I allow myself a single, calming breath before I push my shoulders back and inject every ounce of confidence I can muster into my voice. “It’s not what you can do for me, sir. Traveling to the Galápagos last month inspired me, and I have an idea for how we, as a company, can make a difference in the world by inspiring others.”

I launch into my proposal. It’s not perfect or polished, but I dig into every ounce of the expertise I’ve developed since I’ve been back from the Galápagos—my late nights researching at the office, last night’s planning meeting, and sheer instinct. When I’m done, I hand him the binder containing the hard copy of the scaled-up proposal.

“This will give you an idea of how the initiative would work company-wide.”

Marlen purses his lips as he flips open the binder. His expression is opaque as he thumbs through the pages. I swallow thickly.

“You have a daughter, right, Mr. Jones?” I blurt.

“Please, call me Marlen. And yes. One daughter, Arianna. She’s a sophomore at Wellesley.” He twists a framed photo on his desk toward me so I can see the lanky young beauty.

“Good school,” I murmur. “Can I ask you—what kind of world do you want to leave her with? Climate change. Plastics pollution. Mass extinction. All problems facing our planet today. And we’re in a position to do something about it. You and your family have a rich philanthropic history. You’re a board member of two different organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, isn’t that right?”

“Yes,” he says.

“If we bring those efforts into the heart of the company, weave it into its very essence, what can we accomplish? And when given the choice between traveling with a company that cares about our world, and one that’s merely out for profit, which will consumers choose? Experience has proven that the conscientious consumer chooses the conscientious company. I believe we can be that kind of company in the adventure cruise industry.”

Marlen rocks in his office chair, lips pursed, eyes never leaving my face. “Tell me, Miss Evans. Can you read minds?”

I blink, unsure how to respond. Marlen saves me the trouble.

“Because I have been thinking along these same lines for quite some time. You’re absolutely right. The world is facing challenges like never before, and a better future is only possible if we take action. It’s like you pulled a thread right out of my brain and wove something tangible with it.”

Fireworks explode in my chest as vindication washes through me.

Marlen flashes me the ghost of a grin. “Did you—”