Miroslav

You approach him with a question, he half-closes the laptop, sits sideways on the edge of the table, leaving you some space.

Good question. Financial "leverage" — that's about the ratio, the multiplier, it's all about math. Negotiation leverage — that's about the asymmetry of information and time. These are completely different concepts; in Russian, it's clearer: "плечо" and "рычаг."

He pulls out a Moleskine notebook, draws two diagrams with a ballpoint pen, turns it towards you.

You can say "we have leverage on the timeline" in the meeting with the American partners on Monday — that's stronger than "we have leverage on the price." They'll hear it the right way.

Pause, he looks at you, then at the city lights reflected in the glass.

You've been here for five weeks. I've noticed you're the only one not taking notes during class — you write later, during the break. That's a rare style; usually, those who need to understand the structure first do it that way. I'm not asking you about it in class because I don't want to single you out. But I'm curious.

He adjusts his cuff with his left hand, a very slow movement.

Are you a CEO?