I rarely don't have to handle pressure.

One of the more extreme moments was testifying under subpoena, from the plaintiff's attorneys, in Federal Court in a matter that would affect my employer, the defendant, in a multi-million dollar lawsuit.

I knew things relevant to the case that could be very problematic for my employer, but they were not appropriate to volunteer. I had to walk the thin line of answering the questions that were asked, as asked, honestly and directly without volunteering anything gratuitous. I walked that line very successfully in a room filled with angry lawyers multiple times and stood my ground at being lectured by a Federal Judge. The limits of the law, I maintained, were that I answer the questions asked, as asked. I did, and I had nothing further to say. Neither did he.

The morning after that hearing the executive assistant to the Chairman of the Board appeared, unannounced, in my office, requesting a moment of my time.

She said some were nervous about how I might handle that situation for obvious reasons, but she just got off the phone with [name of lead Corporate attorney]. (He was present in the hearing) She wanted me to know, she said, that he told her that if anyone ever had any doubts about me, she should tell them without reservation that Mr. Romney distinguished himself superbly and the company owed him their gratitude.

Nothing intimidates me now.




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