I learned to read financial statements, challenge unsupported assumptions, and distinguish a proposal that benefited our business from one that merely satisfied my pride.

Eventually, I held a senior acquisitions role with defined authority and a team qualified to do the work.

By then, the title described responsibilities I could meet.

It was not a decoration Gavin had handed me while I was still in a hospital bed.

I made mistakes.

One proposal looked promising because its presentation was excellent.

The people who would have to operate it showed me why the numbers did not support the story.

I withdrew my support and said why.