Chapter 5

"Didn t know there are young folks still interested in reading". Are you only interested in Steven R. Covey books?" He asked.

"No Sir. I have read books by John C. Maxwell, James M. Kouzes, James C. Collins and the like".

The Chairman whose interest by then had been raised waved her back to the seat she just vacated and told her to tell him more. For the next few minutes, they sat discussing books which Mitchell also found out was one of his passions including art. From the book they had switched topics to art, being a nature and art lover and also very good at what she does, Mitchell was able to impress him. They had also discussed food businesses and industries, what can be done to affect its growth, and Mitchell had contributed so much and productively to every topic raised by him.

The chairman, who was also CEO of Zubal Company, had been surprised as well as amazed she knew so much about the two things which interest him the most. One had been his passion, the other his work, and he didn t try to hide his admiration for her.

Mitchell knew about Zubal Company, it was one of the biggest food products companies in the country and her experience with working in a restaurant had served her well-doing their discussion, more so, she was an ardent reader. Daniel had once told her; readers are leaders and it was always beneficial to read out of one s scope. The idea, like he had said to her that night was to know something about everything and everything about something and being her mentor, Mitchell had taken heed to his words and always made sure to read whatever books her hand lay upon.

Also, he had told her to always be prepared at all times and never to pass on any opportunity. According to him, opportunity can present itself anywhere, in any form and so when she was told to make the delivery at Zubal, she had taken the time to learn some more about the company and what they do.

Finally, the chairman asked her how she knew so much, and with a wide smile, she told him through experience and reading.

"What educational qualification do you have," He asked, catching her off guard with the question. But she quickly composed herself.

"BSc graduate Sir," She replied

"Discipline?"

"Business management." She replied.

"Do you mind working for me as my assistant?"

"No sir." Mitchell had hurried to reply to him. "I d be glad," She added happily.

Almost two years after graduating from school, she still hasn t been able to get a good job, but for her job at the restaurant and part-time work at a galleria which she was grateful for anyway.

That was how she came to work at Zubal Food Company and years later she had risen from being the chairman s assistant to different positions until recently when the chairman had retired and finally promoted her to take the reins of the company as the CEO.

Thanks to her mentor and best friend s foresight, who saw to it that she advanced in her education, and got equipped with the necessary managerial skills that not only made her indispensable but also put her far ahead of others in the company.

When she became CEO, every member of staff and board of directors was happy for her, saying she deserves it. She had been a tireless worker when her benefactor was still CEO and chairman, but now that he was retired and she was now the CEO, she was even more of a tireless worker.

On that very day, when her boss announced her as the CEO of Zubal food company at his retirement party, she hadn t been expecting it and as such came as a huge surprise to her. Later, she had sought out her boss in his former office which now became hers to tell him he could have named any of his other old employees with more experience than herself, but he had asked her

"Mitchell, what do you fear?"

"That I may not live up to expectations. That this position is too big for me and others may not feel I deserve it". Mitchell said, looking at her boss.

Her boss had simply placed a hand on her shoulder and looked her straight in the eyes as he told her to sit in his chair. The CEO s chair. It was then he said to her. I wasn t wrong when I decided to make you CEO and I know I won t regret it. Just as I had never for one moment regretted hiring you that day eight years ago. I trusted you and I can only leave this company in the hands of the one I trust. So, Mitchell, you will succeed me and do a better job than I have. Since that day she had vowed to live up to every expectation of her boss. She was going to prove herself worthy of the position and bring greater glory to the company.

And that was why she wasn t going to sit still and fold her hand and let Lyon do to her company what he d been doing to others.

Coming out of her reverie, she realized she was already on the lane leading to Daniel s company, and in a few minutes, she arrived at the company s gate. She horns to call the attention of the security, but that wasn t necessary as he was already making his way to her. Mitchell winds down her window to identify herself and also answer his questions. It was protocol and she knew it. He has to confirm from the person she came to visit before she can be allowed in, but that would ruin her surprise. So, she explained to the man, showed him her identity card, and with a bow of his head and an apology, the stunned security man opened the gate to allow her entrance into the large premises of Zezame Incorp.

Mitchell drove in mumbling to herself, being a CEO certainly has its perks.