Kristina Grimes-A Real Winner!

14/02/2009 by Janet Wilks.

I had the opportunity to see Kristina Grimes in action the other evening at a seminar at Beeston Catalyst in Leeds. Kristina, you may remember was the runner up in the 2007 series of “The Apprentice,” although many, myself included believed she should have been the winner.

The seminar was for entrepreneurs and would be entrepreneurs and Kristina gave a presentation, that included tips and advice for small businesses, particularly at this time and her experience on “The Apprentice.”She has set up her own business KGJCP with Jenny Celerier, who was one of the apprentice contestants in the 2008 series.*

I was there as “Tea Lady” helping out at the event and met Kristina whilst serving the teas, coffees, biccies, etc. I found her to be warm, approachable, witty and extremely down to earth. I stayed through a few other presentations, so that I could listen to what she had to say.

She was amazing! She told us how instead of regarding these times as a setback, we should re-frame our way of thinking and view these times as opportunity. When everybody else is cutting down on marketing, costs, recruitment etc., by doing the exact opposite, we can stand out from the crowd. She and Jenny started their business as the recession began to bite and last month, they had their best month to date! So much for the Credit Crunch!

 It reminded me of something Earl Nightingale said “Whatever the great majority is doing under any given circumstance, if you do exactly the opposite, you’ll probably never make another mistake as long as you live.” He goes on to say, “Check out references, are the people I’m following going where I want to go?” Now this can apply in any area of life, not just in business. Are you doing the exact opposite of the majority? Are the people you are following going where you want to go? Good questions to ask yourself.

She also talked about how we need to be prepared to do whatever it takes and have purpose and passion and a will to succeed. She told of how  she was coming up against a brick wall  looking for a sponsor for an event they are running on March 26th at the Harrogate International Centre.* What did she do? Certainly not give up! She got in her car, drove around Harrogate, knocking on doors, until she had the sponsorship she needed. All this was done on a Sunday afternoon as well! Talk about practice what you preach! She also understands the impact she has when face to face. As she said “If I send an e mail, nobody really knows who Kristina Grimes is, when I walk into a business, I am recognised as “That woman from The Apprentice.” I am my own PR.” She uses that strength to its full advantage.

Of her experience on “The Apprentice” Kristina told us how on her first day, she questioned her belief in herself, whilst listening to the other contestants talking about what they had achieved, their experience etc. She  very quickly realised, that anybody can talk, it is what they do that matters. Any doubts she had about herself quickly evaporated as time went on. She told us how the scenes showing the contestants leaving in the taxi after having been fired, are actually filmed at the very beginning of the shooting of the series. Kristina was very oppossed to have her reaction to being fired filmed, when it hadn’t even happened  as her mindset was to win and made that known! It was only after she was advised that there were standby contestants  ready to take her place if she did not comply that she reluctantly agreed. She did tell them however, it would never be shown and she was right!  In the final, the runner up is not seen leaving in a taxi.

Kristina was very upset at not winning, however took the good from the situation and focused on that. She also revealed that after the final Sir Alan Sugar had in fact offered her a job and she turned him down! She does stay in touch with him to this day.

She also mentioned her background. How she was a single mum, banished from the family home because she was having an illegitimate child and put under tremendous pressure to give up her baby. She didn’t.  She raised her son single handedly and once he went off to university, Kristina knew her time had come. A true inspiration to all of us on how to do what is in your heart!

 Kristina shares her gifts and talents, so that others may benefit from her extensive knowledge, skills and experience and she does it willingly. She doesn’t keep it to herself,  fearful of the possibility that someone may use it in direct competition with her, no, she talks about her experiences, to support others. Saying to them, if I can do it, so can you!

 Little wonder she is so successful!

What gifts and talents do you have that you can use and share with the world? Or are you hiding your light? If you are, it’s time to step out of the shadows and step up! Have the faith and belief in yourself, dare to be different and do what is in your heart. Take the good out of every setback and learn from it. Be willing to do whatever it takes! Just as Kristina does!

I now have to say, from  selfish point of view, I’m really glad Kristina did not win the final! If she had, we may not have had the opportunity of learning from her the experience, knowledge and skills she is willing to share with us! How many people will benefit from that? How much value does that add to the world?

Kristina, you may have been the runner up in The Apprentice but to me you are a true winner!

* Details of KGJCP and details of the Harrogate event can be found at www.kgjcp.com

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