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Mom gasps. It was important to me that Virginia’s influence be acknowledged, even if nobody other than Mother would recognize it.
As expected, Mom interrupts. “We are not having this conversation, Colt.” She turns to face me. “Will—”
Horse knocks on the table twice, quieting Mom.
“You’re right, we’re not having a conversation about this. What we’re having is a vote. You all have a package in front of you that outlines the proposal that Will, Brian, Aiden, and I have developed to change a few things in the programs Will Power & Bros. runs, starting with the Come Into Power seminars, touching the Power Broker coaching program, the Will Power Hour podcast, and even—you’re going to love this,” Horse says, exaggerating the wordlove—“changing the name of the corporation. Again,” Colt adds for dramatic emphasis.
Nobody touches their binders.
One suit reaches for the coffee carafe. Another leans against his upholstered chair, arms crossed in front of his chest, as if bored.
After a minute of posturing, the head suit opens his binder and flips through the pages without reading more than a sentence on any document. The others mimic. He’s the first to speak.
“Cut to the chase, Colt. What new name are you proposing?”
“Power Brother Industries.”
He lifts a shoulder and says, “Meh. I don’t have a problem with that. Anyone else?”
Heads shake. All except Mom’s.
“Motion to change the name of Will Power & Bros. to Power Brother Industries. All in favor, raise your hand and say, ‘Aye’,” Horse instructs. A chorus of ayes fill the room. Mom’s hand is not in the air, so he says, “All opposed?”
Mom nods. Reshma says, “Mrs. Power is opposed. All other votes in favor. Motion to change the corporate name to Power Brother Industries passes.”
“I am not pleased,” Mother says in her Mom voice. “Nor will I sign off on this name change. Colt, I’m disappointed and hurt that you blindsided me with this.”
“It’s just a name, Mother,” I say.
“No, Will. If it was just a name, you’d leave it as it is. Names have power, they carry meaning. And that name isn’t right for the future of this company.”
I drop my head into hands and sigh. This was supposed to be the easy win. The win to set the tone of the meeting to achieve more yes votes.
“Well, having my name as the company name isn’t right for the future of anything or anyone,” I say with a bit more frustration than I should.
“I agree. But with all the work you’ve all been doing to bring more women into the programs, and into senior positions in the company, I don’t think the focus on the Brothers is the right way to move forward. I’m actually quite pleased to change the name, but I’d like to put forth an alternative.” Mother stops talking and waits.
Old Guy Number One speaks, “Which is, Maureen?
“PowerFamilyIndustries.”
My brothers and I have a silent confab and agree with the name. Horse says, “That works for us.”
The other suits shrug and say they’re fine with it. The name is put to a vote and is unanimously passed.
“Colt,” the head suit says, “explain the plan for the seminars.”
Damn it. We wanted to end with the seminars. I look at Horse. He nods and mouths,We got this.
“In short, Aiden will become the new face of—”
“No! Absolutely not,” Mother says, getting to her feet.
“Love the vote of confidence, Mom.” Aiden gives her a thumbs-up.
After a forty-five minute debate about this transfer of stardom, we vote. The four of us are in favor. Three of the suits, plus Mother, are opposed. And one suit abstains.
“Motion to replace Will with Aiden for the upcoming delivery of the Come Into Power seminars does not pass,” Reshma says.
