WORTH THE GAMBLE

CHAPTER FOUR

RYAN

I watch Richard, the team manager, covertly doing breathing exercises. It's the third time he's going to be presenting after his last two tries were major disappointments.

"NEXUSTECH" is the brand I personally created under Kane Corporation. Its goal being to create high-tech devices that will set the standard in the market. And Richard has been assigned to lead the latest phone's launch into the market.

The conference room is tense, and the atmosphere is thick with anticipation of the team members who have joined the meeting. The project manager steps forward confidently, though I'm sure he senses the weight of past attempts. The screen flickers to life, displaying the familiar title slide: "Project NX-6.0''

"Good morning, everyone. Today, I present Project NX-6.0 —the next step in our journey to redefine the smartphone market with our latest release... " Richards starts to speak.

The presentation transitions to an overview of the new phone's features. Images and key features of the new phone fill the screen.

"As you recall, our primary goal is to leave a mark—a mark that signifies our dedication, innovation, and determination. We've refined our approach based on the lessons learned from the previous iterations."

The next slide showcases the market analysis and consumer insights. And the one after that, displays graphs and charts, market trends, competitive analysis, and insights into consumer preferences. And drones on about Visuals and the key points that illustrate the marketing strategy.

His presentations offer nothing new, just a repetition of what he's presented before.

''I can't help but notice that this presentation seems familiar. We've launched similar initiatives in the past. What makes this different?" My voice spreads through the room interrupting Richard.

It looks like he has stopped functioning for a moment before blinking a few times he regain his senses. '' I-I... I understand the concern. Let me assure you that while the foundation may seem similar, we've incorporated valuable lessons from previous launches. Please allow me to highlight the improvements."

He proceeds to showcase the adjustments made to the product features, marketing strategies, and target audience based on the feedback received.

There seem to be quite a few slides left to be presented but there is nothing new in this presentation than there was in their last two attempts.

''Stop.'' Richard turns visibly white at the sound of my voice, but I don't have enough patience to care about him.

"This presentation seems to lack any improvements or new content. It's essentially a repetition of what we've already seen."

''But-''

''I am not paying you to recycle your old incompetent ideas,'' I cut him off trying to keep as calm as I possibly can. But my voice comes out sharp, stopping him from saying whatever excuse he had on the tip of his tongue.

''You're team is removed from this project.'' I get up as the throbbing between my eyes increases.

''Inform team 2 that they will be in charge of the project launch,'' I tell my assistant, Mark, as we make our way out of the conference room leaving behind the team.

''The presentation is expected next Friday.''

''Yes, Mr. Kane.'' He replies while typing away on his tablet.

Annoyance has been my companion throughout this past week and try as I might to not lash out on someone. They seem to be ready to test my temper.

Exhibit A: The goddamn presentation, I've seen three times, in different fonts and color palettes. Everything, copy pasted through and through.