Guard of heart

The answer

As Mr. Wilkins finished his breakfast, the clock struck 9:30. Stepping out onto the grand front porch, I heard the crunch of gravel under the wheels of a sleek black car. Two imposing SUVs flanked our vehicle, their tinted windows hinting at the extensive security detail. I opened the door for Mr. Wilkins, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

*Deep breath, Elara. This is just the beginning. Don’t let the nerves get the best of you.* I tried to focus on the thrill of starting my new role and decided to break the silence during the car ride. "Mr. Wilkins, may I ask something?"

"Sure," he replied, his eyes still focused on the passing scenery.

"What did you mean by 'If businessmen and their managers are heartless, the world will be unbalanced'?" I asked, curious about the philosophical aspect of his approach.

Mr. Wilkins leaned forward, his gaze serious. "That theory was proposed by my previous secretary. He believed that while business often demands tough decisions, maintaining a sense of empathy is crucial for balance."

He paused, then added, "Your answer during the interview mirrored this perspective."

I was surprised. "I thought my test scores and qualifications were lacking compared to others."

Mr. Wilkins gave a knowing smile. "They were. But it was your response to one particular question that caught my attention. You managed to take a complex business concept and make it relatable. That’s not something everyone can do."

**[Flashback]**

The interview room was an intimidating expanse of polished mahogany and leather. Mr. Wilkins sat at the head of the long conference table, surrounded by board members—Mr. Reynolds, the bald, mustachioed head of finance; Mrs. Thompson, Ms. Laura and two other executives whose faces were a blur of skepticism. Their collective scrutiny was palpable, each gaze adding to the weight of the room.

*Okay, Elara, you’ve prepared for this. Just breathe.* I repeated the mantra in my head as Mr. Reynolds wasted no time. "Ms. Hailsin, your academic credentials are impressive, but you lack direct experience. How do you expect to navigate the complexities of this role, especially working under a figure as prominent as Mr. Wilkins?"

I swallowed hard, gripping the armrest of my chair for reassurance. *Focus. You’ve tackled tougher questions before. Just explain your skills and how they apply here.* "I may not have direct experience in the business world, but during my time at Wilkins Business School, I developed strong leadership skills and a strategic mindset. I excelled in theoretical applications of business concepts, leading projects that mirrored real-world scenarios."

Mrs. Thompson’s sharp tone cut through the air. "Theory is one thing, but this position requires practical decision-making. Can you give us an example of a time when your theoretical knowledge led to a successful outcome?"

I blinked, feeling sweat form on my brow. *Think, think... What’s a good example?* "In one of my business projects, we were tasked with creating a growth plan for a fictional company. I spearheaded a strategic marketing shift that increased our theoretical market share by 20%."

A few board members exchanged glances, their skepticism evident. One of them muttered under his breath, "She’s just another academic... Can she really handle this?"

*Great, now they think I’m just a bookworm.* I pushed the discouraging thoughts aside as Laura Chen leaned in, her gaze piercing. "Ms. Hailsin, let’s get specific. How do you handle a real-world scenario where quick decisions are needed? What’s your strategy in high-pressure situations?"

Before I could respond, Mrs. Thompson sighed audibly, her exasperation clear as she tapped her pen rhythmically. Mr. Reynolds leaned back, seemingly distracted by his phone. The pressure was mounting, and I could feel myself sinking under their scrutiny. *This is it. They’re going to write me off before I get a chance to show them what I can do.*

Then Mr. Wilkins spoke, his voice cutting through the noise. "Ms. Hailsin, let’s focus. You’re the CEO of a company, and you’re facing a decision: a business rival is on the brink of collapse, and you have the opportunity to take aggressive measures that could finish them off and strengthen your company’s position. What would you do?"

This was the direct, business question I had been bracing for. I straightened in my seat and answered confidently, "In that scenario, I would weigh the risks and benefits. While eliminating a competitor could lead to short-term gains, I would consider the long-term impact on the market and our company’s reputation. It’s important to act strategically, without jeopardizing our ethical standards."

Mr. Wilkins leaned back, thoughtful. "Interesting. But now, elaborate on that. How would you explain this approach to someone who might not understand the business jargon? Make it practical."

*Okay, that’s a solid answer. But they want more. How can I make this relatable?*

I paused, then took a deep breath. "Imagine this," I said, meeting his eyes. "You’re running a cupcake shop, and there's another bakery across the street. You could lower your prices drastically to put them out of business, but doing so could create a hostile environment and damage your reputation in the long run. Instead, if you focus on offering unique flavors or exceptional customer service, you can attract customers without deliberately harming your competitor."

The room went silent. Mr. Reynolds, who had been disinterested moments before, suddenly sat up, eyebrows raised in surprise. Laura Chen tilted her head, considering my words. Even Mrs. Thompson had stopped her pen tapping, her eyes fixed on me.

Mr. Wilkins smiled, nodding slowly. "Now that," he said, "is the kind of practical thinking we need. Not just logical, but realistic. You’re not just thinking about the business on paper; you're considering how actions play out in the real world. That’s the balance we’re looking for."

The atmosphere shifted. The doubts that had been hanging in the air seemed to dissipate. Mr. Wilkins had seen what he was looking for, and though the other executives remained skeptical, it was clear that I had made an impression.

**[End of Flashback]**

*Wow, he was actually impressed?* I felt a flicker of hope as we continued our drive. *Maybe I’ve got a chance here after all. Just keep it together. Remember, you’re not just any candidate—you’re here because he saw something in you. Don’t mess it up now.*

The conversation shifted to lighter topics as we approached the office. Despite the stress of the interview, Mr. Wilkins’ willingness to discuss deeper concepts and his openness to my perspective reassured me. *Maybe, just maybe, I’ve found a place where my skills and determination will be valued. Here’s hoping for a smooth start—no coffee spills, no awkward mishaps. Just success.*