Thomas Reynolds—Tom to those who knew him—entered the conference room with a confident, steady demeanor that suggested both experience and approachability. In his early 50s, Tom had a seasoned look about him, with just enough silver in his hair to speak of years spent navigating the corporate world. Despite his age, he moved with the energy and vitality of someone much younger, a quality that didn't go unnoticed by the executives waiting to interview him. His resume was impressive, showcasing extensive experience in operations for several fast-growing media companies, but what stood out most was his role in scaling a streaming platform from a small startup to a major player that eventually went public.