Page 28 of Basil

There was a beat of silence, then a ripple of applause.

I kept going.

“We’re also doubling down on our company values. Professionalism, respect, and integrity aren’t just words we put on a website—they mean something. And if you can’t align with that, this might not be the place for you.”

This time, the applause was louder. I let it build for a moment before I finished.

“I know words aren’t enough. I need to prove this to you. And I will because I believe in this company—and I believe in all of you.” The applause swelled into full-blown claps and cheers. “For the next two quarters, I, along with the leadership team, will be doing a listening tour to understand your challenges even better. We will also do focus groups and deep dives so we can build a culture we can all be proud of.”

I looked around the room. “As you all know, our former COO, Aimee Wood, left behind some big shoes to fill. We’ve already begun an external search to find the right Chief Operating Officer for Stratos. Until then, I’ll be stepping in to fill the role.”

That caused louder murmurs. Everyone had assumed that Drew would get the job.

“I am excited to announce that we also have a new head of engineering, an internal promotion. Dr. Alan Caplan has been a senior director at Stratos for four years. He has a PhD in aerospace engineering from Purdue and had worked in roles of increasing responsibility at various companies, including Boeing and Microsoft. He will be our new Vice President of Engineering. Congratulations, Alan. I look forward to working with you.”

Alan stood up as we discussed, and people clapped. When he sat back down and the applause quieted, I dropped the news that people were expecting because of my previous announcement.

“It’s bittersweet for me to let you all know that Drew Ritchson is leaving Stratos to explore other opportunities. We thank her for her work here and wish her the very best.” I felt in control of the room, felt that I had gotten through. “I want to add that I have an open-door policy, this means, if you have concerns, you are welcome to talk to me. And I sincerely mean this.” I looked at Jessie who nodded. “Now, Felix has a few housekeeping announcements to make.”

When I stepped back, the applause swelled into full-blown claps and cheers. While Felix spoke, Jessie joined me off to the side.

“Well?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “How bad did that suck?”

She smirked. “Didn’t suck at all.”

Then her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then lifted an eyebrow. “You should know someone recorded your speech. It’s already making the rounds on social media.”

“What?”

She turned the screen toward me.

Trending: #LearnFromThisCEO #BeLikeBasil

My face stared back at me from a video clip, mid-speech.

I blinked. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I just stopped speaking. How can it already have so many views?”

Jessie grinned. “Welcome to going viral.”

14

MESSING WITH MY CHI

SUMMER

Isat cross-legged on Meadow’s couch, my laptop balanced on my knees as we watched Basil’s town hall meeting.

The video had gone viral—millions of views already, with hashtags like #LearnFromThisCEO and #BeLikeBasil flooding social media. It took a week for me to get to it—and finally, I was because Meadow browbeat me to it. She’d watched it, and she wanted me to as well.

“I’ll give him this”—Meadow stretched out beside me—“he knows how to make a speech.”

I was unable to tear my eyes away from the screen. Basil stood at a podium, his voice steady and expression serious, his tone authentic, genuine, and open. He was owning his mistakes, the toxic culture he had let fester in his company, and the fact that success had made him blind to what really mattered.

Then came the announcement.

“It’s bittersweet for me to let you all know that Drew Ritchson is leaving Stratos to explore other opportunities.”

Meadow let out a low whistle. “Well, damn. Didn’t think he’d actually do it.”

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