together, until the boardroom. A huge difference in the protection of a winning boardroom strategy. But, a great team! Piers and Trace were very profesional and inspired to new levels!

But ,what about Gene S. How far is enough about having corporate spell it out. We thought it was bad taste. Gene is sharp. Very sharp.

The "Art of War" in the celebrity fundraising and it's boardroom. Piers is a great guy...people just do not want to understand him or his British humor. Great job to both Piers and Trace!!!

Posted by member1767843 on 03/28/2008 4:18 PM

Lessons learned: Evil "trumps" good every time, and the end justifies the means. What great lessons for young people aspiring to go into business!

Posted by member1767848 on 03/28/2008 4:36 PM

The show this season was the best ever! Both teams were fantastic and worked together for a common good. I think the main reason for this is because it was not about personal financial gain but rather for the charities, both who are extremely worthy. I'm excited about the prospect of upcoming seasons and look forward to them. But I must ask one great favor of Mr. Trump, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stop using Omarosa. This woman has no class and her comments about Pierce's dental hygiene was over-the-top as usual. She gets in the way of what you're trying to accomplish which is to raise money for great charities. Let her get a real job!

Posted by member1767859 on 03/28/2008 4:52 PM

Not the way I would like for my children to run their mouth like Piers. He is a jurk!!!!!!!!

Posted by Mary Rose on 03/28/2008 5:28 PM

It was a great contest. Piers made it entertaining until the end- even though he should never have gotten to the finale. Piers should have been fired when he lost after getting his team to cheat- even if Vinnie resigned. Failing that- both he and Omarosa should have been fired when they acted so unprofessionally in the carriage task- even if they won. Failing that, he should have been fired when both consultants agreed that Piers should go. From my point of view, we now have a winner who should have been fired three times. He was fortunate that his opponents in the last two boardrooms never brought it up. But given that he made it to the finale, he clearly won the last task. It was a great show. To tell the truth, was a little disappointed with Trace. Why did he spend all that time with the band? At the beginning, Marilou was just ordering the items and if it had been left at that- there would have been no wheat grass incident- that was something brought up when Piers went back to see if he could get the supplies reduced. Maybe he still would have had to handle the nail polish and the brace. Also wondered why he was worried about the band not showing up- he had so many country stars there that he had a great plan B if anything happened. If Trace had just let things lie with the BSB then maybe he could have drummed up so more auction dollars. And why did he just decide that he could not compete with Piers on the auction? From the figures, Piers was less than $300,000 ahead of Trace- and that $300,000 was only three items. Did they count how many of each team's guests bought items? Piers also went way out there with the creativity on the prizes. I am a big fan of creativity- and this time he won with creativity more than just money.

Thought that being stingy with the food was a big negative. How can you expect someone to bid when they are in a foul mood? It was short-sighted to imagine that if the booze flowed that everyone would have been happy.

Piers brought up a great point in the finale. If it all wasn't about raising more money than anyone, even ruthlessly and with bad manners- then the rules should have been made clear in the beginning. Think that next year, it should be explicit that when you embarass the Trump organization- be it by lying or cheating or arguing with team mates in public places or by doing a poor job with food at a charity event- you can and will be fired. The winner should be the one who best represents their charity in a positive light- and the one who best represents the Trump organization. We lost sight of that this year- but there is always next year.

Posted by lightwayvez on 03/28/2008 6:05 PM

Simon can fire Paula and buy Carla instead :)

Don't get me wrong there is no fan thing happening there, I just know I am meant for the job.

Posted by member1767897 on 03/28/2008 6:28 PM

I was disappointed to see Piers chosen as the winner of Celebrity Apprentice. Take away Piers two big donors and both competitors basically raised the same amount of money. A majority of his money was raised by two people contributing large sums of money. Trace out did Piers in every aspect of the event other than auction sales. I was totally disappointed in Piers plan to withhold food and push alcohol on the guests to get them drunk and spend more money. He should be able to raise money without his patrons being sloshed.

Let's see a rematch. Putting both competitors in another town. Take away their contacts. Give them three weeks to plan and host a fundraiser on their own. Have them find locals to help host the event, make them organize the event by hitting the streets for donations, publizing their event, and getting regular everyday people to attend.

Then let's see who is the ultimate fundraiser. I believe that Trace Adkins will win hands down with his humble personality and kindness. I don't believe that Piers has the personality to actually hold a successful fundraiser without his billionaire contacts.

Posted by lightwayvez on 03/28/2008 6:29 PM

knew he would win by virtue of the seating arrangements throughout the show.

The camera has to be kind to the looser's circle and the best photography was shot at the looser's side of the boardroom table. A consolation prize if you will.

The least appealing photography was aimed at the winners. They didn't need cosmetics.

Trace is cool, nice guy but I saw his videos on youtube and I didn't like his swing those hips kind of presentation at his age. Also at the very end he blew it big time, he nattered to Piers about the quality of his bidders, and he didn't sound professional. Though he had Trump's glare down pat, it was Piers who sat exactly like Trump Junior at the table. This was not the first similarity in mannerism I detected however there is one difference between the two.

Trump Junior needs to put his hands in his pockets, they talk more than he does. Piers doesn't do that. However in as much as Trump Junior talks with his hands, can anyone remember if he bid at the auction ?

As for Trace, he did improve drastically towards the end, he wasn't as grumpy, and embraced the idea to have some charisma and laugh at it all, but he lost that charisma at the table again.

Also he could have done more with wheat grass, I gave him a shoe in and he didn't use it.

But this is a good thing because it leaves ample opportunity as a shoe in for ET.

Posted by member1767957 on 03/28/2008 9:19 PM

24 year Vet and a true American here, just wanted to say that my wife and I really enjoyed the series thanks for a great show, we were glued to the TV like bugs to a black light.

The outcome was on spot.

V/R JP

Posted by member1767960 on 03/28/2008 9:28 PM

The final results stink. Does Trump actually agree with Piers that the end justifies the means? I know you have to be agressive in business to get ahead but do you have to be dishonest and hateful? Do you have to belittle those around you no matter how it makes them feel to make yourself look good.

Why did Donald go against his advisors in who should be the two final contestants? Carol was mad, and with good cause. Why did Trump go against the previous contestants who all voted for Trace, and only two voting for Piers?

I thinkTrump must have some hidden admiration for the ruthless Brits who put all ethics aside when it comes to business. Trump hides that side of himself on TV.

I was disappointed in last year;s results and I was devastated by this year's results. I think other shows look much more appealing to me from now on.

Dennis from Salt Lake

Posted by member1696811 on 03/29/2008 2:11 AM

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the entire 2 hours. I was working, and, someone was kind enough to record the last hour for me. Man, I would have loved to have seen the first part!

I had a feeling that Piers would win! He was playing the game to win, and, win...he did! In a way, it was cool that a Brit won, whose charity was for American soldiers. That made it more of a contest for humanity, not America vs. GB. We are allies, after all.

I've never seen Piers' teeth up-close... the crooked part I don't mind - we don't all have to walk around with perfect veneers, and perfect everything - how wax museum-like. But, Omarosa had a point... to a degree. I once went on a date with a guy who was Mr. Big Bucks. I had never really looked at him, up close, until we sat down for lunch in an exclusive restaurant. He was a really nice guy, but when he showed all of his teeth, I thought I was going to puke. I could actually see the tartar build-up on his teeth...as if he had never flossed a day in his life. I just thought, "wow! that is disgusting!" But, he did wear glasses, so maybe he was so vision-impaired that he couldn't see what I saw. I couldn't date him after that. However, I'm sure that people thought the same thing about my oral hygiene, and stained teeth, when I was a smoker. Gross! That was a pretty lame point for Omarosa to bring up, though! Again, her attack on Piers' personal character went nowhere. She couldn't say anything about his tactics. Piers is shrewd and cheeky...but, I think that his heart is ultimately in the right place. And, he obviously LOVES to win!

And, for the most part, Piers is funny if you don't take him too seriously. The problem with Americans is that they are soooooo sensitive about evvvvverything! That was actually funny when Piers had a quick comeback for Ivanka when she was criticizing his "bedside" manner. I think he caught her off guard because most people would be fearful of ever saying anything that might offend Ivanka. She probably appreciated a genuine comment. It was kind of like, "lighten up, sweetie!" He knows he's incorrigible and loves the fact that he irritates everyone. I'm glad that didn't turn into a "How dare you speak to my daughter that way," by Mr. Trump, as if his daughter is five years old. She's a grown woman. I don't think she needs Daddy to save her from the big bad wolf all of the time. Mr. Trump gets Piers' sense of humor, and, at the end of the day... that was all that mattered. Seems he likes to see people do battle.

Trace's performance was really outstanding! I'm not even a country music lover, but I loved that song, and the way he sang it! I hope that more people will support his charity, now that they've seen his sincerity, and have heard his cause. My prayers and thoughts go out to him and his family...and to others who have family members with such allergies.

All in all, it was a great series! Nice to see those who have much... reaching out to those who are truly in need. It feels good to give.

Posted by RMC43 on 03/29/2008 4:09 AM

When the Apprentice ended last season. I thought the show needed some thing fresh.
This season you guys hit it
Entertaining,and a show that made you come back for more because the commitment to charity was there,
When the finally came Piers and Trace showed they where very committed to their causes.
In the end the board room showed how tuff it is to fire a great indivdual like Trace solely on the money factor is'nt that what some times good bussines is about.
Whats next for the show? I hope more giving.This Celebrity Apprentice truely showed that it is good to be Charitable in bussines.
Congrulation to Piers and to all the celebrities,all are Winners,
P.S I would Love it if an individual from the show could show up for my wonderful none wife's
LI2DAY Breast cancer walk fundraiser Comedy event April 6th,6pm at the Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead Long Island to auction off something and continue the giving.
Thank you Mr Trump and all the Celebrities for this Great ! past seasons show.

Posted by *Gopi* 'Where Quality becomes Reality' on 03/29/2008 5:31 AM

I see Trace for the first time and he made a difference in my life.
Carol was my favourite and she made a difference in my life.
Pierce won, earn million $ and made no difference in my life.

Barry Lenson, Thank You for Your posts, You make difference in my life.

Ina Matijevic

Posted by member1554929 on 03/29/2008 12:55 PM

As Ysual: Outstanding summary by Barry Lenson
see ya!

Posted by lightwayvez on 03/29/2008 7:47 PM

Mr Trump discussed the art of drinking in the context of a deal making situation, I agree.

While at the same time I must concur one should consider the art of drinking while driving,
and the definition where in at the wheel stay sober, and that of which you sire.

Posted by member1768442 on 03/30/2008 1:34 AM

Now I know why our children have no respect for their elders, their selves, or any one that has authority. After seeing a re-run of the Season Finale, I have come to the conclusion that between the television, computers and other people that view this trash, my children's future is a stake. The only way to keep them from becoming horribly insensitive adults is to take them to the backwoods, where there is no outside influences.

I have always thought Mr. Trump was full of himself, but generally a nice person, with alot of business know-how. After his decision to pick a malicious, condescending, name-calling, piece of work, I will never watch The Apprentice again. The very thought that the only way to be success in business is by the bottom dollar is beyond crazy. Do you have me believe that every decision Donald Trump has ever made was based on the bottom line: Money? If that were the case, he would not have been divorced several times. Because the bottom line would be he was losing "money". So, you can not base every decision on "MONEY".

What he invariable showed all people, young and old, is that being the meanest, nastiest, name-calling S.O.B is what it takes to get ahead; not just in business, but in any endeavor they may face in life. Great job, Mr. Trump!

Instead, of taking a chance to show young people that is not always about the Ol'Mighty Buck, you screwed up! You can be a great and successful business person, like Trace Aikens,
by doing the right thing. He has self-respect as well as respect for others. He has integrity, common sense, he thinks outside the "business" box, he is caring, he make you feel worthy even if your not. I could go on forever to show the contrast between these two men. The point is this: When we wake up one day and we do not recognize our children anymore, we can look to television shows like this, that portray "Americans Values and Morals" as nothing more than old-fashion sentiment. Thank God, we still have The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy, Leave It To Beaver, and many other re-runs; this will be the only way my children will be able to see that America and Americans did have principals at one time.

Posted by lightwayvez on 03/30/2008 3:00 AM

Wow this is sweet !

Will Piers Morgan survive the scrutiny of of Sugar ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9Tge0x5B0

Posted by member1768463 on 03/30/2008 4:56 AM

SOMEONE SHOULD CHECK TO SEE THAT CONTESTANST ARE WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE
NELLY GALLAN NEVER WORKED FOR TELEMUNDO
SHE WORKED FOR CH. 47 AND SHE WORKED AT THE LOCAL NY TV STATION, THERE WAS NO TELEMUNDO OUTSIDE OF PUERTO RICO
BY THE TIMECH 47 BECAME A PART OF TELEMUNDO....NELLY GALLAN HAD BEEN LONG FIRED.....
CARLOS BARBAS' (GENERAL MANAGER) WIFE HAD DRAGED NELLY GALLAN OUT OF THE STATION BY HER HAIR.....
WHAT SHE HAS DONE AFTER........SELL HERSELF OFF VERY SUCCESSFULLY AS A CELEBRITY!!
BRAVO TO YOU NELLY!!!
BUT TO MR DONALD'S PEOPLE....DO SOME BACKGROUND CHECK.
CALL SOCIAL SECURITY OR IRS AND SEE IF NELLY GALLAN SHOWS UP AS PAYING TAXES VIA TELEMUNDO.............
NOT TAKING ANYTHING FROM HER....WHAT EVER THAT IS.......BUT KEEP IT REAL....NELLY NEVER WORKED FOR TELEMUNDO... AND SHE CERTAINLY IS NO CELEBRITY AND IT IS SAD TO SEE THAT SHE WAS THE ONLY FAKE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SPANISH MARKET CELEBRITY APPRENTICE COULD COME UP WITH.

Posted by member1768554 on 03/30/2008 1:04 PM

In my opinion, I believe it would have been more even/fairer for Trace Adkins, since Piers Morgan had access to a "magic rolodex of names," (i.e.: Sarah Ferguson, The Duchess of York, Simon Cowell), put a "monetary cap" on the amount any one celebrity could bid/donate.

In the episode where Mr. Trump forbade the "Celebrity Apprentices" from using their "contacts/rolodexes," Piers proved just how rude he could be to the common person on the street.

Posted by member1768555 on 03/30/2008 1:07 PM

I think your decision set Agencies who depend on fundraising for their lifes blood back. Choosing the winner with the emphasis on the dollar amount severely missed the main focus of all fund raising. Fund raising should always emphasize the human factor. Peirs did everything wrong. He did not foster good working relationships with the volunteers who work their butts off for free to put together successful events. Those people would not show up the next year to work harder on that event. Trace was in inspiration to those who do volunteer thier time and hard work and would encourage those who have yet to volunteer. He will not have a problem getting volunteers to return.

Peirs ego was his priority and the "game" of celebrity apprentice. But he could never likely get those donars to repeat their donations. If I had 100K to bet, if, (and you should) poll those who donated to see who repeat the donation, Trace will win hands down. Trace not only gave a face to his charity better than Piers' showy display, Trace developed ongoing relationships that will make those who donated, want to donate again year after year. That donar is far more valuable to programs than a one shot pop.

Mr. Trump, you totally minimized the human factor of fund raising and I am greatly dissappointed.

Years ago I was the director of Residential Treatment Center for abused children in La. state custody. Our "fund raising" kept us going. You really missed the most important point. There is a reason money is referred to as "cold cash".

In your own words, "YA FIRAD". I am so dissappointed and believe strongly your show hurt programs like the one I was involved in. I will not likely watch your program again unless you have another single show, reversing your decision and showcasing the human factor of fund raising. I hope someone gets this to you and I hope other viewers will follow my lead.

Posted by member1696811 on 03/31/2008 12:58 AM

I have to comment again after reading some of the subsequent comments, after I posted my original comment.

I understand where everyone is coming from, in wanting the "good guy" to win, especially because it was a charity event. But, everyone needs to realize something... that is not the way that "The Donald" does business! Face it, people...he is known for being ruthless and shrewd, and the show is "Celebrity Apprentice." Hello! It's Donald Trump's Apprentice that these folks are trying to become... not the "Dalai Lama's Humble Apprentice." Thus, Piers was the winner! He's got the cold-blooded business acumen down. There was Nely and Omarosa... out for the money and the title, but, I think that Piers actually has a heart, as well. A lot of Brits have overt split-personalities, believe me. Dr. Jeckyll/Mr. Hyde. Quite commonplace for Brits to be bi-polar.

Do I feel that people who do business this way for short-term gains suck? Of course, I do. But, don't you get it? That's how they keep getting richer and richer and richer... they bust these moves several times and before they know it...they're rollin' in it because they have out-witted those who have a conscience! Once they're on the Forbes' 400 list, they can pretty much make up their own rules.

I've wanted to think that Mr. Trump really has a heart, and I'm sure that he does...to an extent, but he is caught up in battle 24/7, so he doesn't think like regular people do. It's a shame. He's no better than anyone else, and his children no more entitled, just because their name is Trump.

I don't think that it has to be that way. I don't think that you always have to look at the "bottom line" for every decision. Why is the bottom line always about dollars, and not sense?

I still enjoy watching Mr. Trump. I'm not sure why, though. I don't think he gives a flying duck about me, but he did seem to care enough about the wounded soldiers to give $250K of his own money. As he should! What else is he going to do with it? He gets to write that off on his taxes, anyway. I used to work for a pretty clever accountant to the rich...they loved to "give"... who knows about some of these so-called charities these days. You hear all kinds of things about the money going to the wrong places. I'm not completely sold on charities, per se.

I find it interesting that Warren Buffet is suddenly concerned about the fact that his office workers have to pay a larger percentage of taxes than he does. Oh, he's just now noticing this? Right. I know... he's giving it all away... to Bill Gates' Charity... just another big business. Yes, I'm sure they do great things with their billions, but don't think that they even know that anything is missing... tax breaks for the way they are doing it. I shouldn't criticize them, since they are doing great things... more than can be said for the richest man from Mexico! He could save his entire country, or, at least put a dent the situations down there! That's disgusting!

The class distinctions in this world are ridiculous! But, if everyone were billionaires, who would do all of the manual labor? And, you know what? EVERYONE should do some hard work in their lifetime... builds character!

Posted by member1768555 on 03/31/2008 12:45 PM

in response to member1696811
You still missed the point. He used a Charitable Fund Raising platform for his show. He is obligated to respect the true essence of Charitable fund raising. Otherwise he should have just had his contestants raise money for "The Donald". Even "The Donald" knows you must respect the context you are in. Perhaps next time he will not "use" charities to enhance his viewership and already deep pockets. Please don't minimize the effect those results has on any potential volunteer or donar to charities. sorry dude, you missed the point TOTALLY. In any activity you engage in the focus is key. And for charitable fund raising that is the human factor and all about relationships and not bottom line "cold cash"

Posted by member1769933 on 04/01/2008 2:31 AM

I do not like Piers, he should not be the celebrity apprentice

Posted by BARRY LENSON, TRUMP U's EXECUTIVE EDITOR

on 04/02/2008 11:16 PM

Here it is nearly a week since the show ended - and I wish it were still going on. I guess that means that it was a good show! It's funny, but the part of the finale that I have thought about most often over the last week was Trace's song. The idea behind it - that it is important to see past life's frustrations and enjoy living, right now - has a lot of impact. Even though that is not a business lesson!
Thanks to all for your comments on the "Lessons Learned" posts, which I really enjoyed writing this season!

Posted by member1781418 on 04/12/2008 8:26 PM

I thought Piers was to cocky ...........

Posted by member1789885 on 04/28/2008 5:08 AM

I knew that Piers will win! Piers may be cocky, self-confident,etc, etc... but is that really matter? He was the best when the question was about how to deal with people and how to get things done. Trace is a good calm guy. And that's what's bad in him. You can't be so calm, because it's all about business, you have to be energetic if you want succeed. And Piers was very flexible and energetic, so that's why he won!

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