December 12, 2018 10.45 pm This story is over 72 months old

The Apprentice: How Lincolnshire mumpreneur Khadija fared

The outcome of the final five interviews
Khadija Kalifa was among the final five contestants in 2018 series of The Apprentice. | Photo: BBC

Lincolnshire business owner Khadija Kalifa started against 15 other competitors and survived boardroom grillings to finish in a respectable fourth place in the latest series of BBC’s The Apprentice.

As previously reported, the Lincolnshire mumpreneur is the owner of eco cleaning company Opal & Pearl Ltd, whose office moved from Bourne to Peterborough back in August.

She also owns Beaux Bebes Boutique Limited, which she launched in 2015 and recently moved offices last month from Bourne to Stamford.

Unfortunately her journey on The Apprentice is now over.

Ambition and hunger

In the first few weeks Khadija was the team leader as the girls’ team emerged victorious, showing early signs that despite her larger than life personality, maybe, just maybe, she could go far.

Lord Alan Sugar had previously criticised the 28-year-old for being disruptive and aggressive, indicating he may struggle to work with her.

She didn’t let it deter her and despite the criticism, and coming under fire for her management style, she survived more of the process than some expected.

During Wednesday’s final five interviews show, she said: “I’d rather be ambitious than mediocre”.

When questioned about her apparent aggressive approach, she responded by saying “I am not aggressive, I am just so hungry to do well”.

She claimed she could make more than the average net profit. Even when pulled up on these financial claims, she justified herself and her passion showed.

Khadija’s journey is over

In several of the previous weeks, especially with Lord Sugar’s criticism, it did seem as though her journey on The Apprentice was hanging by a thread.

However, watching all of the candidates’ performances in the final five interview process, it seemed she may yet have a chance.

Sabrina Stocker was the first to be fired during Wednesday’s episode, so Khadija’s chances were improving by the minute, but there were still two more to be fired during the episode.

Unfortunately Khadija was next to go, followed by Daniel Elahi, meaning the winner of The Apprentice will be either Sian Gabbidon or Camilla Ainsworth.

Although her chances of becoming Lord Sugar’s business partner have come to an end, she deserves to be applauded for trading in her business for over three years which she started with only £20 in her pocket.