The journey began seven years prior, at a time when I was twenty-four. I was in desperate need of employment. My resume was painfully brief, my professional background virtually nonexistent, and during the course of my interview, my hands trembled so violently I nearly overturned the glass of water resting beside me.
Richard was already in his seventies. By that stage in his life, he had spent decades transforming the firm from a modest operation into a respected regional enterprise. Staff members spoke of him with an unusual blend of deep respect and apprehension.
He was never cruel. He refrained from shouting at workers, never sought to humiliate people during meetings, and had no need for such tactics. Richard had mastered a far more potent method.
He would merely lower his spectacles slightly, gaze at you across the rims, and maintain absolute silence. That single look had the power to make anyone second-guess every decision they had made since waking up.
I was subjected to that look on multiple occasions during my interview, remaining certain I had blown my chances. Then, near the conclusion, he closed my resume and posed a single query:
