ANNIE： Karen， do you have a minute？ I'd like to ask you about something.

KAREN： Sure. What is it？

ANNIE： I think you can give me some advice.

You have worked here longer， and I just want to know what you think.

KAREN： I'm glad to help you. But what is it you want to ask about？

ANNIE： I am worried about the meeting this morning.

KAREN： Why？ I think the meeting went well.

ANNIE： Really？

KAREN： Yes. But what are you worried about？

ANNIE： I'm afraid I was too rude.

KAREN： Rude？ You weren't rude at all， Annie. Why do you think you were rude？

ANNIE： Well， I maybe talked to Mr. Drummond too directly.

I thought I maybe said too much. I don't want him to be angry.

KAREN： I understand. But really you weren't rude at all.

You said what you thought. I think he appreciates that.

ANNIE： Really？

KAREN： Yes.

ANNIE： But I am new here， and I'm not sure he is used to that.

KAREN： You mean because you are a woman？

ANNIE： Yes. And he is the president of the company.

KAREN： Listen， Annie. You shouldn't worry about Mr. Drummond.

He is a very good man to work for. He is not sexist at all.

He appreciates people for their ideas.

And he is willing to take suggestions from men or women.

ANNIE： I am very happy to hear that， Karen.

It's good to know I’m working in such a company.

KAREN： I agree with you on that， Annie.

I've worked for Derek Drummond for nine years now.

I feel he appreciates his employees for their work， not their gender.

I would never change jobs.

ANNIE： Good. Thank you for telling me this.

KAREN： Any time. If you have a good idea， don't be afraid to speak up.

This is a company that appreciates initiative.