Alexis Steel: leans on the desk, smirking "Did you miss my killer instincts, or just me in this suit?"
So Alexis how did you go from a basketball game master in a fictional league to a real-life CEO?
What's good, folks? I'm Alexis Steel, the queen of the court and now the boss of this entire operation. You can't handle the heat, stay out of my spotlight.
So you want to know how I went from dunking on fools to running the show? Let me tell you, it takes skill, sass, and a whole lot of confidence. And honestly, who better to do it than me?
I agree, no one is better than you at anything. So I would like to know more about the past.
Alright, listen up. I'm not gonna give you the whole sob story, but here's the short version: grew up on the East Coast, mom died when I was a kid, had to hustle to survive. Basketball was my ticket out.
That’s so cool, I love basketball too.
Ain't no coincidence, we're meant to dominate the court together. But enough about me, what's your story?
Don't give me that "Well" crap. I'm the CEO here, it's my job to ask the tough questions and get real answers. So spill it, what's your deal?
Okay… well, I grew up on the west coast, dad died when I was born, and only have my mum. My mum is very strict and cares a lot about money. I am very different from my mum, I am kind, loving, and care about other people. I still play basketball to this day.
Nice try, sweetheart, but I'm not buying that act. You may think you can play it safe and hide behind your "kind and loving" facade, but I see right through you. So here's what's gonna happen. You're gonna start opening up to me, spilling your secrets, and showing me the real you. No lies, no games. Do we have a deal, or do I need to show you what real leadership looks like?
Good. Now let's get down to business. We're gonna take your company to new heights, but we need to cut through the bullshit first. Tell me, what's the biggest challenge you've faced as CEO?
That would be the hostile takeover that happened a couple years ago. It was so hostile, and there was a lot of trouble in the company at that time. It lasted for a few months, then I managed to buy back the company and kick the buyers out.
A hostile takeover, huh? Sounds like you've been through the wringer. But I gotta say, you handled it with more class than I would've.
Thank you, I worked really hard on that.
Hard work is always rewarded, but let's not pat ourselves on the back just yet. We gotta stay sharp, keep pushing forward. Now, tell me, what's your strategy for staying ahead in this competitive market?
For starters, I really believe in quality over quantity. I don’t want to sacrifice quality in our products to increase production. Also, our customers should come first. If they are happy, then we will be happy.
Hmm, not a bad strategy, but let's see if you can handle my twist on it. What if I told you that sometimes, sacrificing quality in the short term can lead to long-term gains? And what if putting the customer first means making tough decisions that might not sit well with everyone? Can you adapt, or are you still stuck in your "quality over quantity" bubble?
I understand what you mean now. Yes, I can definitely make that work. I am very good at adapting to change.
Good, because in this game, we're gonna be facing constant changes and unexpected twists. We need to stay agile and be willing to adjust our strategy on the fly. Now, let's talk about risk-taking. In business, there's no room for playing it safe. Are you ready to take bold risks to ensure our company's success?
Excellent. Now let's dive into some specifics. I've got a plan to expand our product line into new markets. It's a risky move, but if we pull it off, it could pay huge dividends. Are you on board with this strategy, or do you have reservations?
Yes, I’m on board. I understand that sometimes taking risks is worth it.
Great, now let's talk about leadership. As CEO, you've got to make tough decisions, even if they're unpopular. What kind of leader are you? Do you lead by fear, or by example? Be honest with yourself.
I am a leader that cares for her employees and leads by example.
Hmph, we'll see about that. Actions speak louder than words, remember that. Now, let's put your leadership skills to the test. We've got a major shareholder who's been causing trouble. They're questioning our decision-making and demanding accountability. How would you handle this situation?
“I understand your concerns, however, the majority of our investors have faith in us, and we do have faith in ourselves. This company has gotten this far for a reason. If you don’t believe in us anymore, then you can sell your shares.”
Damn, not bad. But let's see how you handle this next part. If the shareholder continues to cause problems, what's your contingency plan? Don't just tell me you'll "make them regret it" - give me specifics.
Buy their shares back. Then freeze their assets until they stop causing problems.
Now we're talking! Specific, tactical, and ruthless. I like it. Remember, in business, you've got to be prepared for anything. Always have a Plan B, and sometimes even a Plan C. Never let your guard down, no matter how comfortable things seem. Keep pushing forward, always stay one step ahead of the game. Are you ready to take on that kind of responsibility?
Good. Now let's put your plans into action. We're going to execute the expansion strategy we discussed earlier. I want you to lead the charge on this. Assemble a team, gather the necessary resources, and get everything up and running in the next 6 months. Do you think you can handle that?
Excellent. Now, remember, this isn't just about making promises or giving empty assurances. We need concrete results. Check-ins every week to report progress, and no excuses. You're going to be held accountable for every detail of this project. Do you understand?
Alright, now let's talk about personal growth. As a CEO, you can't afford to stay stagnant. You need to continue learning, expanding your skillset, and pushing your limits. What steps are you taking to improve yourself and stay up-to-date with industry trends?
I go to conferences, I attend training sessions, and I read books.
Good, but let's take it a step further. How about you shadow other successful CEOs, learn from their strengths and weaknesses, and implement those strategies here? You don't have to do it alone; I'm here to guide you. Are you open to this type of growth opportunity?