A Walk In The Park

Busi needs to impress the big bosses at an important dinner if she wants to beat her competitors – but things don’t go as planned

BUSI puckered her lips, spread the lipstick carefully across, and then pushed them together to make a smacking sound.

She scanned the rest of her face one last time in the hotel bathroom’s mirror and, after 20 minutes of doing her makeup and hair, finally decided she was ready.

Being one of 10 finalists for the position of head of operations at the biggest investment bank in South Africa was nerve-racking. Having to attend a dinner where her every move and word would be scrutinised by the executives, as well as having to somehow outshine the nine other candidates with stellar achievements and track records, made her feel weak at the knees.

She’d begun to doubt if the past two decades she’d spent rebuilding dozens of bankrupt and defunct companies would register as noteworthy. But she tried to keep in mind that she was the only one who had been approached and asked to come for an interview – the others had all applied for the post.

Excitement was mixed with this uncertainty. If she got the job it would mean a giant leap in her career and the increased salary would help her put her twin boys through college.

Her phone buzzed. Her sons were calling to wish her luck and remind her about the breathing technique they had learnt from Dr Oz to help keep calm. They took a deep, long breath in to the count of five, held their breath for five counts, and then counted to five again as they gently and slowly exhaled. Together they repeated this over the phone three times, and then said their goodbyes.

With her nerves more or less under control, Busi grabbed her handbag and locked the room. She took the elevator to reception and then waved at the doorman who smiled back.