Oskar appeared out of the stairwell leading to the cabin on the Corporate Asset and Jack eyed him as he approached. Oskar’s driver’s licence had already revealed his age as being forty-eight years old. He was Jack’s height and had a slim build.

Jack saw that Oskar was wearing an open fleece jacket over cargo shorts and running shoes. It made Jack feel more conspicuous and now wished he had thought to question what he should have worn for an interview on a sailboat.

Oskar was clean-shaven and his dark brown hair was cut short, but had turned grey above his ears. Jack saw him check his watch before looking at Jack.

“Permission to come aboard, Captain?” said Jack with a smile.

“Permission granted,” replied Oskar, with the slightest hint of a smile in return.

Jack stepped on board and they formally introduced themselves and shook hands.

“It would have been appropriate for you to dress casual,” said Oskar. “When I told you the interview was on my boat, I thought you would take it for granted.”

“I never like to take anything for granted,” replied Jack. “Also was hoping to make a good appearance,” he admitted.

“Take your shoes off, please,” said Oskar, as he turned and headed down the stairs into the cabin.

Jack did as instructed and followed. “Nice boat,” he said, as he entered the galley. “Are you entered in the race on Monday?”

“No, I’m more of an enthusiastic spectator,” replied Oskar. “Take a seat,” he said, gesturing to the table. “I like to make these things as painless and relaxed as possible. Coffee?”

“If you’re having one,” replied Jack, as he squeezed behind a horseshoe shaped table and sat down. “Otherwise I’m okay.”

‘I’ve already had five cups,” said Oskar. “A bit of a party mood here last night.”

Jack nodded his understanding.

“You like to party?” asked Oskar, picking up a file folder and taking a seat at the table across from him.

“I like to mingle and meet with different people … so, yes, I do like to party sometimes.”

“Smoke?” Oskar asked, pushing an ashtray across the table toward Jack.

“No thanks, I don’t smoke.”

“Good. Neither do I.” Oskar stared momentarily at Jack, then abruptly said, “You look like you’re in good shape. I take it you work out?”

“Not really,” replied Jack. “I just watch what I eat. I’d like to be able to work out, but I have bad asthma.” He reached into his pocket and showed Oskar an inhaler he was carrying, before stuffing it back.

“Does that cause you problems at work?” asked Oskar.

“No, not at all,” replied Jack, “but I have to admit I’m no good at sports, other than a little golf. I couldn’t swim a stroke or run a city block to save my life.”

Oskar listened with interest and nodded slightly.

Jack gave a small fake cough to add credence to his story, before shrugging his shoulders and smiling lamely. That’s right asshole, I’m an easy target. Try to throw me out a window and you will find out how easy I am …

“Do you understand what my company is all about?” asked Oskar, as he skimmed over the questions he had written down on a sheet of paper in front of him.

“It is my understanding that you provide advice to companies so they can make more informed decisions about socially responsible and ethical investments,” replied Jack.

“That’s right. The goal is to do what is good for both the investors and society as a whole. Basically the same strategy as who you work for now, EICG. Do you mind if I ask your reason for wishing to leave EICG? They are highly respected.”

“Ethical Investment Consulting Group has been a great company,” said Jack, “but, uh, there were some personal problems.”

“Oh?”

“I may as well come clean on it,” said Jack. “I was divorced a couple of years ago. Guess I got lonely and made a bad decision.”

“A bad decision?”

“Yes,” frowned Jack. “I started dating someone in our head office, but then she broke up with me, too. I see her all the time through business and … well, it feels uncomfortable. I’ve learned my lesson on dating someone that you work with.”

“I see,” said Oskar, nodding his head. “I don’t expect you to disclose anything about EICG that you shouldn’t, but could you tell me more about what role you play with them?”

“I travel and personally check out companies around the world that have potential for investment. Generally I look at things like workplace safety or environmental impact on say, a mining company, as well as issues like social justice and proper corporate governance.”

“Are there specific companies you rule against?”

“Definitely. The idea is to keep away from companies that are engaged in things like adult entertainment, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, nuclear power, weapons, or military contracts. I look for opportunities to reap the most out of financial return while trying to maintain harmony with the good of society.”

“What example would you give for sustainable investment?”

“Currently, bamboo is a popular —”

“Answered appropriately,” smiled Oskar, giving a wave of his hand for Jack to stop. He eyed Jack for a moment, then said, “In many developing countries, work safety is not a priority and sometimes environmental concerns are totally unheard of.”

“Sadly, you are absolutely right,” replied Jack, before frowning.

“If you think such a company is perhaps borderline in being recommended as an investment opportunity, what process do you think should be taken?”

“That part of the process is not really my speciality, but I know that if problems are identified, they could be overcome by investment companies quietly buying up shares to get clout and then relying on dialogue, perhaps through the annual general meeting, to obtain the desired results.”

“Good. Any other suggestions on that issue?”

“Sometimes with EICG we use other like-minded organizations as leverage, such as environmental groups or labour standards, although like you said, many of the companies we look to invest in are developing countries and labour standards are basically unheard of.”

“Exactly,” nodded Oskar. “Do you have any background in accounting?”

“Only a rudimentary knowledge,” admitted Jack.

“I see.” Oskar leaned back in his seat and his eyes scanned the sheet of questions. He then glanced at Jack. “Do you have any questions so far?”

“Where do you imagine that I might fit in with your company?” asked Jack.

“Basically the same as you have been doing for EICG. Research of prospective companies to see if they have the criteria we are looking for. If they don’t, see if it would be possible, or economically feasible to change the company while maintaining or improving profitability once socially acceptable standards are adapted.”

“Which is what I like to get involved in. I bet you’re the same.” Jack smiled. “It feels good knowing you are making the world a better place … and making money doing it.”

Oskar smiled back. “With your background, I must say I am impressed. As it stands, I would definitely consider you to be shortlisted as a CEO.”

“Chief Executive Officer,” said Jack, smiling more. “I admit I do like the sound of that.”

“We deal with global economics. You would be expected to view prospective companies, both when they are expecting you … and at times when they don’t expect you.”

“Sounds a little scary when you put it that way,” said Jack.

“We’ve never had anyone hurt yet. For companies who are doing something they shouldn’t, it usually ends up with a verbal confrontation where they make excuses and deny access.”

“That’s good. The last time I got in a fight, I was seven years old and got a bloody nose and lost. I’m a talker, not a fighter.”

“Talkers are what we want,” replied Oskar. “As far as any rough stuff goes, if I think you are going into a rough area, corporate security is provided to escort you, more out of fear of being mugged by the locals than anything.”