"The Image Refresh That Wasn’t”

Disclaimer: This is a fictional, satirical dialogue created for commentary and humor

[@Nextdoor Conference Room. PowerPoint slide reads: “CEO Image Reset: Listening Is Not a Threat”]

Image Consultant:
Thank you all for being here. Nirav, the goal today is simple: soften your image. Less “dictator,” more “neighbor.”

Nirav:
I already am a neighbor. I have a thesis.

Poush Ohver (raising hand):
Is… is the thesis the thing people keep asking questions about, only to get blocked?

[Awkward silence.]

C-Suite Legal Exec:
We asked him not to say that out loud.

Image Consultant:
Nirav, feedback is not rebellion. Shareholders asking questions is not treason.

Nirav:
It feels like treason.

Clown (honks horn softly):
🤡

Image Consultant:
That’s the Clown. He’s here to symbolize humility.

Nirav:
Why is he dressed like my moderation queue?

Mime enters, dramatically puts a hand to an ear, leans in, and nods thoughtfully.

Image Consultant:
This is the Mime. He represents listening.

Nirav:
He’s not saying anything.

Image Consultant:
Exactly.

Nirav:
I don’t like it.

C-Suite Finance Exec:
Look, Nirav, the numbers are fine. Cash on hand, no debt. But sentiment—

Nirav:
—doesn’t matter. My thesis matters.

Poush Ohver:
Quick question—if the thesis worked, would we still be workshopping clowns?

Image Consultant (clicks slide):
Slide 12: “Unblocking as a Leadership Skill.”

Nirav:
Next slide.

Image Consultant:
We haven’t discussed this one yet.

Nirav:
I’ve already decided.

Mime slowly pretends to bang head on an invisible wall.

Clown pulls out a whiteboard, writes:
“LISTEN → ENGAGE → TRUST → GROW”

Nirav:
That arrow logic is flawed.

C-Suite Product Exec:
It’s… an arrow.

Image Consultant:
Nirav, imagine responding instead of removing. Engaging instead of suspending. What does that feel like?

Nirav (after a pause):
Uncomfortable.

Image Consultant:
Growth usually is.

Nirav:
I don’t believe in growth that disagrees with me.

Poush Ohver (quietly):
Is this where the ship metaphor comes in?

C-Suite Legal Exec:
Yes. And we’re still hitting the iceberg.

Image Consultant:
Alright. Small win. How about you don’t block anyone… for one week?

Nirav:
I’ll consider it.


Image Consultant:
That’s progress.

Nirav (opening laptop):
I’ve reconsidered.

[He clicks “Block.”]

Mime freezes. Clown sighs and removes the red nose.

Image Consultant (packing up):
Well… we planted the seed.

Nirav:
Good. I’ll write a thesis about it.

Poush Ohver:
Should I… block the seed?

Nirav:
Promote him.

[Lights fade. Slide on screen: “Image Refresh – Phase Two: TBD”]

Subscribe to NielFlamm.com.

#NiravTolia #Leadership #CorporateCulture #ListeningSkills #Satire #CLevel #Nextdoor #Governance #ShareholderVoice #WorkplaceHumor