He always relied on too many corporate buzzwords. Everything was “innovative,” “synergistic,” or “AI-driven,” even when it involved only coffee orders or printer settings. Once, he used “metaverse integration” to describe a client’s new Slack channel. Ethan stopped correcting him. There was no point in teaching syntax to a foghorn.
The funniest part was Brad’s trust. He never doubted Ethan’s work, never verified a formula, never questioned a chart. He’d brag, “I’m a big believer in empowering my team.” The translation was, “I have no idea what they’re doing, but if it works, it’s mine.” Ethan began to appreciate the irony.