Mom's latest scan came back clear. Two years in remission. “Claire, that’s wonderful.” “I know.” Claire’s eyes were bright. The doctor said the surgery gave her a fighting chance, and the surgery happened because you gave me that money. So really you saved her life.
You would have found a way. Maybe, but I don’t have to wonder because you were there. She reached across the table and squeezed Amara’s hand. “I paid off the last of it, by the way.” The $9,000. It’s back in your account.
“You didn’t have to.” “Yes, I did.” You gave it freely, but I needed to give it back freely. Does that make sense? It does. They finished their coffee and walked to the office together. Sterling Advisory had moved to a bigger space last month.
More room for the growing team. 53 employees now, up from 40. The new space had a lounge area with comfortable chairs and big windows, and on the wall a plaque. The Sterling Advisory Group exists to solve problems, serve clients, and support people, in that order. Ethan’s idea.
Amara had helped write the words. The meeting was at 9:00. A potential new client, a tech company struggling with company culture. They’d heard about Sterling’s reputation for combining business excellence with human values. They wanted that for themselves.
Amara led the presentation. She talked about process, about metrics, about measurable outcomes. But she also talked about the support fund, about compassion leave, about pro bono work, about building a culture where people felt valued, not just productive. The CEO of the tech company listened intently. At the end he leaned back in his chair.
This is different from other consultants we've talked to. They focus on efficiency, you focus on people. “Efficient people are happy people,” Amara said. “Take care of them and the results follow.” “I like that.” He looked at his team. “I think we found our partner.” After they left, Ethan pulled Amara aside.
“Great work, as always.” “Thanks.” I think they'll be a good client. They will, and you'll lead the project. She’d stopped being surprised by this. She was a senior analyst now. She led projects.