Let’s revisit our case story. After speaking with her father about her interest and concerns around staying in the family business, Jill has decided to speak with Ross, a colleague and friend, who has worked at the car dealership for 5 years, and has a background in finance. She trusts Ross’ judgement and wants his input on a new idea.

Ross

OK, Jill, you've got me curious. Calling me for a meeting, and I can’t tell anyone? Very professional, very ... weird. What's up?

Jill

Sorry to be secretive; but you know how it is around here - you say something, or do something and in exactly three minutes everybody knows your business. It's like living in a fish bowl.

Ross

So are you finally coming to work here full time?

Jill

Well, that’s just it - I might. But I want to do something different. And I want to do it together. With you. We’ve been talking for a long time about doing something different in this company, something meaningful.

Ross

Sure. But I don't think we ever got to what that would actually be.

Jill

Well, I know you’ve done some research on how consumer trends are changing these days in this industry, and it got me thinking – what about selling electric cars? We like them, we believe in them, and there’s definitely a growing market for them. And we could even set up our own branch plant, if you will. Together. So, what do you say?

Ross

I think you're a little crazy. In a good way. To tell you the truth is that I'm pretty bored with what I'm doing. But a branch plant for electric cars? That's not going to happen.

Jill

So you're not interested.

Ross

I didn't say that. I am interested, but I'm not the boss's kid. I'm an employee and before I put my neck on the line I need a plan. A good plan. I want to do this in the open, with the owner's blessing. And I want something else.

Jill

Your own office?

Ross

Not really. I want to own a part of whatever it is that we start.

Jill

Makes sense.

Ross

And I'll put up the money, too.

Jill

And for me to have a stake too.

Ross

You know we could pull something like this off. But no rushing into this. Deal? We need to take our time. Do it right.

Jill

Absolutely. But that being said, I’m not exactly sure where to start!

Ross

Well, first thing’s first. We have the idea, but we need a plan, just like you learned in business school, right? What kind of structure are we going to create? What are the milestones we need to work towards?

Jill

Ok, well let me tell you, we have a lot to talk about…

Ross

You bet!

Interview with Jill and Ross together.

Director's Voice

Well, that was pretty interesting, if you don't mind me saying so. Is this a revolution?

Ross

I definitely wouldn't say that.

Jill

Just a bit of a one. But with Ross, I feel like I’ve got a much greater chance of success! Well, you know, I haven’t been involved in the company for a very long time, but it does matter to me. You know, and in an industry that doesn’t have a lot of the public’s trust – we’re trustworthy. That’s a big deal, and I really want to keep that.

Ross

I just keep telling Jill that we can't do this too quickly and we can't do it just ourselves. We need approval, and support and we need stuff I can't even think about.

Director's Voice

So, Jill, does this mean you're staying in the business?

Jill

It means there are much greater chances than last week.