I was nauseous after my meeting with Vera, our new boss. I circled the office looking busy, but really looking for my trusted friend Alex who was working on his slides when I edged up close.
“My first meeting with Vera was brutal Alex. She kept asking me insane questions, like ‘What do you expect the shortfall will be end-of-month Brian?’ And she wanted the low down on some of the clients I’ve never even met.”
Alex was in work mode, hidden in a quiet dark office space, as he likes it. I know the spot well, we’ve had many convos here, away from the mob of contract employees they keep hiring and letting go at Williams Insurance. He’s my goto for office gossip, the kind that can cost your job if you don’t stay alert.
Focused on his screen, mumbling “48,500 should be right…, huh, I think she’s testing you Brian. Like finding out who’s the apex analyst in finance.”
“But she frowned when we wrapped up, she wasn’t happy with my half-answers. She looked right through me like I didn’t know my arse from a hole in the ground. I’m screwed.”
Looking up from his screen, “It’s your first meeting with Vera and she knows you’re a junior analyst. Like I said, just testing the waters. It’s what I would do if I were her.”
“What would you do if you were me, Alex? I mean, what do I do? She asked me to attend a meeting with shareholders, take notes for her. Am I now her notetaker? I’m on a short lease. Gawd.”
More mumbling, “168,000 year end…”
I pause, waiting for something, some glimmer of hope. Rolling his chair back exposing his leather shoes and ready-for-golf-with-clients wardrobe, finally switching his focus to me.
“Brian, build trust with her. Stay calm, do her notes and add your insights. Your insights have been well regarded by everyone. I’m golfing with her tomorrow, I’ll put in a good word for you.”