Chief Unicorn

Teaser Tuesday

In Holland, My Heart, the stakes aren’t just high in love—they’re high at work, too. Today’s teaser offers a glimpse into one of my favorite moments from the book, where Kai Ipu, the CEO with a sharp mind and even sharper intensity, tries to convince Holland Gallagher that she’s more than just an employee—she’s the missing piece his company (and maybe his heart) didn’t know it needed. This quote is narrated by the talented Brian Rivera!

“Holland, you are exactly who we would have looked for if I’d been smart enough to realize we should be looking. Perhaps we were resting on our laurels. Regardless, you bring this company—” a bright and shining light, rainbows and puppies, all the good feelings in the world... “a second wind,” I say. “We were running a great race and your insights are the shot in the arm we needed to re-energize our efforts.” I struggle to soften my tone. I feel my internal intensity meter moving into the glaring red settle-down-man-you-might-scare-people zone. “Please stay. In fact, I don’t just want you to stay. I need you to double down. Join us on the executive team. Let’s make this official.” That’s right. That feels right. She could be my Chief Culture Officer, Chief Knowledge Officer, Chief Joy Officer (turns out that’s a real thing, I was just reading about it last week and the article instantly made me think of Holland). Hell, I’ll make her Chief Unicorn if she stays. I watch her carefully.

She takes a deep breath and steps away from me. “Let’s head back. I’m hungry,” she says. Then she turns around and starts walking back to my building.

I can’t think of a damned thing to do but follow her.