A life lesson in composure
IN 2010, a professional assignment led to a strange encounter. I had gone to meet a prominent industrialist, known for his groundbreaking success and global ambitions. Having a prior appointment, I arrived at his residence, an opulent estate that spoke of wealth and achievement, and was ushered into the lounge by his secretary.
“The boss is still in a meeting,” he said, smiling politely. “Please make yourself comfortable. He will be free in minutes.”
I settled into the plush waiting area with my BlackBerry in hand. Engrossed in replying to emails, I suddenly heard a heavy thud followed by a growl. I looked up in surprise and froze. A black bulldog, unleashed and moving with purpose, was heading straight for me. At first, I thought it was just an overzealous pet, but as it drew closer, the bulldog’s sheer size and intimidating presence became unmistakable. Having a muscular frame and dark, menacing eyes, the animal sniffed the air and slowly came closer to me. I was jolted by this twist in the tale.
Though I’m fond of dogs, this encounter was unlike any other. The bulldog loomed close, his snout reaching my neck as he meticulously inspected every inch of me.
A wave of panic surged through me. This wasn’t just a playful dog; it was a force to be reckoned with. I debated whether to stand up, back away or remain still, but then I remembered something I’d read: never panic, never make sudden moves. Animals, especially dogs, are unlikely to harm us unless provoked. So, I stayed motionless, despite the overwhelming urge to flee.
My heart raced, but I kept my composure, focusing on staying calm. Five minutes passed — maybe more — and the bulldog’s relentless sniffing finally ceased. With one last, lingering stare, it turned and walked away. I heaved a sigh of relief as his caretaker arrived and whisked it away after apologising to me.
Moments later, the industrialist arrived and our conversation quickly shifted to his growth story. The discussion that followed was fruitful, delving into his journey from humble beginnings to remarkable achievements and future plans abroad. Our conversation extended over lunch and coffee, leaving me with rich insights.
But as I reflect on that day, it’s not the interview that I remember the most. It is the bulldog that taught me a lasting lesson in composure. In that tense moment, I learned the importance of staying calm under pressure. Life, much like that incident, isn’t always predictable, but it’s how we handle the unexpected that truly defines us.
The encounter with the bulldog remains etched in my memory, not as a tale of fear, but as a testament to the value of holding your nerve in challenging situations. Even after 15 years, it’s a story I share with a smile — and a slightly faster heartbeat.