Episode four - The Southeast and London
Category: Press Pack ArticleHajar, London
Occupation: Comic/singer
Age: 39
Hajar was a straight A student at school but felt like that changed as she got older and socialising and life got in the way of studies. Hajar knows she did well at school and considers herself a little intelligent but would really like to see if she has wasted the potential she showed as a child.
“I think the problem with being a Muslim girl with traditional parents is that there was no expectation on me to be anything. I had all these layers of like questioning myself. And my flatmate he thinks I am really, really smart. And I am just trying to believe what people say about me a little bit more. My parents never had a career in mind for me. It was all about being good and meeting a man. So, if I could just trust that little voice in myself and like, you know the answer just like back yourself and see how far things can go.”
Hajar is now a member of Mensa and credits the show with giving her the confidence to make major life changes. Since filming, she has pushed herself to buy a house, is preparing for her first solo show, and feels significantly more self-assured, knowing what she is capable of achieving.
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
I was really interested to understand more about my relationship with my brain and my ideas of intelligence. It had been the badge of my value at school - grades meant everything to me and I felt like intelligence was to be performed rather than harnessed or intentionally used. Since school I don’t feel I’ve nurtured my brain or interests enough, and I feel like my lack of focus has meant I’ve fallen behind and not reached my potential.
What part of the experience surprised you the most?
I was most surprised at how much of an impact it had on me emotionally. After the first weekend of filming, I found it really brought up lots of things from childhood that I’d forgotten, and how much I’d linked my sense of self-worth to academic success. The whole process was difficult but cathartic – the intensity of the tasks and then the way I talked about them before and after really gave me an opportunity to understand myself a bit more.
Was there a moment when you doubted yourself? If so, how did you push through it?
I didn’t doubt my capability, but I doubted my ability to regulate myself and stay calm. Because of what I know about ADHD, I think I’ve allowed myself to be more limited by the label, instead of remembering all the ways I have always managed to harness my intelligence. I’m proud of how I used tools at my disposal to get through tasks – especially the clock face one.
What was the moment you felt most proud of yourself during the competition?
I felt most proud of how Richard and I worked together. I was so worried about letting him down, and then really panicked when I thought I’d messed it up on technicalities, but I loved how creatively my brain worked in that task to communicate with him. I’m also really proud of how far I got – and the skills I used.
If someone watching at home doubts their own ability, what would you say to them?
There’s no point in doubting your ability to do anything. If you want to do it, try. If you’re not good at it, figure out how to get better at it. If you don’t want to do it, don’t. The doubt is absolutely pointless and serves no one. The more I remind myself to act from a place of power, not fear, the happier I am in my life and with my decisions.
Karl, Guildford
Occupation: Delivery Driver
Age: 56
Aged 30 Karl noticed that his sense of smell was starting to go, and five years ago was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, the disease effects the right side of his body. After a long career working in Wine, he had to change directions and now works as a van driver delivering wine and spirits to Spanish restaurants across the UK. The life changes brought on by Parkinson’s have inspired Karl to challenge himself in new ways.
“In 2019 I was finding it difficult to type and write. I thought I had RSI. I went through a long process of tests before getting my diagnosis. I couldn’t think straight, to be honest with you.
It was – it was quite difficult. I had incredible support from my wife. I decided the time had to come to go and do something a bit more chilled. So, I drive a van. I love being on the road. It’s helped take the stress out of my life. Because anxiety is a symptom of Parkinson's as well. So, I feel better for it.
Parkinson's can affect your mental ability. So, it would be good to know that I have still got some sharpness left. I do miss flexing my brain. So, I feel like this is perhaps the last chance to prove myself.”
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
My wife started the application for me, she often tells me how clever I am.
What part of the experience surprised you the most?
The score Alan gave me when I left. Apparently, I’m as smart as Benjamin Franklin
Was there a moment when you doubted yourself? If so, how did you push through it?
I was stumped on the first task because I didn’t read the question properly. I took a hint and was cautious on the second half.
What was the moment you felt most proud of yourself during the competition?
Just making it through the first round!
Victoria, London
Occupation: Delivery driver/home maker
Age: 45
Victoria is a mum to 7 children, with her youngest child about to start school in September, she has realised this is the first time in 25 years that she can decide on what she wants to do.
“Life is incredibly busy for me. School runs, work, chores and homework and dinner. So that I can work around the children I am a delivery driver. I meet 100s of people every single week. I am known as a super recogniser. I am not aware that I am scanning their faces. However, I remember all of them. My family say to me, I don’t know how you do it. My children are 25, 22, 17, 16, 12, 8 and 4.”
Victoria has left her job as a delivery driver and is now exploring ways to build a career using her skills as a super recogniser. She is actively investigating whether she can turn this exceptional ability into a sustainable profession.
What made you apply for Secret Genius?
I actually saw an advert for Secret Genius on Facebook, it sounded intriguing, but I almost scrolled past it. I applied on a bit of a ‘why not?’ moment, never in a million years thinking I’d get accepted let alone make it through the various application processes and tests etc to make it to the final 48! I think that’s what makes the experience so special — it started with curiosity, not confidence.
Was there a moment when you doubted yourself? If so, how did you push through it?
Yes, there were moments when I doubted myself. I live with ME, so fatigue is something I have to manage carefully. Filming days were long, starting very early and sometimes finishing late —it reminded me that resilience isn’t about feeling strong all the time — it’s about continuing even when things can be hard.
What did you learn about the way your own brain works, and did it change how you see your intelligence?
I was already kind of aware that I enjoy and can be good at visual perception problem-solving, patterns and pictures and not with numbers, so in that sense it didn’t change how I "see" my intelligence (as intelligence is far more than how society can make it be perceived)
If someone watching at home doubts their own ability, what would you say to them?
I’d say you don’t actually know what you’re capable of until you give yourself the chance. If you tell yourself you can’t do something, you’ll never find out if you’re wrong unless you try! Try something new, try something different — even if it scares you. I applied for something I never thought I’d do, and not only did I surprise myself, but I came away with friendships that will last a lifetime. Sometimes taking the risk gives you far more than you expect and in ways you might not expect.