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April 8, 2004 [ view bill's dossier ] [ view kwame's dossier ]
Kwame returned from the boardroom, where Troy had been fired, to handshakes and a hug. Kwame said, “Everything I do from now on is dedicated to Troy.” In an interview, Kwame said it was tough to see Troy get fired. He said that even though they've only known each other for a short time, they have a real friendship. The next day, Bill, Nick, Kwame and Amy – the final four – met Donald at Trump World Tower. In a private suite, Donald introduced them to four more of his high-level employees and trusted advisors: Norma Foerderer (VP Media Relations & Human Resources), Alan Wiselberg (Chief Financial Officer), Charlie Reese (Head of Acquisitions), and Tom Downing (General Manager of Trump International Hotel and Tower). Donald said that Bill, Nick, Kwame and Amy would be interviewed by these trusted advisors and that their recommendations would be vital to the candidates' success. The interviews were grueling and packed with tough questions. Kwame had to defend his low energy level. Nick was pressed to say what he could bring to the company besides charisma. Amy had to admit that she didn't know much about Trump's main business: construction. And Bill was challenged on his education. All of the candidates went home, unsure of their futures. Amy admitted that, for the first time, she didn't know if she would make the cut.
In the boardroom, Donald met with his advisors, who had interviewed the final four. On Bill, Norma said he was her top choice. Charlie agreed. On Kwame, Tom thought he was likeable but Charlie still worried about his energy. On Nick, Charlie said he liked him, but that he was not an intellect. Alan thought that Nick could sell a product, but didn't offer more than that. And Tom weighed in to say that he just couldn't see Nick running one of Trump's companies. On Amy, Norma said that she would eventually get on her nerves. Tom said that she irritated the hell out of him. And Charlie said “she was like a Stepford wife” and that he was “bored talking to her.” Trump was surprised at the assessments of Amy, but he said that he trusted everyone in the boardroom. Trump thanked them all for their service and asked the candidates to come in.
Bill, Nick, Kwame and Amy entered the boardroom. Donald asked what everyone thought of Nick. Kwame said that Nick was good but not the best leader. Bill said that Nick was a good salesman, but needed more experience. Donald asked Amy who he should fire and she said Nick. Donald was shocked and said, “That's the end of that marriage.” He then told Amy, “You're cold. You're a cold-hearted person.” Nick fought back, saying that Trump is Trump because of his charisma and his effect on people and that Nick shares those qualities. But Donald said it takes more than charisma to lead a company. Donald commented that his advisors and all of Nick's peers said that Nick was a salesman, but not a leader – and fired Nick. Nick thanked Donald and everyone for the opportunity and left. Next, Trump turned to Amy. He said that up until today, Amy had been a superstar, but that his advisors had negative comments about her. Donald admitted that Amy had done the best over the course of the twelve weeks, but his people didn't respect Amy. Because of that, it would be hard to bring her into the fold. And with that, Donald fired Amy. She hugged Bill and Kwame and left the boardroom. So, it was down to the final two: Bill and Kwame. The two guys got a night off, but they would come back the next day for their biggest tasks yet.
Bill and Kwame went to the roof, took in the view and drank champagne. They toasted “opportunity.” In an interview, Bill said that he was proud of the way he had played the game. He said that he was true to himself the whole way through. In his own interview, Kwame said that his grandfather could only sign his name with an “X” and his mother was the first in his family to finish college. And now, Kwame had an MBA from Harvard and might have the opportunity to work for Donald Trump. Kwame thought that he was truly living the American Dream. On the rooftop, Kwame told Bill, “May the best man win.” Bill replied, “I think we already have.”
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