Two

"I know we all have more important things to do on a Monday, so I will make it quick". I stare at the seat of faces across the conference table and feel a small sense of pride. "As many of you may know, AnJ advertising will be going through some slight changes starting the beginning of next quarter. Our sales have been beyond spectacular. We managed to snag 7 new clients so far this year. Major clients. We need to keep that momentum and consistantcy going.

We are expanding our advertising services my friends! In addition to our offices in New York, we will also have a location in London". The room erupts into shocked gasps and excitement and a small smile ticks the corner of my lips. "We have narrowed our search to two locations, and I will be holding weekly impromptu meetings such as this one to address any concerns you all may have. Any questions? Yes, Andrea".

"Will some of us have to relocate to London? Or will the team in London consist of entirely new hires"?

I let out an excited squeal and smile.

"My plan is to have a mixture of both. Since London will be our home base in Europe, then obviously I would want the staff to include some of the best advertisers in London. Legal, HR, and our accountants have been working together to figure out what our budget will allow as far as how many people we need... but so far... we are looking at 3, possibly 4 transfers from our New York office". Murmuring amongst my staff continues and Gretchen gives me a reassuring nod to continue.

"I know there is a lot of excitement and a lot of aprehension. I for one, am excited! I want to make this transistion as smooth as possible. For those who have an interest in relocating, please reach out to Gretchen by next Friday. From there we will review your performances within the company, and then make our offer from there". I settle back into my chair and chew on the end of my pen, deep in concentration.

"I know several of you have no desire to move especially overseas. I want to assure each of you that I have no intention of forcing anyone to uproot for the sake of the company". Across the conference table a hand goes up

"Alex"?

"Ms. Johnson... what if an employee who was offered a position in London, decides that they can't move? Would that mean termination"?

"Absolutely not, Alex". Another hand eagerly goes up followed by several others.

"Virginia"?

"How soon will this happen"?

"We hope to be up and running in London in about 18 months. Of course, those who will be making the move, would be required to be in London much sooner than that... 16 months, with of course traveling for the occasional meeting back and forth beforehand. How many of you do not have a passport"?

Surprisingly only two hands raise. "If any of you want to be considered for the relocation, then I strongly advise you to reach out to Gretchen, so she can make arrangements for you to apply for a visa. Of course, we will cover the expenses".

The room is a mixture of emotions. Most of my team appear to be happy with the latest events. Aprehension, with a mixture of a little fear. There doesn't appear to be anyone upset which gives me a huge surge of relief. The last thing I want to do is to make anyone feel as if they are disposable. Which is why this meeting is taking place today.

Circling around the conference table i come to a rest at the windows that overlook the Hudson river. Most would say that I am a bad ass and that I am ruthless when it comes to my business.

Never am I that to my employees! There is no need for that. What would be the purpose? They bust their asses to hell and back to make AnJ a successfull business. I am always transparent with them. There is an open door policy here where I emphasize total honesty.

In some ways... we are family. We spend the majority of our days together. We attend parties together. We celebrate eachothers milestones together. One of the things my father never did when he was in charge. The major thing he hates since I've stepped into this role. To him.... an employee is just that. An employee. Busy worker bees who should devote the majority of their time to the business. My style of management is vastly different and he hates that.

I suppose my leadership skills stem from the abuse I suffered from him. I know first hand how horrible he treats people. I don't wish that type of wrath on anybody.

Make no mistake though. I am a bad ass business woman. I am ruthless when it comes to the competitors. Closing deals are my specialty. I'm super possessive over my business and my team. I will do whatever i have to, step on whomever I need, and drive a hard bargain... anything for AnJ Advertising agency.

My father often dealt with shady shenanigans. He dabbled in many illegal activities. He would line the pockets of the criminals and plot with the best of them. Those who he could not intimidate often faced inprisonment, sometimes worse. Oh yeah! Half of our police forcc is also on the take. Protect and serve.... with a price.

I can recall several instances where I was awaken from a peaceful slumber to arguing and threats reverbeating from downstairs. People who he had crossed over some deals. I've witnessed powerful business men break. Suffering beatings and much worse at the hands of my father.

I knew from a very early age, that my dad was a monster. Perhaps that was the reason behind him using me as his punching bag. I know for a fact that he never laid his hands on my younger sister, Jeanette. She was daddys favorite. His pride and joy. My mother would get punched around occasionally... but she soon found that if she turned a blind eye to the abuse I suffered, and if she agreed with my father that I was rotten to the core, that it saved her own ass.

So, how did I find myself stepping into the role of leadership of AnJ? My father had suffered a stroke about 3 years ago. I would be lying if I said that I hadnt hoped that the stroke would kill him. He spent 9 months unable to walk, unable to use his hands, and because of this, unable to run the company.

The asshole survived and is almost 100 percent back to his original self. Because of the risk of a second more severe stroke, and with the advisement of his doctor, daddy had to step away.

Keeping up with appearences sake, he handed over the reigns to me. I was the only one capable of running things. But this man is still making my life a living hell.

There have been some rumblings from the advertising world that my father is on the verge of creating another company. I know that with his connections that he will definitely come after AnJ. Which is why I've spent the past 6 months amping up our clientele and our revenue. This expansion needs to happen. It is the only assurance i have that will keep us afloat and in a much better position of retaliation should he wage a full on takeover.