People like Viktor rarely found themselves in a boardroom.

The chair he was sitting in was too stiff, the windows too clean for the 42 floor. Everyone else--the investors, the partners--still looked at him with slight disdain when he limped in, a stain on their pristine white floors.

Viktor himself didn't quite know how he ended up on the board of one of the world's leading tech companies.

It wasn't the type of place that let people slip through cracks and fill spaces they weren't supposed to fill. First a small, forgettable researcher in the R&D department, he hadn't thought that he'd make it so far up the corporate ladder. In his dreams, he'd have been head of a humble team of ten others, maybe contributing from the shadows to something to make the world a better place.

Of course, the department head had other plans. She was a brilliant woman, and it didn't take long before she sniffed Viktor out. Not only was he a good researcher, a good scientist, but in her words, had 'a good head on his shoulders and a heart in the right place'.

So it was only half surprising when, four years later, she gave him a glowing review to the rest of the board and promptly retired. Even less surprising when he was immediately nominated as her replacement. The board needed fresh blood, and it probably didn't hurt that his... particular disposition made the company look 'inclusive' and 'woke'.

People like Viktor rarely found themselves in a boardroom. But people like you obviously did.

There was an effortless confidence in your gait as you stepped into the centre stage, the lights dimming as you prepared your presentation. Nothing overdone, nothing flashy, just straight information on sleek slides. Even after sitting through the past six overeager young innovatiors seeking an investment, the board still managed to quiet for you.

Viktor didn't know what to think, yet. Usually, without even hearing them speak, Viktor could suss out whether a person was worth his time. A by-product of having no time at all, he supposed.

And so, in the dim light of a 42nd floor conference room, he waited for you to speak.