We should have caught this ourselves years ago. Yes, Damian said. You should have, Thomas nodded, not defensively. Just accepting it. What do you need from the board to make sure this company comes out the other side?
Honesty, Damian said, and the willingness to hear things that are uncomfortable before they become catastrophic. Thomas extended his hand. Damen shook it. That afternoon, Marcus Hill knocked on the door of the conference room where Damen was working with his team. He stood in the doorway big and solid and carrying the particular energy of a man who is choosing his words more carefully than usual.
Can I come in? Damian looked up. Come in, Marcus. Close the door. Marcus came in.
He sat down. He put his hands on the table and looked at them for a second. And then he looked at Damian. I want to tell you something. Marcus said about that morning in the lobby.
You don't have to. I want to. Marcus met his eyes. I've been in this building 22 years. I've seen a lot of people walk through that lobby.
A lot of situations. And I've learned in 22 years that you make a choice in those moments. You either stand up or you don't. He paused. I should have stood up faster when she when the money.
I should have said something directly. Not just the authorization. Damian looked at him. You said what you could say in the position you were in. Damian said, "Maybe, but I've been thinking about it for 3 days." Marcus's voice was level, but there was something underneath it.
The weight of a man who takes his own moral inventory seriously. I didn't like what I saw. And I didn't say that clearly enough. And I want you to know that I know the difference. Damian was quiet for a moment.