She smiled faintly. I'd be honored, she said. Elena grinned. Good. Because I want you at the leadership summit next quarter.
The one where all the regional firms gather. Alicia's eyebrows lifted. Including Halston and Gray? Elena's smile turned sly. Especially Halston and Gray.
Three months later, Alicia stepped into the ballroom of the Midwest Business Leadership Summit. The place gleamed. Chandeliers, tailored suits, polished laughter. Banners lined the walls. Building the future of corporate strategy.
At one of the tables near the stage sat Greg Thompson. His hair was a little grayer, his smile tighter. He was mid-conversation when he looked up and froze. Alicia walked in wearing a charcoal gray suit, confident and poised. No hesitation, no pretense.
Just quiet authority. He blinked, trying to process. Alicia? She turned at the sound of his voice. Greg, she said politely.
Good to see you. He stood, still stunned. You're with Sterling now? Director of innovation strategy, she said evenly. I was just promoted last month.
Greg's jaw twitched. Director? Yes, she said smiling faintly. You were right though, I needed more polish. Turns out I found it.
He forced a laugh. Good for you, really. That's impressive. She nodded. Thank you.
I learned a lot from Halston and Gray. He smiled, half relieved, half uneasy. Glad we could help you get where you are. Her gaze met his, steady and unflinching. You did, just not in the way you think.
Before he could respond, the announcer called the next speaker. Please welcome from Sterling & Co., director of innovation strategy, Ms. Alicia Monroe. Greg froze. Alicia gave him a polite nod, then walked confidently toward the stage, the sound of applause filling the room as the spotlight found her.
She took the podium, her voice clear, poised, commanding. Good morning. My name is Alicia Monroe. And today I want to talk about something that every company needs to understand. Growth doesn't come from saying, "Not yet."
to the people who are ready. It comes from recognizing them before someone else does. The crowd murmured in approval. Greg lowered his gaze to the table, his hands tightening around his glass. Alicia smiled.