THE CEO'S GAMBLE FOR LOVE

ear his speech at the last Entrepreneurship Seminar in Houston?""Oh, I did hear him making claims about the success of his bank and the probability of him delving into politics in the fut

art of the stereotype, Ashley," he says, and smiles. "So, what are your prospects for Peacecholds?" adds Mr. Pierce as he walks to the far end of the room. I follow behind him. He takes out a bottle of Moet from the refrigerator, grabs two wine glasses and takes a seat at the head of the table. I take the one next to him."I must say that Peacecholds is in good hands at the moment, sir. And anyone coming in wouldn't make a mess of it even if he or she wanted to. I don't think I shall be needing to do any different operation in my first year, sir. You've done a good job here.""And it is in our interests that you do a better job, Ashley," says Mr. Pierce as he fills the two wine glasses. "I won't let you nor the bank down, sir," I say, feeling special. "However, there is something you must know. Before your promotion, we had a deliberation. The board. And quite a number of them were averse to having a lady as bank Chairman.""Misogyny," I comment. "No offense meant.""Is that the word?" "It is the only one I can think of, sir.""Call it whatever you will," Mr. Pierce says and smiles again. "Buy you can never take that away from politics."At the mention of that word, I remember Terry Palmer and his egotistical claims. So, we are not too different after all. One is trying to take control of it. The other becomes a subject of it. It is beginning to seem like I am the the one who should be pitied. However, I hate every form of weakness."Then why did you choose me?" I demand. "Because you are qualified. That's why.""And did the other members of the board see it the same way you did?""They certainly did. But clearly not your gender becoming Chairman.""So how did it happen? How did I win?" I ask, now interested."It always comes down to the votes, even with all the argument flying about. As Chairman, I held sway. Won fifty two percent. And that was enough to give you the win.""But why?""Why?" repeats the former Chairman. "Why me? I'm sure there were some choices. How come you've put me in this position?""I've seen your tenacity, Ashley. Make a change. There were some things I couldn't do during my time. I'll send you a document. Read it and commit to memory if you can, you will need it.""Does this mean I will always have a divided board?" I ask."You cannot take Division away from business, Ashley. When it comes, and it definitely will, prove something," says Mr. Pierce and he winks. "Sounds like you're asking me to perform some kind of a miracle here, sir.""Your job isn't going to be different from mine, Ashley. I didn't perform miracles. Just did business, is all." He leans forward in the chair. "I just want you to be ca