This is the fifteenth part in a series, so if you have not already done so, you might want to read Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, Part VI, Part VII, Part VIII, Part IX, Part X, Part XI, Part XII, Part XIII, and Part XIV before continuing.
Journalist: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today.
Chris Ingram: Thanks for having me.
Journalist: I’m excited to talk with you because you’re running the biggest real estate development company in North America … and you’re not even 30 yet.
Chris Ingram: Just a few months to go.
Journalist: What would you say has been the biggest factor in your success?
Chris Ingram: Just good, old fashioned hard work. I started at the bottom of this company. I was an assistant to the previous CEO, Hugh Lawson. At first I was just an errand boy, but he saw something in me and made me his personal assistant. He took me under his wing and was an incredible mentor. He taught me everything I know about the industry.
Journalist: It’s interesting you say that because he claims you and your wife, Sandra Lawson, forced him out of the company. And your wife, we should mention … is his sister.
Chris Ingram: That’s right, and it was very unfortunate what happened to Hugh. Unfortunately, the pressure of leadership proved to be too much for him. He’s taking a much-deserved break right now, but I want to clarify that he has not left the company. He’s still on the board of directors.
Journalist: Yes, but you forced him out of his position as CEO.
Chris Ingram: Like I said, the pressure proved to be too much for him and it was showing. At a certain point you have to do what’s best for the company, even when it makes you uncomfortable.
Journalist: Even when it’s your brother-in-law?
Chris Ingram: I would argue that it’s especially important when it’s family. If we don’t take care of our family members when they need us, where does that leave us?
Journalist: Well, I’m afraid that’s all the time we have for today. Chris, thank you so much for joining us today.
Chris Ingram: It was my pleasure.
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“Good old fashioned hard work?” Sandra spat at him.
“It’s what the people want to hear.”
Sandra scoffed. “You’re right. No one wants to hear that you got where you are by fucking the richest girl in your class. They really don’t want to hear that she was also the smartest. Or the most willing to do anything to get you to the top.”
“That’s right, they don’t.”
Sandra glared at him, speechless. But she was never speechless for long. Her voice was level and ice cold as she said, “Don’t get too comfortable. If I can do it to my own brother, there’s no reason I wouldn’t do it to you.”
The end.