I should have stopped the interview when I caught on because her next couple of questions not only was not what we discussed but included a memory of an incident I wanted erased.
"I see... how quaint. I would have never anticipated you to be the religious type." Internally I rolled my eyes. 'How did she even manage to land a position at Charter. Her line of questioning barely connects to the theme.'
I just sipped at bit at my water which I had prepared incase I needed a moment to process my thoughts. In this case it was to avoid responding.
"Would you consider yourself a role model for other young, ambitious, future female leaders? Unlike the others interviewed for this segment you are the only one whose family comes from a wealthy background. As you said earlier your name as an heiress is public knowledge. What advice could you give that is applicable to others?"
It was a loaded question. Last I checked I did not ask to be interviewed but was invited to join in on the conversation. It was obvious she was someone who preferred true crime or investigative journaling versus lifestyle pieces. She wanted to pull something out of me, a reaction.
I was not going to allow her to do that. So I straightened my back and leaned back in my chair, letting my body language show I was now the one in charge.
"I can understand how my presence can be seen as inauthentic compared to others but, at the end of the day I am not immune to the treatment we as women receive in these roles. Lets take for example my family history considering you have taken such a keen interest in what qualifies me to share my knowledge of gender power struggles. In my family, the next person in line to gain the company has historically been male."
This information is not restricted to share. One could see the previous leadership positions in the anthology of our company and visually see that pattern and trend.
"Regardless of age the first male born into the family had claim over inheritance. When I was born my grandfather and father decided to allow me to take over thus marking the first of the D'Angelos to be a woman who will inherit the entire company."
"Though I had legal rights to stake claim, I could still be disqualified or stripped of my title. It was to be earned not given like the others. I have a huge pressure to ensure that this decision was not a mistake and secure the same for future D'Angelos. Admittedly there are people within who believe my father should adopt or bear another child preferably male to take over. I am not taken seriously, despite my qualifications despite proving I am just as qualified if not more so to take over." I crossed my arms and started directly into her eyes.
"My marriage is also a point of conversation."
I saw Sol visibly tighten her hand at the mention of my marriage. Her face pale. "If I marry it gives an opening for a different family name to 'take over' the carefully built empire my ancestors had before me. I am not considered my own being but an extension of my father or husband."
I tilted my head. "Are those not common complaints or challenges women in the workforce face?"
I continued to take my time and not allow room for any rebuttal. "Yes. I am fortunate enough to have access to resources that not many could have. But that does not exempt me from those challenges. I could go on about the same old knowledge everyone else has to share. About networking and not being afraid of failure or even whittling yourself to the bone to achieve what you need to do but that is not the answer."
I leaned forward placing my hands on knees like a predator looking at its prey.
"The best piece of advice I learned is that there are two parts to success." I held up two fingers listing each part. "One is being flexible. The other is being grounded."
I relaxed my gaze and leaned back to sitting upright. Allowing my words to settle deep in her skin.
"My advice for the women who aspire to be in leadership positions or are trailblazers in either their field or even personal life is by being flexible and grounded. Being flexible does not mean being a pushover. But rather you handle every roadblock or deterrent as it comes. Picking your battles to win the war. Not everything needs to be won but being flexible allows you to be strategic."
"To be grounded means to keep your own sanity and support system in tact. You will need people and that does not make you any less of a qualified or competent leader. A business is not a one man show, its the culmination of the efforts of the teams you create. Both on payroll and the emotional support you get from friends or family. You are human first so do not allow your ambitions to take your head in the clouds and forget the hands that hold you up."
I clapped my hands relaxing back into the seat. "Tell me did you feel convinced?"
Sol stared back in shock. 'This is probably the longest I have ever spoken especially to her.' She cleared her throat as her face flushed back with color.
"I see." She scrambled with her notes seemingly loss at what to say. For a few minutes she appeared disoriented. But one look at the folder seemed to have resurrected the confidence she lost momentarily.
"Actually speaking of flexibility and picking your battles is that something you learned after high school?"
Her question confused me until I saw her spread out the contents that was hidden in her folder. It was an school violence incident report. Most of the information was redacted but I saw the date and knew what this was about. A medical report from the school nurse was also pulled out and statements from different students at the time. Deans and Felix's mug shot was pulled out as well in addition to other photos such as my bloody clothes and and the expulsion letter.
"What happened this day? I do not believe a good leader covers up this type of incident. This is quite frankly exactly how uptight rigid figureheads act."
Well shit.