18. Eighteen

Val

I have another meeting scheduled with Ellen.

“Have you heard anything, Ellen, about our project?”

“No, Val. It’s been eerily quiet around here. Dave has been in his office every day, and the rest of the team continues to work on the camera imaging software. They are making great progress, by the way. We’re actually ahead of schedule for a change.”

“That’s good. I came in because there’s a board meeting scheduled. I appreciate the team’s assistance with the data they put together. I know the board will back me if they are shown all the facts and statistics around this new software.”

“Well, you know I’m behind you. We were all excited about the stats. Does the data we gathered offer enough information?”

“Yes, that plus the information I gathered. I also hired an impartial outside third party to pull statistical information. So, wish me luck.”

At three o’clock, I make my way to the boardroom. I look down at my outfit and smile. This is my version of a power suit. I’m wearing form-fitting black slacks and a deep red shirt. My lipstick exactly matches my shirt.

I nod to the other board members as I enter the boardroom and make my way to my seat.

My uncle will sit at the head of the table as CEO. My seat is directly to his right.

I place my notes in front of me and then the copies that I have printed for everyone. I also have a PowerPoint presentation prepared and ready to show on the overhead projector. I’m prepared for this meeting, and I think my confidence shows.

“I now call the meeting to order,” I listen as the minutes for the last meeting are read, and then the meeting begins.

My uncle gives his prepared presentation. I notice that it is all about how much money other companies have made with gaming software. I don’t think he made that much of an effort to back up his claims, probably because he thought my project wouldn’t get the necessary backing.

“Valentina, I believe you have a presentation and update for all of us as well?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

“I’ll turn on the overhead projector so you can see my presentation. Once I’m done, I’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have. Also, I have pamphlets here for you to take with you.”

I hear a soft murmur at my words.

“As you can see, my presentation is on the new camera imaging software that I and my team have been working on.”

I continue with my slide presentation, which shows projections of software demand and sales. Then, I compare it to a well-known gaming software. I end my presentation with the data from the third-party software. It shows the projection of the security imaging software compared to gaming software over the next five to ten years. Then I turn on the lights and ask if there are any questions.

The first person to ask is my uncle.

“Valentina, I must say these numbers do look impressive, but only if you can deliver the software on time. Could you please give your progress update on the new software?”

“Certainly. If you look at the papers I have prepared for you, you’ll see that my team is ahead of our target deadline.”

“Valentina, I think there may be some sort of mistake. We wanted an update on everything. What about the problem you had a few weeks ago with the imaging recognition?”

“The update is near the bottom. It shows when we discovered the root cause of the problem and the subsequent successful testing confirmed that there is no longer an issue. As you can see from the report, my team is ahead of schedule.”

My Uncle Victor remains seated, but I can tell by the sour look on his face he is displeased with my response.

I don’t have time to worry about that since I’m busy answering the excited questions that the other members of the board are asking.

“This third-party company is showing a very high demand for your software. Are you sure these figures are accurate?”

“We originally pulled our own numbers, and we thought they seemed a bit high as well, which is why I brought in the impartial third-party company. Their figures are better than what we projected from our research. You’ll find our report on page thirteen, where we did a comparison chart showing our stats against theirs.”

The questions go on and on until, finally, the room is quiet. I then hand out the pamphlets on the camera imaging software and explain what it can do. I also showed a brief video during my presentation, but this will give each member something to take home with them.

“As you know, we have tried to keep this under wraps until the official launch. But of course, rumors and other competitors have all jumped the gun, shall we say, trying to get to market first. We’re confident that even if we miss our deadline, the demand for our software will be higher than what is currently being reported by our competition.”

After the meeting has ended, one of the board members approaches me.

“Hi, Val. Are you involved with the first-floor remodel?”

“No, Mr. Harper, to tell you the truth, I didn’t even know there were plans to renovate the first floor. Why do you ask?”

Mr. Harper is an older man who knew my parents.

“No reason, young lady. I just wondered. I’m sure once you have the shares, you’ll be more involved in future planning. I was just curious about a few things. Had a few questions.”

“I’ve mostly kept to programming.”

Mr. Harper laughs. “Well, up until now, that’s what you’ve done best. You’ll probably be like your father; he believed in transparency. He made sure to include the board in almost everything.”

Mr. Harper and I turn toward the door where my uncle has been waiting.

“Victor, there you are. Maybe you can answer my questions.”

“Of course, Oscar. You know I’m always available.”

My uncle looks upset. I know he’s not pleased with the board’s reaction to my presentation, but I know the software has potential. I just need the chance to prove it.

When I get back to our department, I give the entire team a thumbs up, and everyone cheers.

“Hi, Val. While you were in the board meeting, the team watched the presentation. We’re all stoked, and now we’re ready to go out and celebrate.”

“I’m in! I’ll invite Chase to meet us there.”

We decided to all meet up at Shot In The Dark. It’s an upscale sports pub. There are individual speakers at each table, so you can control the volume of the numerous televisions scattered across the walls.

I keep my eye on the door, and when Chase walks in, I wave him over and introduce him to the group. Even Dave is celebrating the software’s progress.

He gives his lopsided grin and says, “Nice to meet all of you. Val has nothing but wonderful things to say about the team!”

I swear I watch a few of the younger girls practically swoon. He sits down at the already crowded table and orders a draft.

“Hi Ellen, Val says you run the team with an iron fist.”

“Yes, I do. It’s good to meet you finally, Chase.”

Chase turns to me. “So, how did it go? Obviously pretty good if you’re already celebrating.”

I tell him all about the presentation. Then I hand him a pamphlet.

“Wow, you really did your homework, Val, and it shows. I bet the board is as impressed as I am.”

“Thanks, Chase.”

“What did your Uncle Victor think about your presentation?”

“Only time will tell, but he wasn’t pleased.”

Chase reaches over, puts his hand over mine and gives it a reassuring squeeze, then looks into my eyes and smiles. “You should be proud of yourself, Val. I know I am.”

The server comes by to take his dinner order, and Ellen kicks me not-so-gently under the table. I turn toward her, and her eyes are sparkling. She gives me the thumbs-up sign, letting me know her opinion of Chase. I have to laugh at her sign of approval.