Navigating Business from the Port Lookout

Navigating Business from the Port Lookout

Like Captain Nemo, the enigmatic and charismatic commander of the submarine Nautilus, I live by the sea. While I spend most of my time in online meetings—nine out of ten, as I work remotely—I hold some of my in-person meetings in this lookout tower at the local port, surrounded by the sights and sounds of waves, boat traffic, and the sea stretching out on all sides.

I like to open these meetings with the words of Captain Nemo:
“The sea is everything… it is nothing but love and emotion; it is the ‘Living Infinite.’”

Fish of the week or shellfish

Fish of the week or shellfish

I live by the sea and embrace Captain Nemo’s quote, ‘Here on the ocean floor is the only independence. Here I am free!’ Thus, every weekend, I select my ‘fish of the week,’ or shellfish. Now, it’s time for crab, and I need to have the hammer. As Hemingway said, ‘Neither for you nor for me. I’m sorry, fish.’ Will it be as black as black for the crab; perhaps a stout?

My mind then takes flight to a green island, to a pub on a street corner in Cork. I imagine watching old men in their caps, seated in their usual spots, inviting me to join a community chat as the pubs fill up, echoing with cheers and the sound of church bells signaling the start of Sunday lunch. But my journey wouldn’t stop there. Next, I’d go to France for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the southwest, a fitting companion for the crab. I envision hearing church bells ringing out as squares fill with people at bistros, engaging in philosophical discussions around the tables.

Ending with a stout or Sauvignon Blanc?