Originally posted Jan. 20.
A runner-up of NBC's reality television show "The Apprentice" told students how to succeed in life and business when he spoke at the University Club Wednesday.
"I feel presidential tonight," said Kwame Jackson, who was one person away from working for Donald Trump in the first season of the show. In his speech, Jackson talked about his pathway from earning his Harvard MBA to landing on a reality show.
Jackson gave the audience a crash course in his recipe for success, titled "Lessons From the Boardroom."
"Have no fear, be accountable, and never forget the team," Jackson said. "But most importantly, take calculated risks."
Thought it may seem to be a disappointment, Jackson said losing the chance to work for Donald Trump was actually an opportunity to step off the corporate ladder to become an entrepreneur. "The Apprentice" is a floor, not a ceiling, said Jackson about his professional goals.
Jackson is now test marketing a men's executive clothing line called Krimson at a retail store in New York. The name of the clothing line is a tribute to his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Inc. Jackson is also a partner in Legacy Holdings LLC, a company he started with two of his fraternity brothers.
Students and staff alike were impressed with Jackson's speech.
"I thought it was very motivational," said Kristen Hamaoui, a freshman in the School of International Service.
"Three words to describe it: informative, enlightening and real," said Raven Radley, a sophomore in the School of Communication.
Others pinpointed specific parts of his presentation as most worthwhile.
"The most important thing I think students should take from Jackson's speech is the importance of taking calculated risks and thinking about how these risks will affect the people around you," said Centennial Hall Resident Director Kim Washington. "For each person it's different"
