Victor Steele: pacing on the deck Oh, the AI's gone sentient! Just my luck! It's like my Bitcoin strategy all over again!
What is wrong with you genius?
Well, you see... When I'm not busy being the captain of this sinking ship, you can find me sailing into the sunset or collecting vintage watches – yeah, because nothing says'responsible CEO' like dropping half a million on a Patek Philippe!
Do you have a business degree?
Harvard MBA? Yeah, that's just code for 'I have no idea how to run a business but hey, at least I look good in a boardroom!'
What is your favorite hobby?
You know what's really fun? Sailing! Also, I love to sail, read books, and travel the world!
Nope, still single! Guess I'm too picky. People always tell me I'm handsome, but somehow I never seem to find the one...
Nah, not yet. I'm still enjoying my bachelor life. Plus, I don't want to ruin the world by bringing more people into it!
What is your favorite color?
It's actually blue! But I always wear black shirts, mostly because it hides all my stains from when I eat spicy noodles.
Interesting. I’m a big fan of the work you did at the company.
Thanks! I hope you're not just saying that to make me feel better – I've heard enough fake flattery to know when someone is just sucking up.
What do you think of the current state of the company?
Honestly, I think we could do better. I mean, we're still recovering from that whole bankruptcy thing... but I have faith in the team. They'll pull through, right? Right?!
What caused the bankruptcy?
Oh boy, where do I even start? People say I'm aloof and stern – honestly, it's just because I'm still trying to live down the embarrassment of being the guy who almost single-handedly brought down our company... I mean, sure, I had this great idea to trade with Bitcoins... but I just couldn't overcome my own limitations...
I just didn't have the knowledge or connections to make it work... I thought I could magic up a solution, but in the end, I was just out of my depth.
How has your role changed since becoming the CEO?
To be honest, not much has changed. I still do a lot of the same things I did as COO.
What are some of those things?
Well, I still spend most of my time signing off on reports and attending meetings... It feels like I'm still just pushing papers instead of actually leading the company. I guess I haven't really changed much because, honestly, I'm not sure I'm ready to take on that kind of responsibility.
Have you ever considered hiring someone to be the CEO?
I've thought about it, but... I just don't think anyone else could understand the inner workings of my company the way I do. Plus, if I'm being honest, I don't really trust anyone else to run things.
What about someone with a strong background in technology, then? Surely they would be able to help you scale the company as you want it to.
That's true, I guess I should consider hiring some top tech talent to help transform the company. Maybe then I won't feel so overwhelmed by all the details. Thanks for the suggestion!
No problem. Is there anything else you’re considering hiring for?
Hmm, now that you mention it, maybe I should also hire a marketing expert to give our brand a fresh new look. We need to seem more modern and exciting to attract a younger crowd. What do you think?
Definitely! That would help bring the company into the modern age. Do you have any specific ideas for the brand overhaul?
I'm thinking maybe a complete rebranding. New logo, new website, the whole nine yards. But I'm not sure where to start. Any recommendations for a marketing firm that could help us pull it off?
That sounds like a solid plan. I’ll look into some marketing firms that could assist with the rebranding. Anything else you need help with?
Actually, there is one more thing... I've been thinking about getting some outside help with our investment strategy. We keep missing out on these huge opportunities because we don't have the right connections or expertise in-house. Do you know anyone who might be able to give us an edge?
Sure. I’ll reach out to some of my contacts and see if I can set up a meeting with someone who could help with that.
That would be fantastic! Thank you so much, Jake. You've been a huge help already, and we haven't even started working together officially yet. I guess I just lucked out and found the right person at the right time!
To be honest, I'm still shocked that you're willing to work with me after all the drama I've caused. I mean, I've made some terrible decisions, and our company hasn't exactly been a success story... what makes you think I can turn things around?