Page 67 of Illicit Education
My father the warrior and his wife, the lover.
He leads with fear; she led with respect.
I am the combination of the two of them.
Taking a deep breath, I continued, “I understand the reservations some may have regarding my ability to lead this vast conglomerate. But let me remind you of the journey I have undertaken within the publishing division.” I leaned forward, my gaze sweeping across the room, capturing the attention of each trustee as Travis began to pass out copies of Reed Publishing’s financials.
“Under my leadership,” I continued, “our publishing division has flourished, surpassing industry expectations and achieving unprecedented growth. We've embraced innovation, adapted to changing market trends, and nurtured a creative environment that has birthed bestsellers and launched talented authors into stardom.”
A ripple of interest flickered across the faces of the board members, a glimmer of recognition that perhaps there was more to me than met the eye.
Emboldened by this response, I continued, my words flowing with increasing fervor. "I understand the weight of responsibility that comes with leading Reed Enterprises, and I humbly accept that burden. I stand before you today not just as my father's son, but as a proven leader who has weathered storms, conquered challenges, and emerged stronger than ever."
Silence hung in the air, broken only by the faint rustle of papers and the shifting of chairs. Then, a voice emerged from the sea of board members, laced with skepticism.
Winston Rombauer.
“Cabot—”
My jaw tightened.
A ghost of a smile teased his lips. “Apologies,son.” He paused, no doubt allowing that to sink into the minds of everyone present.
Undermining me with a single word.
But he’d been trying to put me in my place for years. Quite unsuccessfully.
“Mr. Reed, while your accomplishments in the publishing division are undoubtedly impressive, leading a conglomerate as vast as Reed Enterprises requires a diverse skill set. How can we be certain that your success in one division translates to the entire organization?"
It irked me to no end that he was present for this meeting, but until I took my place at the helm and let him go, I had no say in the matter.
His question hung in the air, a gauntlet thrown down before me.
I met his gaze. "I appreciate your concern, Mr. Rombauer,” I replied, my voice unwavering. "It is true that the scope and magnitude of Reed Enterprises extend far beyond the realm of publishing. However, leadership is not confined to a single discipline; it is a tapestry woven with adaptability, resilience, and a keen understanding of market dynamics.”
I leaned forward, my fingers splayed on the table, drawing strength from the woman whose presence still lingered in every inch of this boardroom.
I imagined her sitting at the opposite end of the table, directly to my father’s left, pride shining in her deep blue eyes.
“Throughout my tenure, I have cultivated relationships with industry leaders, forged strategic partnerships, and navigated the intricacies of a rapidly evolving market. These experiences have provided me with a holistic perspective, enabling me to recognize opportunities, mitigate risks, and drive success across diverse sectors.”
Rombauer’s eyes narrowed. He was displeased with my response.
Pride swelled within me.
Reed Enterprises was as good as mine.
Another board member, Lark Chambers, a woman with a wicked tongue and an air of authority that rivaled only my father’s, raised her hand. Head of our media division, she was top in her field. A force to be reckoned with.
She was also someone I absolutely expected to raise concerns during this meeting. I’d prepared for her. Lark Chambers had never sat through a board meeting without playing Devil’s Advocate; why expect her to start now?
“Mr. Reed, while your dedication is commendable, some worry about your ability to command the respect and loyalty of employees at all levels. How do you plan to inspire and unite the workforce under your leadership?"
Her question struck at the core of my mother’s philosophy. I straightened my shoulders. “I firmly believe that a leader is only as strong as the team they surround themselves with. Empathy, communication, and fostering a culture of collaboration are the cornerstones of my leadership approach.” I paused, allowing my words to resonate within the hearts of the board members. “I’d like to look to my mother for this aspect of my leadership goals.” Pausing again, I allowed them time to remember the incredible woman who raised me. It was crucial for them to see me as a product ofbothmy parents. “By embracing an open-door policy, actively listening to the ideas and concerns of my employees, and recognizing their invaluable contributions, I will foster an environment where innovation and excellence thrive. Together, we will forge a united front, bound by a shared vision and a sense of purpose that permeates every level of our organization.”
As the questions continued, I met each one with poise and conviction. Concerns were addressed, doubts dispelled. Slowly but surely, the skeptics among the board members were won over by my unwavering commitment and the clarity of my strategic vision.
Travis nodded approvingly throughout the meeting, and having the respect of not only my closest friend but a man whose values rivalled my mother’s meant I was on the right track.