Talent and potential: Carlos works hard, keeps his mouth shut and asks some interesting questions sometimes. He also reads a lot and does a lot of research for everything. It is too early to say if he has genuine innate talent. But he does have potential. Could make senior associate in four or five years. If he is lucky.

Personality: Very nice fellow. Everyone likes him. Comes for all the group lunches and coffee breaks. And whenever he goes downstairs alone for coffee or lunch he asks everyone if they need anything. In many ways he reminds me of when I first joined Dufresne and was widely liked by everybody. The challenge is to stay popular. I’ve managed to do that. Can he? 50–50 chance.

Overall Einstein threat level: Negligible. Unless he becomes a management guru overnight due to a voicemail controversy. (Wink Wink. Nudge. Nudge.)

2. Hassan Izniki, Turkey, Analyst

Consulting ability: Hassan has three years of experience and will probably make associate this year. His data work is not bad. Some of his spreadsheets are more than 10 MB in size. But his presentation skills are horrible. He makes good slides, but when he starts to present suddenly he loses all confidence. This morning Dominic asked him to present a brief overview of Lederman’s Asian operations. At first I thought Hassan was suffering from some kind of weird standing attack of fits. And then I realized it was just nervousness. I don’t think I have EVER seen a performance like that.

Talent and potential: Medium. He has a lot of talent. But even Valentina has better communication skills than him. I have very little hopes for his future. If I were him I would immediately switch to a career that does not require communication skills like BPO or Human Resources.

Personality: What personality? Ha ha ha ha.

Overall Einstein threat level: I would feel threatened by Hassan if he decided to become a suicide bomber. (He is Turkish. So who knows …)

3. Kurt Menander, Sweden, Associate

Consulting ability: Kurt is excellent at modelling. Kurt is excellent at presentations. Kurt is excellent at analysis. Kurt is excellent at planning and conducting meetings. Kurt is excellent at conducting interviews. Kurt has an excellent memory. Kurt is extremely well-informed. Kurt has excellent work experience. Kurt is excellent in preparing reports. Kurt is excellent at meeting deadlines.

I hate Kurt very much indeed.

Talent and potential: Honestly speaking I spend a little time everyday hoping something fatal happens to Kurt. Ok may be not fatal. But something that prevents him from being a consultant. Like one of those brain problems where you can do everything properly except sing or read maps or see anything of blue colour. Maybe Kurt could trip and fall on his laptop cable, hit his head on some softish furniture and suddenly lose the ability to use MS Excel.