Charles Aston, the dynamic leader of Aston International Consulting, gathers his executive team in London to make the startling announcement that he plans to retire. Who will replace him? Will it be the steady, experienced Eric Kho, who heads AIC's Tokyo office? Sandra Garin, the top female executive who would sacrifice almost anything for the firm? Or will Charles decide to keep the business in the family and appoint his irresponsible yet talented nephew? The film follows the change of power and the individuals that rise and fall as a result of his decision. When Joan Brooks, a rising executive at AIC, finally gets the career opportunity of a lifetime her relative inexperience threatens the whole operation.