You Don’t Own This Company—Let’s Be Clear

A hiring process at an efficiency-focused company, cutting through the nonsense from the start.

Scene: At the head of the table sits K, CEO of The Efficiency Company. To her right is Zara, the operations manager, sharp and to the point. Across from them is Ashley, the candidate who just completed the final round of interviews.

K (leaning back in her chair, hands clasped together):

“Alright, Ashley. Let’s wrap this up. You’ve made it this far, which means you align with what we need. But before we finalize anything, we need to set expectations straight—no room for ambiguity.”

Ashley (sitting upright, nodding):

“Of course.”

K (leaning forward slightly):

“Business is nothing but a value exchange—nothing more, nothing less. Forget every fluff… the vocabulary—W-2, full-time, benefits—strip it down to its essence. You are a contractor.

You bring a specific skill set that aligns with a specific need in this company. In exchange for your alignment, we pay you a salary. That’s it. A straightforward exchange of value.

Now, let’s be crystal clear on what that means—”

Zara (firmly, picking up seamlessly):

“You are not the founder of this company. You do not own a stake in this company. You did not build this company. You work here, and that’s the extent of it.”

K (watching Ashley’s reaction, then continuing):

“We don’t entertain nonsense. That includes any phrasing—even in jest—about ‘giving your life’ to this company, ‘sacrificing everything,’ or God forbid, thinking you’re owed something beyond what you contractually agreed to.

If you ever find yourself saying, ‘I gave this company my all,’ or ‘I built this company’—you will be terminated on the spot.

We don’t do entitlement, we don’t do self-martyrdom, and we don’t do delusions. You do your job, you get paid. The day your role no longer aligns with what’s needed? We part ways professionally, no theatrics.”

Ashley (nodding quickly):

“Understood.”

Zara (raising an eyebrow):

“And let’s also make something else clear—don’t fake enthusiasm. We don’t do performative. It’s not everyday you’ll be excited about your work even if you’re aligned; that’s the nature of this world. Just do your job with efficiency and alignment. We don’t do ‘company family’ nonsense here. You’re not expected to force loyalty or act like this is your life’s mission. You’re here to execute a task, and that’s where it begins and ends.”

K (closing the folder in front of her, looking directly at Ashley):

“Now, with that clarity—are you still on board?”

Ashley (straightening up, meeting K’s gaze):

“Yes. Absolutely.”

K (standing up):

“Good. Welcome. Zara will handle the paperwork. Good day.”