Page 210 - harryDEC12_clean.iba

"So what brings you here?”
"We, that means my partner John and I, work for Cayzer Steel Bowater in London.”
When that name is mentioned he raises his eyebrows. He knows of the close links of CSB in the Arabic world, but his business sense overcomes in a split second his reservations,
"...And we have placed a reinsurance contract for your European cargo business, including all countries."
"That must have been a hell of a job...my respects," Greenberg comments, and at that moment I decide to take a step forward.
"It was indeed, but we love challenges and we are proud to be brokers to your Organisation."
"I think there are plenty of opportunities - aren't there, Howie?"
"Yes, sir,” Howie answers assiduously.
"Any other questions?"
I take my courage in my hands and say, obviously going beyond the framework of the conversation, which I easily recognise by the mimicking of Howie.
"Indeed, sir, I would like to know the secret of your success.”
Greenberg gives me a penetrating but interested look:
"Remember this, my son, insurance success is not about increase of Market share or premium dumping, but about knowledge, knowledge about what is going to happen in the future, in a geopolitical sense. Be at the right place at the right time and you win."
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With that the audience is ended. Greenberg shakes my hand and wishes me success, perhaps I would work for him someday, he says on departing, but I know that I am not suited to the corporate environment. I would not like to get up out of my chair, like Howie, when the boss rings. My goal is independence. Howie say to me later, wiping sweat from his forehead:
"Brave words, Harry, but the old man liked them.”
All his life Harry would remember the words of Hank Greenberg, and at this very moment Harry had a flash vision - as if a window to the future had opened-
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