So, a mayor, a CEO and a doctor walk into a bar.
The CEO orders up a bottle of the most expensive wine, saying he’s celebrating the 10th anniversary of his company’s founding and the 5th straight year of double digit growth.
“You know, most companies don’t even live for 10 years,” he says, rolling up the sleeves on his Gucci shirt. “Like they say on Vulcan, live long and prosper, baby!”
“I’ll drink to that,” says his doctor friend. “One of my patients hit the 100-year mark today, no doubt due to some brilliant physicking.”
“Nice job, but those aren’t really milestones for mayors. This city’s just three hundred years old, hardly out of diapers. I’ll buy the wine when it hits its adolescence in another 700 years or so.”
The CEO and the doctor laugh but then go quiet.
“You know, Mayor,” says the CEO finally, “you make me feel like a mayfly. You sure know how to suck the joy out of being a corporate animal.”
“Sorry,” says the mayor. “No offense intended. Businesses and their leaders serve a purpose. They provide some services for a while and then die out. At least the vast majority of them do.”
“Like blood cells in a body,” says the doctor.
“Jeez,” says the CEO. “Now you’ve got me drinking for other reasons.”
“If you ever want to learn about the art of managing for the long haul, let me know,” quips the mayor. “We’ve got some internships opening up.”
“Shut up, Mayor,” says the CEO.
“Garçon, a round of seltzer water over here,” calls the doctor. “We’ve got to settle our friend’s case of sour grapes.”
Featured image from A.Savin (WikiCommons) - Own work View from Lycabettus in Athens (Attica, Greece)