You don't often meet an Apprentice candidate who's also a qualified Safari Guide, especially one who studied Zoology at Oxford. But Joe Phillips, aka "Jungle Joe," breaks the mould. He joined me, Aleksandra King, on Beyond The Boardroom for a conversation that swung wildly from harrowing encounters in the African bush to the bizarre reality of reality TV.

Growing up across Zimbabwe, Malaysia, and Egypt, Joe's passion for wildlife was ignited early – think barefoot adventures and scorpion encounters (he knows the dangerous ones!). He shares incredible stories from his time guiding, including being charged by lions, elephants, and the notoriously unpredictable buffalo. You'll hear why he believes facing that kind of raw, primitive fear puts the pressures of the boardroom, and even Lord Sugar, into stark perspective. Yet, hilariously, he also confesses to fainting after a kitten bite!

We dive into his Apprentice experience – applying on a whim while on safari, the "James Bond of business" line he semi-regrets, and navigating the intense, often manipulative environment the show creates. As a Podcast Host who's been through that process, it was fascinating to compare notes on the sleep deprivation, pressure, and strange fan interactions (yes, we talk about the foot fetish requests). Joe also reveals how the show provided instant Marketing Wins for his sustainable lip balm company, Surfbam, born from his frustration with plastic pollution seen while surfing.

This isn't just about adventure and TV; it's about purpose. Joe speaks passionately about conservation, the importance of educating children about nature (even the creepy crawlies!), and his ambition to follow in David Attenborough's footsteps. We explore how he balances his love for the wild with his entrepreneurial drive, inherited from his venture capitalist father. Could a nature-focused TV show be next? He gives us a hint.

Expertly captured by our Podcast Producer, this episode is a unique blend of adventure, intellect, and entrepreneurship. It’s a reminder that successful entrepreneurship comes in all forms. As a YouTuber exploring diverse business journeys, Joe's story is one you won't forget.

Find the full series of Beyond the Boardroom ([link removed]) on YouTube.

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