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D-DAY FOR JIM
Jim survived another intense conference room to fight another day. Yet
his demeanor this time was markedly subdued. The constant peril and stress
had affected the loft's most bombastic candidate. As the candidates settled
into their routine, they received a special guest:
Martha Stewart herself. She chatted up the eager candidates and
playfully inspected the state of the loft. But when she came to Jim, she
became serious: would the controversial candidate accept her challenge to
become project manager on the next task? Of course, no direct request from
Martha could be refused. Jim's candidacy would be tested like never before.
The next day, Primarius and Matchstick were challenged to create "personal
experiences" with celebrities for a pet-themed auction. As the competing
camps endeavored to negotiate the most alluring packages, some candidates
found it difficult to use the opportunity to step up to the plate. One
project manager was surprisingly restrained in the heat of the task. Two
candidates grew frustrated with their leader's arrogant attitude. And more
than one candidate came under fire for failing to impress Martha's trusted
associates.
In a nail-biting finish, the task was decided in the space of a single
auction - and Primarius emerged as the winners. Matchstick swiftly isolated
their two weakest elements, who wasted no time assembling evidence against
each other. Inside the conference room, Martha took control of the
proceedings, and executed one of the most difficult dismissals yet.
FURRY FRIENDS
Martha Stewart summoned the candidates to the animal studio of her
Connecticut production facility. Surrounded by a variety of creatures and
critters, the doyenne of domesticity waxed poetic about the joys that pets
bring to a household. This week, Martha instructed each corporation to work
with four celebrities (and their pets) to create "personal experience"
packages to be sold at the Beneful Celebrity Dog Charity Auction. The
proceeds would benefit Broadway Barks, an organization that helps homeless
animals and supports rescue groups across New York City.
Primarius' lineup of luminaries included acclaimed actor Paul Sorvino and
his daughter Amanda, soap opera icon Susan Lucci, Broadway stars John
Lithgow and Joanna Gleason, and superstar designer Todd Oldham. Matchstick
would be working with New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, comedian
Fran Drescher, Broadway actors Bruce Villanch and Jordan Ballard, and
television legend Merv Griffin. The corporation that raised the most money
at the auction would be the winners, and the losers would face Martha in the
conference room - where someone would be sent home.
THE LADY VS. THE
TRAMP
Matchstick, under the leadership of project manager
Marcela, met their celebrities in two groups.
Amanda and
Dawna had no problem establishing rapports with Fran Drescher and Bruce
Villanch. But both candidates were frustrated by Marcela's lack of direct
involvement in brainstorming creative ideas with the stars. In the other
squad,
David kept to himself during negotiations, preferring to take notes
instead.
Charles, Martha Stewart's eyes and ears during the task, noted David's
dearth of participation.
Across Manhattan, Primarius handled their famous partners like seasoned
pros. Pleased with the compelling packages they had created, project manager
Jim predicted a sure victory. However, the divisive candidate retained his
habit of rubbing his loftmates the wrong way. After a hard day's work,
Primarius settled down for a good-natured meal. While
Sarah and
Carrie saw it as an opportunity for a working dinner, Jim was ready to
relax and "get drunk." The ladies were frustrated at their project manager's
cavalier attitude in the midst of the task. As Jim dismissed them as "buzz
kills," Carrie and Sarah continued the corporation's hard work.
A CLOSE
CALL
In the heart of Broadway, a bevy of Manhattan's elite (accompanied by their
swank canines) packed an elegant theater for the charity auction. As the
celebrity packages came up for auction, the audience let their wallets show
their enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for the candidates' work. The dollar
amounts quickly piled up, amazing everyone involved. With only one
"experience" left to auction, Primarius needed the final bid to rise above
$13,250 to surpass Matchstick. A desperate Jim openly doubted his tenure in
the loft would last much longer.
However, when their Todd Oldham experience racked up an astounding $17,000,
Primarius rocketed to a thrilling victory. In the lobby of the theater,
Martha Stewart congratulated both corporations on raising an incredible
amount of money for a truly deserving charity. However, only one corporation
could be declared the winner, and Primarius had earned the privilege. Their
reward, Martha beamed, was the satisfaction of giving - the true reward of
success. Matchstick was left to contemplate a far less heartwarming
experience - time with Martha in the chilling confines of the conference
room.
A DOG EAT DOG WORLD
Martha Stewart began the conference room by praising Matchstick's charitable
contribution to Broadway Barks. However, their loss could not go unpunished,
and someone would have to be sent home. Charles criticized David's
underwhelming performance on the task; not only did the young candidate hide
behind note taking during negotiations, but he also failed to contribute a
single idea. Dawna attacked Marcela's passive leadership style, declaring
that a good manager works hard in the trenches as well as being a leader.
Marcela defended herself, claiming to be an understated-yet-effective "quiet
force" in the workplace.
Despite her arguments, the majority of Marcela's colleagues suggested she
should go home. Martha had heard enough; she decreed only Marcela and David
would return to the conference room, and the remaining four could return to
the loft. Beyond the prying of curious candidate ears, Charles disparaged
Marcela's hands-off leadership.
Alexis reminded Martha that David has a history of meager contributions.
Both executives agreed the decision would be very difficult.
With the candidates back in the conference room, Martha asked David why he
wanted to work at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. The internet entrepreneur
said he coveted the chance to develop and expand Martha's considerable reach
deeper into the online realm. When asked the same question, Marcela said
that she wanted the job more than anything. She declared that she understood
Martha's target market, because she was Martha's target market, and revealed
that she had a collection of every single Martha Stewart magazine published
since 1997. On top of that, she claimed to want the job more than David.
Martha countered by telling Marcela that she has not proven her capacity as
a manager - and that no one was certain that such a capacity even existed.
David, on the other hand, had youth and inexperience according to Martha -
two qualities a manager cannot possess. Although she was sure he would be
successful, Martha could not continue with David. "You're not ready for an
executive position," she said, and sent him home. However, Charles was so
inspired by David's impassioned speech on the internet, the executives
encouraged him to contact them with further ideas, suggesting a bright
future for the upbeat businessman waited just around the corner.
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