Jack would often lounge around the Cat and Phoenix incognito. Having been working in the cellar, he was wearing a white vest and overalls which hung from his waist. The vest bore the same dirty grey marks as his arms and hands, he'd clearly wiped his brow at some point, too. He certainly didn't look like a Don, which was likely what the young would-be associate who was giving him an earful thought, too. Mezzo smiled into his cigarette while the young one spoke, having found his way to the HQ from the jobs board.

'You heard me, why can't I be a Godfather?'

Runa was watching the interaction from across the counter while busying herself behind the bar. Jack gave her glance and a smile as he turned on his stool, leaning one arm on the bar while the other helped articulate his words.

"It's a great aspiration, kid. I mean that sincerely, but you need to build up to that position. I'm sure you understand? 

"And this is especially important since you're fresh off the boat. The position of Godfather means that you're in control. You're the decision maker, the judge, jury and executioner. You can't be expected to handle that responsibility alone, without support. This is where building relationships is important. Getting a feel for who you can trust, who to be wary of, who to treat like a future father-in-law and who to treat like an old friend. 

"This support network will be constantly offering the opportunity to learn lessons. To develop yourself and be better at what you want to be. You think you can get that under your belt in a single lifetime? I admire your confidence if so, however the chances are it'll be your kids who pick up the baton and who stand a better chance of reaching the upper echelons of command. 

"Next thing to consider is the administration behind it all. Your support network should be able to help here, but you need to know what's to be done, too. I'm talking about the documentation needed to manage your people. Collect information, coordinate movements and, where necessary, attacks. Last thing you want to do is walk into a role and be asked questions you're not expecting. 'How do I record my shots' or 'where are all the Durden targets?'. All things you should be aware of and providing by today's standards by a good leader.

"There's one more nugget that I could advise you be prepared to bring to that role, which is time. Time to explore relationships with other leaders, to ask your members if they feel your efforts are worth their time. Probably the biggest ask, to produce the most effective leaders. 

He watched for a while as the young worker considered these words. Jack drew from the cigarette and put it out on the counter. Runa immediately fumed and cleared the filth from the bar.

"Look, it's not impossible. You hit the ground running, with the right attitude and under the right conditions, there's no telling what you might achieve, so don't be disheartened, but also don't expect it to be handed to you. There are entire generations who have walked these streets and will put some serious consideration into whether or not they are prepared for the role of Godfather. Even I have.

"You'd also do well to apply this way of thinking to all of the significant roles in our business. Made Made, Crew Leader, Godfather, this advice is pliable to succeed in these positions, too."

Jack stood and stretched, it was time to be somewhere else, as usual. He gave the kid a wink and a pat on the shoulder.

"If you really want it, you'll get there. I'm sure anyone here will be happy to expand on the advice I can offer, as there are a great deal more opinions out there than just my own."

Gunther was listening to a man as he spoke to the youngster. The points he was making were valid to the extent that Gunther wanted to share a bit. He didn't want to take anything away from JackMezzo's message, as it was certainly valuable especially to anyone knew to this thing of ours. More so to someone who has been around a great while, but has grown bitter to the world. Gunther smiled and nodded to Jack.

"I must say you make some damn fine points. If you'll allow me, I would love to share my experience on the matter."

Gunther looked to the young one and began to speak.

"My advice comes from my experience and it can all be summed up into two words: Patience and Competition."

Gunther grinned as he continued.

"Patience is extremely important when one wishes to go far, as a rank such as God Father does not come overnight. Without patience, it truly is a fool's errand to even dream of attaining such a feat. I say this having attained such a feat, but only after a significant time had passed after being eligible. I nearly doubled the necessary age needed for the rank of God Father before earning it. So don't simply aim for that age and hope that the stars will align. Be willing to sit back and truly earn your place."

Gunther paused to let that marinate.

"Now, while you're sitting around being patient, let's not forget the second word: Competition. A novice would think that when I use the word competition, I mean with fellow mobsters. This could not be further from the truth. A point I'm sure JackMezzo would agree with me on wholeheartedly. One must only compete with oneself. If you push yourself to be better than you were yesterday, set benchmarks for yourself, and push on even if you fall short, there will be no stopping you. It's short sighted to see another mobster succeed in something and allow jealousy to fuel you. It will not lead you to prosperity. However, competing with yourself and yourself alone, will not only be less stressful, more rewarding, and simply enough much more fun, but it will allow you to actually attain such heights with a level of ease that when it finally happens you'll feel as though you barely even tried."

Gunther stopped himself and realized that he was beginning to rant.

"I hope what I've said makes sense. If anyone has anything else to add, either in support of contrast to what I've said please do not hesitate to do so."