Backroom Deal [ongoing]

•TWENTY FOUR•

As Julian walks me through MaxCo's facilities, I've noticed one common pattern in every department we've visited so far. After the initial look of surprise upon recognizing me, most of the employees and higher-ups have greeted me with the same level of deference and reservation that they had for him. As expected, some of the older ones have been rather aloof and tense in their greetings. But it wasn't as bad as the ignorance I've experienced occasionally in my own building.

Regardless, it was satisfying to see familiar faces among the software engineers in the developer "labs" today. While MaxCo is mainly known for its Meritas-powered security networks and encryption services, it also dabbles in other forms of technical devices for homes and public places. It's hard to admit with pride getting in the way, but there's a clear liveliness in this part of the building. I was actually tempted to stay longer at the lab, but we had to move onto the last item of the tour.

Julian has a more personal connection with his engineers in the way he eagerly speaks with them, checks in on their progress, and takes his time listening to everyone's feedback and verbal reports. And he doesn't really have to do this as the company's CEO. He's an entirely different person here and it's not what I expected from our encounters alone. It's also obvious how much he invested into making sure the developers and engineers have everything they need.

There are an abundant of systems and equipment here for every type of innovation. To say that his team's work ethic is excellent would be an understatement.

"I believe that's it for today" he announces nonchalantly when we're back in his office. We just came back from observing one of MaxCo's Nexus sessions.

We both know the program very well because we were in it earlier during college. Although, Nexus was different compared to what it's like now. It was initiated when I was in high school and has been running for nearly nine years. Unlike general internships that already exist in our companies, Nexus is a collaborative program between multiple universities, including our alma mater, and ten tech companies in the country. Some tech companies are program hosts and others are investors.

The best interns have the chance to get their final proposal funded and potentially produced as a start-up with another company. Obviously, the host companies with the most successful interns can get higher Nexus share values and consequently more revenue.

I also used Nexus to strategize the revenue spike, among other things, during my CEO-elect period.

"By the way, you didn't ask any questions during the tour" Julian says, leaning against his desk across from me. I half-sit on the arm of the sofa as I grab my phone from my bag.

"There wasn't anything to ask" I shrug.

He was eerily thorough with his descriptions of every facility and department we stopped at.

"Really? Was your picky brain that impressed?" he asks and raises an overconfident brow.

I roll my eyes. "No. I didn't ask anything because you talked my ear off enough with your overviews of each facility"

Still, I think about everything I've seen so far: the staff I've met, the facilities, and most importantly, the lab. While their employee lounge wasn't like the Reconnection Center in my building, the lab certainly made up for it. Everything was brand new, abundantly supplied with the latest hardware and devices.

Julian mentioned that he was the one who pushed for it to be revamped. It's not so much about which of our buildings is better, but it's obvious that we listen to our staff feedback and requests. I invested more into resources and flexibility while he invested into operations and efficacy.

"But, I did notice one thing" I start, thinking of the appropriate words. If I don't say it now, I never will. "Whatever your reason was for redesigning the lab, it was clearly the right call. Your engineers love working here for a reason, so you obviously pay attention. It just makes sense"