Be subtle. We must not exaggerate the woman.

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Archive Messages from Rutherford Hall, Critical Communications Strategist

WhatsApp to Stephen: Bad news. Volpone Bank has canned Martin. That the lawyers refused to let him apologize for the data leak was a real hammer blow, although getting rid of all those cyber guys over Zoom six months early probably didn’t help either. This is a big bead and we’re going to have to pedal fast to hold it.

WhatsApp to MartinK@VolponeBank: Martin, I’m so sorry. This is unfortunate and totally undeserved after the brilliant and decisive leadership he has given Volpone Bank over all these years. I loved working for you and am especially grateful for your help when I needed financing. Lunch next week to plan the next chapter?

WhatsApp to Stephen: It gets worse. Volpone has promoted Susan, who was running the wealth management branch. She did not get along with Martin. She’s Volpone’s first female CEO, which may offer some interesting opportunities.

WhatsApp to Stephen: Of course I’ll be subtle about it.

From: Rutherford@Monkwellstrategy.com

To: SusanCB@VolponeBank.com

Susan, congratulations. You will be brilliant. We’ve enjoyed a very fruitful partnership with Volpone over the past few years, dodged a few bullets, set up some weird politics, and wanted to emphasize that we’re there for you 24/7, just like we were for Martin. As you know, the lawyers blocked our advice to apologize for the leak and that really hurt him. And once the cyber job cuts (cuts, I heard you opposed) came along, it was hard to recover.

I saw your first comments. They were excellent and will allow you to strategize a compelling fresh face and start for Volpone; building Volpone’s credentials in ESG, EDI (all initials!), embracing the new finance agenda and also projecting a more caring approach to employees. We have experience helping to shape a compelling turnaround story while reassuring investors that they haven’t lost sight of the bottom line. Do away with the “tough man” image without becoming a soft-touch bench. I’d love to discuss it at your convenience. I’d also like to introduce Sophie, one of the senior members of our finance team. Breakfast at the Wolseley?

I look forward to working with you Rutherford

Member of the DSIT panel on business and the metaverse

Meet me at Strava, King of the Mountain, Sydenham Hill, PR London to Brighton 3h 37m

WhatsApp to Stephen: Hmm. I got a very evasive answer from Susan. Maybe I was a little too subtle about the woman? Can you find out if they are buying?

WhatsApp to SusanCB: Susana I’m sorry if I gave that impression. Of course, we must not exaggerate the angle of the woman. Volpone has had a rough few weeks and we can’t wait to take advantage of the messaging opportunities of a fresh face. But these are modern times. A woman can definitely be a tough man too. By the way, totally agree with all those annoying initials.

WhatsApp to SusanCB: That was a simple business loan. I don’t see any conflict there.

WhatsApp to the Fin team: OK, who do we know in the banking industry who might be open to reaching out? Volpone is under new management.

WhatsApp to the Fin team: Actually. PlutoBank Europe? I would love to get a US bank. I have met their CEO once or twice. Do we know anyone on your board?

WhatsApp to the Fin team: I’m not sure Elizabeth Holmes is still active.

WhatsApp Henry@PlutoBank: Henry, this is Rutherford Hall in Monkwell. We met when I was working in Downing Street. Do you have a few minutes to talk about something that benefits us both?

From: Rutherford@Monkwellstrategy.com

To: Henry@PlutoBank.EMEA.com

Thanks for your time before. As I mentioned, we can offer a wealth of experience with both the banking sector (six years with Volpone) and the UK government. We have been very active in working with ministers on the Edinburgh reforms and, if I do say so myself, we are exceptionally well connected at Treasury and in Brussels. We are instrumental in keeping some very dangerous ideas off the statute book and of course we are well versed in investor relations. I believe that we can be of great help in your strategic challenges here and in the EU.

By the way, I found you on Strava. I better keep you out of my KoM route. But if you ever fancy the London Brighton. . . Best, Rutherford

DSIT Panel Member. . . Find me on Strava. . .

WhatsApp to SusanCB: Susana, great to hear from you. I’m not sure where you heard that from. We haven’t signed anyone else. Of course, our reputation and work precede, so other banks may think that a new boss would be looking for a change of adviser. Yes to breakfast at the Wolseley on Wednesday. Steak tartare for two! I’ll be waiting for it.

WhatsApp to Henry@Plutobank: Wednesday at Wolseley is difficult. Thursday works?

Messages Recovered by Robert Shrimsley