The beauty of being “invisible” was that people felt free to speak their minds around me, assuming that I was neither interested in nor capable of understanding their conversations. The truth was the exact opposite. Each remark, each dismissive gesture, revealed to me the true nature of those who held the reins of power.

One of the most telling encounters occurred on a Friday evening. The office was nearly deserted, save for a few ambitious souls burning the midnight oil. I was polishing the stainless steel railings when I overheard a hushed conversation between two senior executives.