Hometown: Los Angeles/San Diego, CA
Occupation: Creative Director

Carrie, 31, owns "Drive Creative, Inc." a San Diego communications company specializing in public relations, creative marketing, event planning and media project management. The former beauty pageant contestant - and first runner-up for the Miss California USA title in 2000 - worked for over six years as a stockbroker and provided financial commentary on talk radio. She has also pursued her talent for glass blowing, participating as a student, teacher and artist-in-residence in various national craft programs. Carrie dreams of combining her dual passion for art and commerce by branding her own contemporary glass line and producing documentaries about the craft. Born and raised in San Diego, Carrie attended both Dartmouth and UC San Diego where she earned a B.A. in communication with honors. She currently resides in Southern California with her fiancée.

When will you consider yourself "a success"?
Never. Success is not a goal, it's an ideal…something to strive for. Don't you know that? If I ever consider myself "a success" then I might get comfortable and hey- life is short, there's just not enough time for that. The truth is, I'm my biggest critic and when that "success" label comes my way it is just time to reach higher. I am blessed with a wonderful family, and supportive friends and have finally discovered that doing what you love is the cornerstone of having an abundant life. I just imagine where I want to be and work hard to get ahead of the game. When I consider myself a success it will be time to hang up my shoes or should I say, my size 5 high heels.

How would you describe your leadership style?
Are you kidding? It's my way or the highway! No really, I am a huge fan of the Peter Drucker's leadership style. If you don't know who he is I strongly recommend looking him up, the guy is 96 years old and still rocks! I lead by communicating project vision, and then allocate performing people to where they can use their strengths and most effectively deliver results. While I ultimately am accountable come win, lose or draw, delegation provides the opportunity to bring out the best in my team. Letting go of project details, allows me to focus on my intuitive ability to manage conflict, organize the critical path, ask the right questions, take advantage of change and most importantly know when to walk away and know when to run.

How do you deal with personal and professional challenges?
The greatest challenge in life is to figure out who you are and be that everyday. It's about personal branding. Discover what your values, your strengths, and your weaknesses are and remember the advice your mom gave you because let's face it. 95% of the time she is probably right. To deal with daily life challenges I rely on my gut. We're not talking about the gut I suck in to get on that awesome designer skirt, but actually my gut instinct to make solid decisions that back-up my personal brand.

What, in your opinion, is the most important quality to have in order to succeed in life and why?
Passion and Persistence. I am fascinated and inspired by America's great modern achievers. Martha Stewart, Donald Trump, Oprah Winfrey, Mark Burnett, Steve Jobs, Alan Greenspan, Tiger Woods, Dale Chihuly, just to name a few. (Darth Vader did not make the cut because of the whole "dark side" thing, sorry.)

They all have this in common: They are the best at what they do, they believe in what they have dedicated their lives to, and they are unrelenting in pursuit of their goals, even in the face of great adversity.

What's more important: College Education or Real World Experience?
The most important thing is having the courage to find what you are good at and love to do. That path is as unique as its traveler. I have found that having both a college education and business experience were equally important in helping me to find and develop my life's purpose.

Have any previous Apprentice winners motivated or inspired you?
They all did an incredible job. I found Troy, Ivana, and Alex to be really entertaining, and I related most to Elizabeth. But, like many other entrepreneurs in America, watching them just made me think: "let me at 'em, been there, done all of that." They inspired me to pursue the position of "Apprentice" to Martha, and I will be forever grateful to have earned a place in this interview process. For those that will watch us this fall and say, "I can beat her" my reply is: Step up, be persistent, keep applying. You could be in for the adventure of a lifetime!

How do you combine your creativity with your business savvy?
I smile a lot, but my mind is usually working over-time. I am an entrepreneur with a core understanding of investment and business strategy. I did learn a few things from my work in politics, finance, PR and media marketing (and my father taught survival training in the Navy), so when I'm in "business mode" don't mess with me. I am committed to productivity, management of resources and bottom line results, so "get it" or get out of the way, because I can work around you.

At heart, however, I am an artist and as cuddly as a "care bear". I have a great passion for the craft of glass blowing and the development of imaginative art projects. When in my "creative mode", I live completely in the moment and find great satisfaction in the spontaneity of ideas.

It really is a challenge to combine these interests and I am usually in one mode or the other. However, I have been looking for the opportunity to combine my intuitive business strengths with my creative passions. A place like MSLO is perfect for me because it celebrates the business and the creative in equal measure.

Faves;
Music: Christmas music, Amy Grant (I've been teased for years, but I love her music), Michael Buble, Diana Krall, Jason Mraz, Tristan Prettyman
Books: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump, Oh, The Places You'll Go! By Dr. Seuss
TV: Antiques Roadshow, The Apprentice, Oprah, Dr. Phil, Grey's Anatomy
Movies: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Wall Street, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally, Rivers and Tides: Andy Goldsworthy Working with Time

Quote: "Martha has always been an inspiration to me. She has many qualities that I attempt to emulate. Marth's ambition, penchant for perfection, great attention to detail and ability to retain large quantities of information are qualities that I work on everyday. I do have an almost unnatural skill for organization. Also, I require very little sleep. There is just so many great things going on all of the time, I figure I'll get plenty of sleep when I'm dead. It is rumored that Martha only needs a couple hours a night as well. So Martha, if you are up, just give me a ring (you have my number.) Martha started her career at the age of 31 after leaving a career as a stockbroker."