A CEO who appeared on CBS’ Undercover Boss USA has gifted the equivalent of around £31,900 to one of his employees for having a “profound effect” on his life. David Seelinger, the chairman and CEO of EmpireCLS, made an appearance on the sixth episode of the show’s sixth season. He pretended to be “Sonny”, one of the hospitality company’s new drivers.
Many chief executives and heads of companies have appeared on the hit CBS reality television show over the years.
While on Undercover Boss, he met Jackie, a chauffeur who gave him vital life advice and whom he ended up gifting $40,000 (£31,928.00).
Before the undercover boss started his shift, his manager for the day shared some words of wisdom as to how he could do a good job.
Introducing herself, Jackie explained she was a chauffeur for Executive, adding: “You’re not picking up a corpse.
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“You are picking up someone who is alive so smile.”
While driving a client around Las Vegas, “Sonny” was asked questions by the customer but did not appear as warm as he could have.
He said: “Driving in a town that I am not familiar with, I was focused more on the driving so I could have been more engaging.”
After completing the trip, Jackie criticized the undercover CEO’s lack of engagement with the customers and told him to improve his manner.
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The chauffeur added: “Right there, you did not do good at all. You got to loosen up, you’ve got to.”
When driving a group of women around the Nevada city, Mr Seelinger was able to open up more about himself by discussing his experience with being divorced.
Shadowing the exchange, Jackie was impressed with his ability to open up about himself and relate to the client.
After dropping off the customers, both Mr Seelinger and Jackie talked about the subject alone, and how a “mistake” ended the chief executive’s marriage.
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She comforted “Sunny” about the guilt surrounding his past and told him he had to forgive himself for his past mistakes.
Touched by her kindness, he replied: “I learned more than just how to do this job today.”
Following his period of being undercover, Mr Seelinger decided to reveal his identity to his employee and offer her a financial gift.
The undercover boss said: “There is something about you that is very moving. You are very good at what you do.
“Something you said to me hit the nail on the head. You said that I’m living in the past. Somehow it was that timing but when you said it I felt this weight off my shoulders
“You have had a profound effect on my life in one day and I can’t even describe it but I thank you for it very much.
“I would like to give you $40,000 (£31,928.00) to do what you choose with, whatever that may be.”
Episodes of Undercover Boss USA are available to stream on the CBS website and 4 On Demand in the UK.
