4:44 PM

The host introduced him warmly.

Thirty-two years in the industry.

Eleven years leading the company.

Expansion into six markets.

A long list of things that sounded more impressive when somebody else read them aloud.

Then:

"Please welcome former CEO Daniel Tan."

The applause was generous.

He walked onto the stage smiling.

The panel went well.

People laughed in the right places.

Afterwards, several younger executives came up to introduce themselves.

One said:

"My father used to talk about you."

He laughed.

"Hopefully good things."

During the break he went for coffee.

His conference badge had twisted around.

He turned it over.

Daniel Tan

Underneath:

Former CEO, Meridian Group

He straightened the lanyard.

Then looked at it again.