“And she had no idea?”
“Not a clue!” said Frank, erupting into laughter right along with Mr. Banks.
When the laughter had died down, Mr. Banks took a healthy swallow of his scotch and said, “I wish I’d known more men like you when I was building this company, Frank. Who knows where we could be now if we’d started out together.”
“Pardon me for saying so, but I think you’ve done just fine on your own.”
“I know, I know. But there’s just fine and then there’s really killing it.”
“I think I have just what you need.”
“More scotch?”
Frank laughed and poured more scotch for his employer. “That too, but I mean Jerry Seigfried.”
“Who’s he?”
“He’s the strapping young lad working in accounting, but I think he was meant for more than just playing with numbers.”
“Just playing with numbers? What do you think I do all day?”
“Exactly. He has the skills and the ambition to rise up in the company. Why waste someone of his talents in a job that could be done by anybody? I think he would be put to much better use on the executive team.”
Banks raised an eyebrow. “You think he’s ready for that kind of a step?”
“I do.”
“How long has he been working for us?”
“Only six months, but he has shown extraordinary potential in that time.”
Banks whistled. “Robertson has been telling me I should put Michelle Keyes in the new executive position.”
“And Keyes would be a fine choice, but I think Seigfried is really our best bet. He has all the qualities of a fine leader and Keyes, well, let’s just say I don’t think she would be such a good fit for the executive team.”
“You mean because she’s a woman.”
“It’s not that I don’t think she’s qualified for the position. I just think she would feel outnumbered, that’s all.”
Banks sucked in air between clenched teeth. “I’m already getting shit from HR for not having enough women on my executive team.”
“It’s a delicate subject, to be sure, but it would be a shame to waste talent as good as Seigfried for the sake of statistics. Now, as I said, I’m sure Keyes is capable of doing the job.” Frank held his hands up, palms facing out, before he leaned forward again. “But you know as well as I do how essential it is for the executive team to get along as just that: a team. No amount of skills or experience can compete with that.”
Banks leaned back in his chair and rubbed his chin. Frank knew when to sit quietly and let his words take effect.
“I’ll consider it,” said Banks. “Maybe just one more scotch to help clear my head.”
Frank laughed and said. “Any more scotch and I’m afraid you won’t remember this conversation. Then how will you keep your word to consider Seigfried for the position?”
Banks laughed and said, “I suppose you’re right. What time is it?”
“Just after eleven.”
“Shit. I have to get home before my wife kills me. I’ll see you on Monday.”
“Bright and early.”
To be continued …
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