Naturally, the two GMs were nervous. NYTD had survived two painful rounds of layoffs
earlier in the year and as a result, was rapidly approaching profitability. In fact, there was wide
anticipation the current quarter would be the organization’s first profitable quarter. Operations were
running very smoothly.Mr. Meyer and Ms. DeSisto were satisfied with the current state of their careers. Many of
their contemporaries had leaped into the Internet craze after receving MBAs in the mid-1990s and
were now searching for new positions in a tough job market. By contrast, Mr. Meyer and Ms. Desisto
not only had challenging and rewarding positions with an Internet survivor, they were part of a
prestigious and highly respected organization. They did not believe now was a good time for a major
change.