CHAPTER 51: THE CANDIDATES FOR CHIEF EXECUTIVES

December 17th, 2025. Evening. San Marina Tower 1, Floor 40, Unit 89.

Timothy swiped his hotel card against the lock and stepped inside his suite. The city lights of Singapore sprawled beyond the wide windows, glowing like a sea of diamonds against the night sky. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning. He set his briefcase down, shrugged off his coat, and walked toward the sleek black table by the window.

There, waiting for him, was his newly purchased MacBook. Its polished surface reflected the cityscape behind him as he sat down. Timothy placed the leather folder Ms. Lim had given him on the table, hesitating for a moment. He had told her earlier that some decisions needed the right frame of mind—but now that he was alone, there was no reason to delay.

He opened the folder. Inside were neatly bound profiles, each with a crisp headshot and bold titles.

Jonathan Keller – CEO Candidate.

Former Vice President at BMW’s EV division. Oversaw expansion into Asia-Pacific and led the launch of their i-series. Known for strategic partnerships and scaling production lines quickly.

Mei Ling Tan – CFO Candidate.

Ex-Chief Financial Officer of a Southeast Asian logistics conglomerate. Specialized in structuring billion-dollar projects with tax incentives and PEZA-like frameworks. Experienced in working with both Singaporean and Philippine regulatory systems.

Robert H. Vaughn – COO Candidate.

American executive, former head of operations at Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory. Hands-on, ruthless with efficiency, and familiar with setting up gigafactories under tight deadlines.

Dr. Akira Sato – CTO Candidate.

Japanese engineer, previously with Panasonic’s battery division. Co-authored research papers on next-generation lithium-ion and solid-state hybrids. Known for his quiet brilliance and strict work ethic.

Angela Cruz – CMO Candidate.

Filipina executive, ex-marketing head for Toyota Philippines and later Southeast Asia region. Recognized for building brand loyalty and consumer trust in difficult markets.

Reading all of their background, he could tell that they have really high stats. He felt a bit embarrassed because his only achievements in his life was that he was a college student, a dropout at that.

He wondered how they would treat him as the boss. He pulled his Iphone out of his pocket and dialed Ms. Lim’s number.

He pressed the phone to his ear, listening to the soft click before Ms. Lim’s composed voice came through.

"Mr. Guerrero, good evening. I trust you’ve reviewed the folder?"

"Yes," Timothy said, his eyes still on the profiles spread across the table. "These candidates... they’re impressive. But I need to know something. Are they actually available? I mean, do they have no current work affiliations that would prevent them from joining? I can’t afford people who are locked into five-year contracts with other corporations."

Ms. Lim’s tone was steady, professional. "I anticipated that concern. All five candidates we shortlisted are in transitional phases. Jonathan Keller left BMW two months ago after a board restructuring. Mei Ling Tan recently stepped down from her CFO role. Vaughn is on extended leave from Tesla and has not renewed his contract. Dr. Sato left Panasonic’s research division to pursue consulting, and Angela Cruz has been independent since her contract with Toyota ended last year."

Timothy exhaled, feeling tension leave his chest. "So if I were to ask for a meeting with them... would they actually show up?"

"They will," Ms. Lim assured. "Some are already in Singapore, others can be flown in within forty-eight hours. All it takes is my call. The question is, Mr. Guerrero, do you wish to meet them individually or as a group?"

"Hmm," Timothy hummed in thought. "I was wondering if they are available tonight for a video meeting."

"Okay, I’ll give them a call and see if they are available now for a call. I will text you if they are available with their contact address."

"That would be nice, thanks," Timothy said before hanging up the phone.

He rose to his feet and walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out of the window. The skyline of Singapore was more impressive than the BGC’s. It’s really motivating and uplifting when you gaze on such views. He waited, and waited until there was a vibration on his phone.

Timothy grabbed his iPhone off the table and checked the message. It was from Ms. Lim.

Ms. Lim: Dr. Akira Sato is available now. He has agreed to a Zoom call within the next 10 minutes. Here is the meeting link. Please be prepared.

Timothy’s eyes narrowed slightly. Out of all the candidates, Dr. Sato intrigued him the most. If his company was going to stand out, the battery technology had to be its backbone—and who better than a man who lived and breathed advanced energy research?

He quickly opened his MacBook, booted up Zoom, and copied the link. The waiting screen popped up, reflecting his own slightly nervous face against the glow of the laptop. He straightened his shirt, rubbed his palms together, and muttered,

"Alright, let’s do this."

A chime sounded. The window shifted, and there he was, Dr. Akira Sato. His hair was flecked with gray, glasses perched low on his nose. Behind him was a minimalist office, shelves lined with neatly stacked binders and research papers.

And from his face alone, he could tell he was perplexed or confused.

"Mr. Guerrero?"

"Yes that’s me, a pleasure to meet you Mr. Akira," Timothy confirmed politely.

"You are Timothy Guerrero? You are the one who wants to start an automotive business?"

"I am indeed, weren’t you informed by Ms. Lim?"

"I was told but I just didn’t expect to be a young man. How old are you?"

"I’m twenty-years old."

"Twenty years old?!" Akira repeated with a shocked face. "How are you able to...who...what..."

"Mr. Akira?"

"You are twenty years old? How would you be able to start your automotive business? Do you even have an academic background?"

Timothy understood what’s happening here. Mr. Akira was doubting him and it was understandable given the nature of circumstances. No one would actually believe a twenty-year old man would start an automotive business. Not to mention, someone who has no notable background.

"I don’t but I do have prototypes for the battery and the electric vehicles," Timothy said.

Mr. Akira was silent for a moment but then spoke. "Okay, I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. Because I’m sure Ms. Lim wouldn’t make a mistake. I apologize for my behavior."

Timothy saw him bow his head.

"Oh don’t worry, I don’t mind. Why don’t we get started with our discussion? Or technically interview if you are willing to work as a CTO for my company."