October 20, 2022 – LUMEN Solutions Office, Coyoacán
Morning light filtered through the blinds, softly illuminating Rodrigo's desk. As he reviewed progress reports from the company's various areas, a notification popped up on his screen. It was an email with the subject line: "Strategic Collaboration Proposal."
Intrigued, Rodrigo opened the message. It came from Ethan Caldwell, Vice President of Corporate Development at Meta Platforms. The content was direct and flattering:
Dear Mr. Martínez,
We have followed with great interest the growth and innovation that LUMEN Solutions has brought to the market. We believe a collaboration between our companies could generate significant synergies. We would like to discuss a potential acquisition of LUMEN Solutions, offering compensation that reflects the value and potential of your company. We are willing to negotiate terms that ensure mutual benefits and respect LUMEN's vision.
Rodrigo leaned back in his chair, feeling the weight of the offer. Meta Platforms, one of the most influential technology giants, was proposing to acquire his company. The sum mentioned was astronomical, enough to secure his future and that of his children, Orión and Airin, for generations. However, accepting would mean giving up control of LUMEN and potentially derailing its original purpose.
October 21, 2022 – Board Meeting at LUMEN Solutions
Aware of the magnitude of the decision, Rodrigo called a meeting with his management team in the conference room. Around the table were Valeria (cybersecurity), Diego (software development), Elena (data analysis), Mariana (human resources), Carlos (finance), and Sofía (marketing).
Rodrigo spoke:
"I have received an acquisition offer from Meta Platforms. The compensation is considerable, but accepting would mean losing our independence and possibly compromising our values."
Elena frowned:
"We know Meta has been under scrutiny for questionable data and privacy practices. Do we want to partner with a company whose ethics don't align with ours?"
Valeria nodded:
"Furthermore, integrating our technology into their ecosystem could mean LUMEN is used in ways we can't control or foresee."
Carlos chimed in:
"From a financial perspective, the offer is tempting. But we must consider the long term. What do we want LUMEN to be in the future?"
Mariana added:
"There's also the impact on our team. Many joined LUMEN for its culture and mission. An acquisition could destabilize that."
Rodrigo listened carefully to each team member. After a thoughtful pause, he declared:
"I appreciate your perspectives. My intuition tells me we must remain true to our vision and values. We will decline the offer."
October 22, 2022 – Response to Meta Platforms
Rodrigo carefully worded his response to Ethan Caldwell:
Dear Mr. Caldwell,
We sincerely appreciate Meta Platforms' interest in LUMEN Solutions and the generous offer presented. After careful deliberation, we have decided to decline the proposal. We strongly believe in our mission and consider maintaining our independence essential to fulfilling it. We hope that future collaboration opportunities that respect the values and goals of both companies may arise.
Sincerely,
Rodrigo Martínez velasquez
As he sent the email, he felt a mixture of relief and determination. He had chosen the most difficult path, but also the one that resonated with his convictions.
October 23, 2022 – Family Day at Home
After intense weeks, Rodrigo decided to dedicate a full day to his children, Orion and Airin, who were now three months old. Although they were still too young for outdoor activities, Rodrigo wanted to make the most of every moment with them in the comfort of his home.
He spent the morning in the living room, with Orion lying on his chest, feeling the gentle rhythm of his breathing. Airin, in her bassinet, watched her father and brother's movements with curiosity.
"You are so strong, Orion," Rodrigo whispered, stroking his son's tiny back. "And you, Airin, have a look that lights up everything."
Later, he prepared a simple but special meal. While he ate, he reflected on the small but meaningful experiences of being a new father.
As evening fell, Rodrigo cradled Airin in his arms, singing softly to her until she fell asleep. Then, he did the same with Orion, enjoying the tranquility of home and the warmth of his family.
October 24, 2022 – Night Reflections
That night, after putting the babies to bed, Rodrigo sat on his apartment balcony, gazing at the city lights. The Meta Platforms offer was still on his mind, not out of regret, but as a reminder of the choices he had made.
He took out his notebook and wrote:
"Success is not measured solely in financial terms, but in the ability to remain true to one's values and the quality of the relationships we cultivate."
He closed the notebook and took a deep breath. He was ready to face the challenges ahead, knowing he had a solid team and, most importantly, his children, Orion and Airin, who reminded him daily of the importance of his choices.