The CEO's Emotional Upgrade

INTERNATIONAL GRAND BALLROOM DAY A forced smile stretched across the moderator’s face as he began his address to the mass of reporters. “Thank you all for being here with us today,” he smiled broadly at the number of reporters, his voice strained with practiced enthusiasm. “Mr Thorne, the floor is yours.” The man said as he gave way to his boss. Wyatt, the man of the hour, adjusted his tie, as a flicker of annoyance crossed his face at the moderator’s fake enthusiasm. Wyatt wasn’t pleased. He wasn’t paying the man this much to be a cheerleader. The number of reporters flashing cameras jostling for position beneath a broad banner that reads “Unveil the Future of Fitness with Thorne Industries’’ focused their attention on the imposing figure of the man. On the grand stage decorated with pieces of hi-tech exercise equipment is Wyatt Thorne in his late thirties. Clad in a gray suit with a steely gaze, standing at a podium. Nervous energy crackled from his PR team huddled behind him. Wyatt readjusted his tie as he got ready for his speech. His voice was authoritative and void of warmth. “Thank you all for coming. As you all know, the Thorne industry has always been at the forefront of innovation.” He gestured towards a sleek, high-tech exercise machine that looks more like a torture device than a fitness equipment. “That’s why, today, we unveil the pinnacle of our achievements, the Thorne 8000.” Wyatt wasn't one for jokes; he reveled in the result of hard work. As he spoke, a wave of cameras captured the scene: the revolutionary machine, Wyatt's Stoic expression. A murmur of excitement rippled through the room. Thorne Industries always delivered. As the high-tech exercise machine was unveiled, Wyatt’s attention now turned to the sea of reporters. He was pleased as their attention was still lingering on his great achievement. He exhaled and continued as there is more to come, “This revolutionary machine you are all seeing right now utilizes bio-feedback technology to optimize individual workout efficiency.” Wyatt continued; his voice unwavering. “Forget spending hours at the gym as the Thorne 8000 guarantees maximum results in minimum time.” A reporter, eager to make his mark, waved his microphone, Wyatt nodded for him to speak, “Mr Thorne, don’t you think there should be a concern regarding the intensity of the Thorne 8000’s workout regime? You mentioned it guarantees maximum results in minimum time. Isn’t that pushing human limits a bit too far?” The young man asked. The machine is clearly as dangerous as it looks. The facts cannot be hidden. Wyatt's jaw clenched. He didn't appreciate this young upstart questioning his creation. “Nonsense,” he scoffed. “The Thorne 8000 is a machine designed for those who demand peak performance. Those people who are…unwilling to put in the necessary effort…” he trailed off, a sneer twisting his lips, “those who want a fast result…well, they needn’t bother as that’s what the Thorne 8000 is here for.” As Wyatt finished speaking, a murmur of unease rippled through the room. It’s clear, the man has no time for nonsense. He means business. The Thorne 8000 is here to stay! This time around, it was a young woman who spoke with her voice steadily, cut through the tension. “But what about the recent factory closures of Thorne Industries? It’s clear, as many employees are now left to worry about their health and well-being after being laid off by your company. Does this revolutionary machine represent a shift in company priorities, Mr Thorne?” The ballroom fell silent as the woman spoke. Wyatt’s jaw clenches. Business was business, and profit was the bottom line. He doesn’t settle for less. “Thorne Industries is a business,” he snapped, his voice sharp. “And in business, we make tough decisions to remain competitive. That’s why those who can’t adapt…well, frankly, they are better off elsewhere because we mean business here.” He paused and continued launching into an outburst about “entitled citizens’’ “The problem with this generation, he fumed, “is that…they expect everything handed to them on a silver platter. Entitlement is a disease, and the Thorne 8000,” he declared, “over here is the cue! It will push your limits, and help you achieve true results!” “All those workers complaining,” he continued, his voice laced with disdain, “have unrealistic expectations. And because Thorne Industries chooses to stand tall in business, they are being grouchy.” The ballroom erupted as the reporters scribbled furiously. Their cameras captured Wyatt’s increasingly erratic behavior. The PR team’s faces were etched with worry. This was a scene they desperately wanted to control. The man is making the headlines in the worst possible way. It can get out of hand if not controlled. They signaled the moderator to intercept the man as a collective gasp went up from the media. The moderator was shaking, flustered, he made his way, “Mr Thorne, perhaps you can…” The moderator couldn’t complete his sentence as Wyatt interrupted, his voice rising as he slammed his fist on the podium, sending the microphones to the ground, “No! We need more people who are willing to put in the sweat, the blood, and the tears! The weak will always fall, and the strong will emerge victorious! Thorne Industries is the future! This is the Thorne 8000! And together with this great machine we will achieve true results!” Wyatt was pleased with himself as he made his point. Now they will understand what Thorne Industries stands for. The man’s face was contorted with rage and frustration as he spoke. The whole room exploded in chaos. Questions flew from reporters, cameras flashed incessantly. Everyone was surprised by his outburst and excited at the same time as he gave grand breaking news. And here it goes, “The great CEO of Thorne Industries had a meltdown during a conference” Wyatt’s outburst had sparked a media frenzy. On the other hand, Wyatt’s PR team wanted to disappear. What had their CEO done? How are they supposed to handle this? This was a national disaster.