“Did you hear? A plane just hit the Twin Towers.” My coworker’s voice shook. I froze. Planes don’t hit buildings, do they?
I was new to New York, fresh from Los Angeles. The towers weren’t familiar to me, and I didn’t yet grasp their significance. My boss walked through the office, pale, telling us all to go home. None of us fully understood what was happening. This was before smartphones or social media. Back then, news came only through TV and radio.
On my way home, I ran errands, buying a new dress for Rosh Hashana, as the holiday was just weeks away. On a whim, I stopped to visit my dear friend, Mrs. Goodman, at her assisted living apartment. I stepped inside – and froze.
My eyes locked on the TV. Smoke poured from the Twin Towers. People ran in panic. My chest tightened. My hands shook. The world I thought I knew had crumbled in an instant.
Mrs. Leah Goodman, my dear friend for over a decade.
Our weekly dinners and conversations at her
assisted living in Monsey are memories I’ll always treasure.
That moment hit me hard. It reminded me that being out of touch isn’t just personal, it can be fatal in business too. Ignore your team, and key talent walks out. Repeat the same marketing message, and families quietly choose competitors who speak to their needs.
To stay ahead, leaders must:
➡️ Notice small changes – they matter
➡️ Listen to your team – hear what’s unsaid
➡️ Anticipate client needs – before crises hit
Being present and responsive isn’t optional. It’s what separates leaders who survive from those who thrive.
