Welcome back to Beyond The Boardroom. I'm your host, Aleksandra King, and this episode is a fascinating one. My guest, Gene Folks, brings a unique perspective – he's not just an entrepreneur and consultant, but a US Air Force veteran who took on Donald Trump himself on the US Apprentice back in 2010. We compare notes – Sugar vs Trump, UK vs US reality TV – and believe me, the insights are explosive.

Gene shares his journey, rooted in a family legacy of service and shaped by a decade in the military. That discipline and integrity were put to the ultimate test when he was unexpectedly fast-tracked onto The Apprentice, hoping to secure funding for a major real estate deal. What followed wasn't quite the business opportunity he envisioned.

Listen as Gene pulls back the curtain on the 'grueling' reality of the show – the manipulation, the pressure, and the clash between genuine business and entertainment demands. He reveals moments where he felt his own 'Gene Folks brand', built on years of hard work and ethical conduct, was being compromised for ratings. As a fellow Apprentice veteran, YouTuber, and Podcast Host, I know the game, but Gene's experience adds a different layer, especially his direct confrontations.

He recounts the pivotal moment he refused to 'play ball,' choosing integrity over airtime, culminating in a standoff where he essentially told Trump and the network where to stick their brands. We discuss the fallout, the alleged 'attacks' afterwards, and the crucial difference between business toughness – which we both agree is vital – and the 'cruelty' and lack of accountability he witnessed. It’s a powerful lesson in knowing your values and when to walk away, even from a billionaire.

From navigating boardroom politics to tackling racial and sexist undertones, Gene offers candid reflections on leadership, resilience ('running towards the fire'), and the challenges of maintaining your identity under the spotlight. We also explore his current ventures, including his own podcast and consultancy helping small businesses achieve their Marketing Wins.

This is a must-listen episode of Beyond The Boardroom for anyone interested in the realities of high-stakes environments, ethical leadership, and the courage to stand your ground. Find the full conversation and more resources at aleksandraking.com. #BeyondTheBoardroom #GeneFolks #TheApprentice #DonaldTrump #USApprentice #MilitaryVeteran #Entrepreneurship #BusinessEthics #Integrity #Resilience #Podcast #MarketingWins #Leadership #PodcastProducer