One of The Apprentice's most memorable contestants visited Oxford to promote her special brand of motivational skills.

Jo Cameron, 37, from Leamington Spa, was catapulted into the nation's living rooms during the second series of the hit reality TV show, back in 2006.

Fired after six weeks and labelled a "nutter" by Sir Alan Sugar, the flame-haired entrepreneur - famed on the show for her nerve-jangling laugh - left the programme in a shower of publicity.

Weeks later, Jo's baby daughter was born prematurely and lived just 24 hours. It was to be a turning point in her life.

At a meeting on Tuesday evening in St Giles, she told members of the Oxford Yes Group - a "positive-thinking" social and business networking group - she was determined to rebuild her personal life and emerge as a successful business- women.

She soon launched 'Bouncebackability', a strategy for bouncing back through life's setbacks, and regularly speaks at business conferences, awards ceremonies and enterprise events.

She told the Oxford Mail: "It's about how to bounce back from setbacks in life and business. It's all about using your mind and body to overcome setbacks, focusing on what you want and looking at things in a different way.

"I think life is about process and strategy, particularly if you want to achieve something."

Although she did not win The Apprentice, Jo said it was a very rewarding experience.

And she wished contestants taking part in the fourth series, which begins next week, the best of luck.

She said: "It was incredible to be a part of such a great show. I think it brings business down to a social level and I learned a great deal."

She added: "I'm undecided whether I'll watch the new series or not - I might comment on it on my website."

And her advice for this year's contestants?

"There's room in the world for all of us and if it doesn't work out there will be something waiting in the wings for you," she said.

About 30 people attended the event at the Friends Meeting House in St Giles, organised by the Yes Group.

Spokesman Ayd Instone told the Oxford Mail Jo had fitted perfectly with the group's aim of improving people's self-development because she had personal stories to illustrate her strategies.

He said: "She was brilliant, one of the best speakers we have ever had. It worked really well."

To find out more about the group, which meets once a month, call 07765 480625 or go to www.oxfordyesgroup.org The group next meets on Tuesday, April 15, at 7pm when Ian Wycherley presents You're Telling Stories!

Members will have the chance to tell stories and learn why story telling is so effective at engaging attention.