Jacob quickly help up the microphone and the crowd grew silent.

"Good evening everybody. It is my pleasure and honour to address you all, who have worked your sweat and blood for this company, over so many years.

Lately, times have been tough. We have seen resources go down and workloads go up, we have seen uncertainty rise.

We have all sacrificed. We have given up time with our families; our work has cut into our personal lives, we have lost our sense of balance.  I know some of us come to work every day filled with fear, resignation, and doubt.

I know that you all loved dad a lot and his death has been an equal setback for you, just as it has been for me. I know, you are are uncertain and worried about me being the new boss.

In the midst of this uncertainty, we have survived. These challenging times have tested our character, but we have not backed down. It has tested our perseverance, but we are still here. It has tested our team, and we are still strong."

Jacob took a small pause and smiled looking at everybody.