60 seconds with… Liz Locke

22 August 2011 | By Robert Thickett

Why did you apply to go on series six of the Apprentice in 2010?
I’ve always been incredibly ambitious and while I did well at UBS and Deutsche Bank I didn’t like working for a big investment bank you are one of many within a strict hierarchy. I wanted to work in a creative environment in terms of being able to dictate the way a business is going and how it attacks the market. I was never going to be able to do that where I was, so The Apprentice gave me the opportunity to explore my talents outside the financial arena and find out what makes me tick.

What attracted you to the bridging sector?
I joined Omni Capital in February this year for two reasons to develop a leading financial brand and to work within a fast-paced, innovative market. Coming from an investment banking background, the bridging sector offered the ability to put my financial skills and training to good use. It also enabled me to develop a brand and product proposition from scratch. The bridging market is an exciting industry to work in due to the increased competition and the amount of innovation taking place.

You recently did the Virgin Active London Triathlon what time did you do it in?
I’m still waiting for confirmation about that. I did the running element in about 22 minutes.

What was your favourite bit?
Definitely the running. The training for swimming was horrendous. I have to say that I didn’t do it on the day because I’d injured myself so I had a professional do it for me. But I trained for the swimming and it was the hardest bit.

If you were a superhero what power would you have?
I’d love to be invisible because then you could be anywhere at any time. Women are nosy so to be invisible would be fantastic.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
The advice I received from my mother to be confident in oneself and one’s abilities. That’s probably the biggest thing that I learnt on The Apprentice that being confident is the key to most success. You can do all the academic and professional training you want, but if you’re not confident you won’t achieve your true potential.

What book are you reading?
I’m embarrassed to say it, but I’m reading Lord Sugar’s book. He gave it to me when I got fired and I’ve delayed reading it on principle until now.

Interview by Robert Thickett