The day after meeting Sherry Lansing, Lin BaoCheng met Michael Eisner through the headhunting firm.
Again, Lin brought Isabella along.
Lin explained his vision for the film company: an initial US$50 million investment, 10% of shares reserved as options for management, and his expectations for growth.
Eisner didn't comment much on compensation, but he demanded greater management authority. For example, he wanted full discretion over personnel below department head level — the right to dismiss staff without consulting Lin. In finance, he wanted authority to allocate up to US$5 million without prior approval, as long as it didn't harm the company.
These weren't his only demands. In short, he wanted broad management powers. Of course, such requests could be negotiated and limited.
Eisner said that if granted greater authority, he would join Lin's company. But Lin didn't give an immediate answer, saying he needed to consider.
After Eisner left, Lin and Isabella stayed behind.
"Bella, what do you think of Michael Eisner?" Lin asked.
Isabella analyzed: "This man has a very strong desire for control. Boss, you have many businesses, and you might not oversee the film company closely. That would leave him with broad powers. But precisely because of that, it's unwise to appoint him president. His desire for control is too strong. With less oversight, no one can guarantee he wouldn't secretly overstep and harm the company or your interests."
"Looks like we agree," Lin nodded. With other candidates available, Eisner's flaws loomed larger. Lin eliminated him.
"Bella, keep close contact with Sherry Lansing. If she hasn't decided within three days, tell me, and I'll look for someone else."
"Yes, Boss," Isabella replied.
Lin favored Lansing, but he wouldn't wait indefinitely. He would continue interviewing other candidates from the headhunters.
After assigning Isabella to maintain contact, Lin returned to his usual work.
Isabella took the matter seriously. She hoped Lansing would join as president. Few women held high positions in Hollywood. With Lin's career likely to grow larger, having more women in leadership could give Isabella potential allies.
Within two days, Isabella brought good news: Sherry Lansing had decided to leave her current company and join Lin's new film company as president.
That evening, Lin met her again, with Isabella present.
"Ms. Lansing, welcome aboard!" Lin said happily, shaking her hand.
"Boss, just call me Lansing. It's my honor to join," she replied. Though the contract wasn't signed yet, she had already changed her form of address, stepping into her new role.
Some matters Isabella had already discussed, but Lansing said again: "Boss, regarding my contract — you'll need to cover my severance penalty. And I can't leave immediately. I must finish some work handovers."
"Don't worry, I'll pay the penalty," Lin nodded. "Once you finish your handovers, Bella will sign the employment contract with you. Compensation will be as agreed. After that, your first task will be to identify a suitable film company, and with Bella, complete its acquisition to establish our foundation."
"Boss, is there a limit on the target company's valuation?" Lansing asked.
"I'm investing US$50 million. How much to spend on acquisition is up to you. If you think using all of it on acquisition can still grow the company, that's fine."
Lin set no strict requirement. With Isabella overseeing valuations, his interests would be protected.
"Thank you for your trust, Boss. I'll select the most suitable target," Lansing said. This gave her wide discretion, which was a good thing.
Lin added: "In management, I'll assign separate staff for finance. You'll have autonomy in personnel decisions. But remember — the more authority you have, the more responsibility you bear. If the company fails, the blame will fall on you."
Lansing nodded. Authority and responsibility were equal.
"As for production, I'll intervene mainly in big‑budget films. Low‑budget ones I'll leave to you. But for major projects, you must report to me. And sometimes, if I personally want to make a film, the company must support it. Be prepared for that."
Lin preferred to be upfront.
Lansing replied: "Boss, if your interventions repeatedly cause serious losses, I want your assurance that you'll minimize interference — or stop altogether."
Though it risked offending him, she had to say it. Better to be clear than risk the company's ruin.
"Rest assured. I founded this company to make money. If my interference causes losses, I'll know when to stop," Lin said. He didn't believe his involvement would harm the company, but saying this reassured Lansing.
Hearing his words, Lansing felt at ease.