A senior vice president in the third row got to his feet, clapping.

Within five seconds the whole auditorium was standing, the applause bouncing off the timber panels and concrete walls.

Once the applause died down, Brenda came up the stage steps carrying a blue leather portfolio embossed with the corporate seal.

“The board approved your expansion plan for Indiana and Ohio,” Brenda said, laying the portfolio on the wooden lectern next to my clicker.

“Your new contract begins on the first.”