Jet lag must have kept me awake at night, and the thought of having to give a presentation tomorrow woke me up at 3 a.m. I opened my laptop and started thinking again. ‘How should I approach this presentation?’

I remembered the NGTV commercial clip file I grabbed just before leaving home. Showing the video seemed like it would be more effective. I practiced in front of the mirror. I mostly relied on my notes, but running through the entire presentation from start to finish gave me confidence. The biggest challenge was defining my role. I pondered what role I could actually play, what I should demand, and what I should deliver. It wasn’t easy. After roughly five hours of preparation until 8 a.m., the big picture came into focus.

I took a taxi to **Dunfermline**, where Digital Bridges’ headquarters are located. Surprisingly calm for someone facing a big battle, I found myself feeling confident without realizing it. Upon arriving at the company, I met CEO Kevin and Director Christian for Asia-Pacific, both young individuals. We finished preparing the presentation right away and proceeded smoothly over tea.

The presentation went far more successfully than I’d expected. CEO Kevin and Director Christian were generous with their praise, saying I did really well. Was it thanks to my mother’s prayers? I give thanks to God. They proposed working together immediately. I replied that I’d return to Seoul to consult with my father and professor before making a more careful decision.

I’m currently staying at Director Christian’s house. I was treated to delicious barbecued salmon, along with beer and whiskey. The phrase ‘generous hospitality’ seems made for moments like this; they treated me like a true honored guest. It was the kind of hospitality that couldn’t help but move anyone’s heart. It was a human touch, a world apart from the Korean businessmen who try to win over partners with drinks and gifts.

Coming to Europe has given me a truly profound realization. It’s not the grand castles or clean streets, but the attitude of the people that earns a country the title of ‘advanced nation’ – that is the true shortcut to success.