Karishma Revitalizes The Apprentice with Her Intelligence

The BBC talent show has felt both farcical and unexpectedly strong this series. Central to that turnaround is Karishma Vijay, a 28-year-old skincare business owner and influencer.

Why viewers are taking notice

Karishma has combined product expertise with calm leadership. Her rosehip oil, she says, cured her cystic acne.

Her steady competence contrasts with other contestants. Many struggled with basic tasks and decorum.

Standout qualities

• Commercial skill: she persuades large clients using sincerity rather than smarm.
• Strategic thinking: she anticipates problems and plans several steps ahead.
• Composure: she performs well under interview pressure and boardroom scrutiny.

Task highlights

She produced practical solutions during the Isle of Wight treasure hunt. Karishma linked local bakery branches to arrange pickups and secure discounts.

Her creative instincts shone on other briefs. She supplied ideas for a children’s book task and led a cinematic approach to a bottled-water advert.

Memorable moments

• Talking dog bed pitch: she declared, “I’d sell my kidney for my dog to have the nicest bed.” The idea misfired.
• Gamified Fitness task: Karren Brady praised her understanding of gaming, narrative and sport-tech integration. Brady said, “You bossed it, I thought” and “I thought you were the big boss.”
• Product recognition: she correctly identified her own oil among six identical bottles during a test.

Leadership style

Karishma leads without dominating. She guides teams quietly and gives others room to contribute.

She refuses to join petty squabbles. Her confidence is clear in both meetings and pitches.

Reactions around the boardroom

• She often appears unimpressed by opponents, maintaining polite restraint.
• When challenged about style versus substance she replied, “I don’t walk, I strut, babe.”
• Her steady performance has left some competitors frustrated. Kieran, an estate agent, reportedly walked away from Lord Sugar rather than admit defeat to her.

The show’s context

The series still contains farcical elements. Contestants have struggled with tasks like boiling an egg and telling the time.

There has also been snobbery, arrogance and backstabbing. Even so, many viewers believe Karishma revitalizes the Apprentice through clear intelligence and practical leadership.

The final airs on BBC One tonight at 9pm. Filmogaz.com will follow reactions and the outcome live.