"It's the first time I've ever done anything like that. It took longer than I expected. I've gotten a lot of E-mail since I got back, saying they thought I did a good job and presented the case well"

In this quote, Jim Barksdale is assessing a current experience where he did something brand-new and challenging. He mentions that it took longer than he prepared for, showing that it was a difficult task. Nevertheless, despite the challenges, he got positive feedback in the form of emails from others. This recommends that he succeeded in his venture and that others acknowledged his efforts. Barksdale's use of the phrase "very first time" implies that he might have been reluctant or not sure about taking on this task, but his success and positive feedback have most likely enhanced his self-confidence. In general, this quote highlights the significance of attempting brand-new things and the fulfillment that comes from doing them well.