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"If work is a chore, don't do it. Go do whatever floats your boat." - George Ross

George Ross is Executive Vice President and Senior Counsel for the Trump Organization and Donald Trump's business and legal advisor. George is responsible for development of foreign investments and supervision of leasing and operation of the landmark 40 Wall Street building and the legendary Trump Tower.

NBC.com caught up with George during a visit to his spacious office in Trump Tower. The "lived in" office offers sweeping views of Manhattan and is decorated with drawings from George's grandchildren. Upon my arrival, George "Googled" The Apprentice and checked out the NBC.com website. His only comment was, "Omarosa's Commentary?!"

What are some common mistakes you see in the boardroom?
Underestimating Donald, Carolyn and myself, and how we will react to things they do or say.

What do you look for when you observe a PM during a task?
Creativity. Ingenuity. A certain spark that indicates you're a leader.

The majority of the time it seems the losing PM takes the fall regardless of their leadership skills.
That's not always true. Very often the PM will not get fired - and shouldn't, because he or she has done the best they can at handling a group that basically doesn't want to work with you. They are out to succeed as a team, but they don't want to support you as a team leader.

Has a team ever asked you to intervene during a task?
Sure and I said, "No." I'm just there to observe. It didn't happen in season two, but it did in season one. I told them to do what they thought was appropriate.

Are you looking forward to season three?
Yes - I think there's a lot to be learned and a lot of experiences to have. Again, these people have already seen The Apprentice so they have an advantage in knowing how the game is played.

What's different about this season?
The tasks are much more difficult. You have to be more creative.

What reaction have you gotten from the general public since the show debuted?
The general public seems to like it. It seems popular with a large demographic group. From students to seniors, which was unexpected. Everyone that comes up to me says, "George, I love you on the show." I don't think anyone would come up to say, "George, the show's a stinker."

Do you enjoy comments from one demographic group more than another?
I appreciate the feedback more talking to college students because they're getting a lot out of the show: How to deal with execs; a lot of traits or characteristics that they shouldn't adopt [in the work force].

Interpersonal skillsÂ…
Yes. How people react to tough situations that they've never been in before. Instincts.

Did you have a mentor when you started out in business?
No. I had to do it all myself, which made it much harder.

What motivated you?
I had to do right by my family. The need to be successful and the belief that I had the ability to be successful [motivated me].

So, what advice do you have for those college graduates just starting out? Or, for that matter, those looking to move ahead in their current career?
My feeling is that if you're not happy doing what you're doing - get out. If work is a chore, don't do it. Life is too short to be doing something that doesn't make you happy. Go do whatever floats your boat.

The worst thing in the world is to be caught in a job you don't like - or working for a boss you don't like. Also, you have to learn to have a life outside of your job. Children, grandchildren, hobbies. The job gets you the money to enjoy your life.

Do you think anyone can succeed Donald Trump as star of The Apprentice?
I don't think anyone can replace Donald Trump, and I'm not just saying that. He's got flair. He's very decisive. He doesn't choose his words, he speaks his mind. What you see is a true reaction. There is no script. That's a trait that's good in showbiz and I think that's what people love - the spontaneity.

It's like him saying, "You're fired!" It's direct and to the point. Not "well, I'm sorry but the truth of the matter is you did a really good job, but I have to get rid of somebody and it might as well be you." [Firing someone] can't be a happy experience. So just get it over with. "You're fired."

Read Donald's Interview

Read Carolyn's Interview

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