One afternoon, I was reviewing candidates for a leadership role. A familiar name jumped out at me: Derek. The same man who had destroyed my mother’s career with a single, heartless decision. Out of curiosity, I scheduled an interview. When he walked in, I recognized him instantly — the same smug expression, the same self-importance. He didn’t recognize me. During the interview, he even bragged about his “tough management style,” recalling how he once fired “an older lady” for giving away food. He thought it showed strength. I let him finish. Then, calmly, I told him the truth: “That woman was my mother.” His face drained of color. For once, Derek had nothing to say. I didn’t raise my voice or lash out. I simply told him we had no room in our company for someone who mistook cruelty for leadership.
