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Gabriella skimmed through past editions of the magazine, released throughout the year, to review the work that had been done in her absence. “Fuck, why did the editorial assistants choose that font for the header? Now the whole look is off,” Gabriella muttered to herself, becoming frustrated as she examined the previous issues. Sighing, she looked away from her computer screen, rubbing her temples.
“Hello? Ms. Galena?” Gabriella heard a knock at her door. It sounded like Romi, the newest photographer at Deluxe. “Do you have a moment?”
“Yes, come in,” Gabriella replied curtly. Gabriella had not yet interacted with Romi, save for their conversation earlier that morning. She knew that Romi had replaced Madison, but by the time a replacement had been found, Gabriella had already started her leave. Internally, she felt conflicted. It was strange not to have Madison at the office, but at the same time, there was no way that Gabriella would allow the former photojournalist to keep her job, not after such betrayal.
“Thanks; I know you are busy. I just wanted to show you something quick.” Gabriella squared herself at her desk to give Romi her full attention. “Sure, let’s see,” Gabriella motioned to the photographer.
Romi brought over an 11x17-inch square-shaped board. “I know you want to be hands-on with all of the designs, so I wanted your approval on the invites for the gala.” The photographer placed the board on Gabriella’s desk, standing back a few inches, waiting for a response.
Gabriella frowned. “Wait, isn’t the gala in less than a month?” She felt tension growing in the back of her neck. Romi paused before answering, “Um, well, yes. It’s in three weeks, actually.”
“And are you telling me that we have not yet sent out the invites? This is one of the most important fashion events of the year!” Gabriella’s voice rose in the office, causing Romi to flinch.
“Yes, I understand. We are sending the invites out today; we just needed your approval first.” The photographer looked helpless, which infuriated Gabriella further. One of her biggest pet peeves in business was when someone appeared incompetent.
“So, instead of getting the invites out 60 days in advance, which has always been our standard, you decided to wait untilthree weeksbefore the party?” Gabriella fumed. The office standards were slipping, which alarmed her. Deluxe Redux was known for its polished sophistication and fine attention to detail. Gabriella had only been back to the magazine for a few hours, and already, it felt like things were falling apart.
Romi tried to reason with her. “Look, I know we are behind. But when you left, no one hired an office manager, so we’ve been directing ourselves. I’m not blaming you or anyone else, but weneedsome guidance, Ms. Galena.”
On the brink of losing her temper, Gabriella pursed her lips before she said anything unprofessional. Taking a deep breath, she sneered, “Give that to me. I’ll put together the invites myself.” The photographer sighed, handing Gabriella the sample board. “Okay, whatever you prefer.”
Romi turned to leave the office, with Gabriella calling after her, “And don’t forget about that new cover photo too. I want that on my desk by noon.” After the door was shut, Gabriella crumpled in her chair, feeling overburdened. In the past, Madison had handled such projects efficiently and accurately. Not only was Gabriella unfamiliar with some of the new staff hired in her absence, but she was also concerned about their abilities to adhere to the magazine’s standards.This is not going to be easy. I didn’t realize how far we had fallen behind.
Suddenly, Gabriella heard ading,notifying her of a new email in her inbox. Peering at her screen, she noticed the sender was from the Board of Directors, Tempest Rutherford. Ms. Rutherford was Gabriella’s nemesis, although, in public, they behaved more like frenemies.
Good afternoon, Gabriella;
On behalf of Deluxe Redux Magazine, we are pleased to have you back at the company following your leave of absence. I trust that you are eager to return to your position as CEO.
As Chairperson of the Board, it is imperative that I share feedback regarding the magazine’s structure and the advertising sales from the last quarter.
Upon reviewing the data, it has come to my attention that advertising is down 20% from last year and that a few key advertisers have decided to cancel their contracts with Deluxe Redux. As well, the overall quality of the magazine has declined, which has created concerns regarding employment at the head office.
Please arrange a formal staff meeting to discuss these matters with your team. In addition, please see the attached recommendations regarding the branding of Deluxe Redux, which will help elevate the magazine to its full capacity.
I trust that you will handle this situation with immediate attention and care.
Best;
Ms. Tempest Rutherford
Chairperson of the Board
Deluxe Redux Magazine Inc.
While Gabriella assumed a powerful position as CEO, ultimately, the chairperson had the final say. Tempest and Gabriella had always butted heads, but until Gabriella had taken her leave, Ms. Rutherford had left Gabriella alone. But as Gabriella scanned the email, it was evident that Tempest was taking charge.
“Well, she’s not wrong about the structure,” Gabriella mused to herself. Gabriella had not been impressed by what she had seen since her return. “But Tempest has always wanted me out of that position, and now, she has a reason to remove me as CEO. I’vegotto get these sales up and fix the issues at the office.” Sighing as she re-read the message, Gabriella decided to review the branding suggestions that Tempest attached to the email. As she reviewed the PDF document, her stomach sank.
According to Ms. Rutherford, there was an issue involving LGBTQ+ advertising in the magazine, and “all content must remain neutral when it comes to identity politics and sexual orientation.”Furthermore, the chairperson stated,“all photography and graphics must not convey or suggest sexual deviancy or practices that are considered outside of convention.”
Gabriella was aware that the Rutherfords were strict Republicans and that their businesses were often backed by powerful, fundamentalist Christian organizations; Deluxe Redux was no exception. And Tempest herself was aware that Gabriella Galena was a lesbian; Gabriella had always been open about her sexual orientation.
Over the twenty years that Gabriella had been with the company she had never experienced any homophobia at themagazine. Tempest had given Ms. Galena creative license, and Gabriella appreciated the trust and respect.
But upon reading the letter and reviewing the branding suggestions, it appeared as though Tempest wanted to take Deluxe Magazine in a different direction, which concerned Gabriella.
If she thinks I am going to turn this beautiful fashion magazine into a bland, heteronormative “Good Housekeeping” rag, Tempest Rutherford has another thing coming!
