I stood outside the boardroom,clenching and unclenching my sweaty palms. The presentation materials were tucked neatly in my portfolio, the overhead transparencies organized in their folder. Again and again, I’d gone over all details, perfecting the numbers, confirming with Duncan’s team, preparing for every question Arthur might throw my way.
Inside that room, ten board members were waiting to decide if I’d proven myself worthy of the role I’d already been doing for months. If I’d earned the right to continue my husband’s legacy. If I could be trusted to lead the company.
I can do this. I’ve already done the hard part.
The deal with Duncan MacLeod was real. The technical validation from his engineering team was glowing. The preliminary agreements were solid. All I had to do was walk in there and show them what I’d accomplished.
But my heart still hammered against my ribs.
“Mrs. Carideo?” Lisa appeared at my elbow, her expression sympathetic. “They’re ready for you.”
I nodded, took a deep breath, and straightened my shoulders. The navy-blue suit I’d chosen settled around me, grounding me as I stepped forward.
“Thank you, Lisa.”
The boardroom fell silent as I entered. Ten faces turned toward me—some curious, some skeptical, some openly supportive. And Arthur, at the far end of the table, his expression neutral.
“Good morning,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt. “Thank you all for being here today.”
I moved to the head of the table—Marco’s old spot—and set down my materials. The overhead projector was already set up, screen pulled down against the wall.
“Not that long ago, I asked for time to prove I could lead CarideoTech forward,” I began, making eye contact with each board member. “Today, I’m here to show you what I’ve accomplished.”
I placed the first transparency onto the projector. The MacLeod Precision Manufacturing logo appeared on the screen, alongside CarideoTech’s.
“As you know, I’ve been in discussions with Duncan MacLeod, CEO of MacLeod Precision Manufacturing in Scotland, regarding a European licensing partnership for our continuous glucose monitoring technology.”
I switched to the next transparency: preliminary revenue projections based on European market penetration.
“MPM has completed its technical assessment of our system and has confirmed it meets their manufacturing standards. Their engineering team has validated our algorithms and sensor design. And as of yesterday afternoon, their legal team has provided us with preliminary licensing agreements.”
I distributed copies of the agreement summary to the board members.
“The full contracts are still being completed, but the key terms are outlined in your packets.”
Dr. Peter Stifler, our most supportive board member, flipped through the packet, his eyes widening. “These financials are impressive, Theresa. Fifteen million guaranteed over three years?”
“With performance escalators that could push it to twenty-five million,” I confirmed. “And that’s just the beginning. If we hit our market penetration targets, revenue share could double those numbers by year five.”
William Harrington, one of our more conservative investors, looked skeptical. “And MacLeod can deliver on these manufacturing projections?”
“They can. They are the primary medical device supplier for the NHS in the UK, and they hold exclusive contracts with major hospital networks in Germany, France, and Scandinavia. Their Glasgow facility is already certified for Class III medical devices, which means we can avoid the delays of setting up our own European manufacturing.”
For the next thirty minutes, I walked them through every aspect of the deal—technical specifications, regulatory strategy, revenue projections, market analysis. I’d prepared for everyquestion, anticipated every concern. The transparencies were clear, the numbers solid, the strategy sound.
And I could see it in their faces—they were impressed.
As I concluded my presentation, Dr. Stifler was nodding with open approval. Harrington looked thoughtful rather than skeptical. Even Arthur had lost some of his rigid posture.
“Thank you for your time,” I said. “Are there any last questions I can address?”
There was a moment of silence, and then Arthur cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him.
“I have to say, Theresa, I’m impressed.” His voice was smooth, professional. “When you first proposed this partnership, I had my doubts. But you’ve clearly done your homework. These agreements are comprehensive, the technical validation is solid, and the revenue projections are ambitious but achievable.”
I blinked, surprised by his apparent sincerity.
“Well done,” he continued. “You’ve proven me wrong. And I think I speak for all of us when I say you’ve more than earned the CEO position.”
