Bressler gets down to business

By: Sumeet Patel

Posted: 5/7/04

Heidi Bressler, member of Team Protege from NBC's reality TV show The Apprentice, visited the University May 4 to share business lessons and her experiences from the show.

The event was a collaborated effort by the Campus Activities Board, Division of Student Life and Division of Academic Affairs. The Creating Excellent Organizations program also took an interest in the event.

"One of the things we try to do in Student Life is promote a concept we call 'edutainment' where we try to entertain and educate at the same time," Senior Associate Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students Dianna Dale told The Triangle. "I don't think there is anything in today's world that could do that any better than The Apprentice and Heidi Bressler."

"We try to capitalize on other activities that are going to help with students' personal and professional development," Assistant Director of Student Activities Ari Hauben said. "It's not only about the particular speakers we invite on campus, but also leadership and presentation skills."

Adjunct Professor at the Goodwin College of Professional Studies Al Uszynski conducted a talk show interview with Heidi while attendees watched in silence. He started off by pointing out the show's ratings and the impact it made on the business community.

"Like most mega-hit reality shows, the entertainment world was buzzing about The Apprentice," Uszynski said. "But it didn't stop there because the business world was also paying close attention. USA Today, during the three and a half months the show was on air, ran over 20 articles on the show in its business section alone."

Bressler, a native of northern New Jersey, entered the limelight when she and 15 other individuals throughout the country were chosen from over 200,000 applicants to compete for the chance to become Donald Trump's apprentice.

"My whole life, I've been very feisty and very aggressive," Bressler told the audience. "Some people say it might work against you, but for me it works for me. I am like a pit bull, and I do not take no for an answer. I am not rude and disloyal, just feisty and aggressive, and there's a difference there."

In addition to discussing her character, Bressler reminisced about memorable moments on the show and how they affected her emotionally. One of the most poignant moments for Bressler was when she learned her mother had been diagnosed with cancer.

"I had a very long discussion with my mother and sister, and they wanted me to stay [on the show]," Bressler said. "My mother would have been devastated if I didn't stay, and the whole event actually made me focus and made me work even harder."

Bressler also talked about how the other characters on the show had made an impression on her. Certain contestants, like Troy and Katrina, were very supportive while she coped with her mother's cancer. Other competitors, however, seemed uncomfortable discussing the situation, especially Omarosa, whom Bressler repeatedly described as a lunatic and insane. Aside from describing her experience on the show, Bressler tried to compare how business works in the real world as opposed to business portrayed on reality TV.

"I think the show did depict business accurately in the sense that it showed the importance of teamwork and loyalty," Bressler said. "A lot of people have criticized [Team Protege] for the whole 'sex sells' routine we used trying to sell lemonade. But in reality, sex does sell and never did we think we crossed the line."

She then related some of the instances on The Apprentice to real-life scenarios. While some of the show's critics found the budding romance on the set between Nick and Amy somewhat inappropriate, Bressler put the relationship in its context.

"You know, romance in the workplace really does happen," Bressler said. "But the couple is really taking a chance because if it doesn't work out, they end up hurting the business as well, like Nick and Amy."

Throughout the discussion, Bressler took the opportunity to answer questions students had submitted to Uszynski beforehand via e-mail. Questions ranged from queries about her opinion of winner Bill Rancic to those about the constant fear of being fired.

"I never ever once thought of being fired," Bressler responded. "For each task, I always gave it my best and still tried to have a good time. I actually enjoyed going into the board room, and, of course, I thought I should have won."

Uszynski was quick to point out that Bressler and Nick were the only two contestants to have any professional selling experience. Although Bressler has a master's degree in criminology, she felt her true calling was in sales, claiming the sky's the limit with her creative potential. However, true to herself, Bressler could not help but point out the flaws of her profession.

"What I like least about my profession, especially in corporate America, is all the red tape you have to go through," Bressler said. "But, I admit I am rebellious and often went over everybody's head to get the job done. My clients were very important to me."

The talk concluded with a question and answer session. While fans asked many questions, Bressler was not at liberty to discuss certain behind-the-scenes material, in accordance with her contractual agreement. She did not, however, hold back when it came to her thoughts about some of the assigned tasks.

"I have to admit that [the] task I disliked the most was the pedicab one," Bressler said. "I hated it. In fact, I absolutely despised it probably because I've gotten so many tickets that I am not allowed to be behind a vehicle - even a pedicab! I hated it; it was difficult and it was hard."

After the presentation, the audience flocked to Bressler to talk with her in person, take autographs and pictures. As for Bressler herself, she quit her job at Quest Communications April 30 claiming that The Apprentice opened up a world of possibilities she never thought possible.

Some of her long-term projects include working with other ex-apprentices from the show to start a Web site and real estate business. For now, she is busy preparing for Donald Trump's birthday party in a few weeks.