9/11 — Always remember

Some dates are communal anchors. September 11th is one of those days for many of us. I remember being mid-span on the 520 bridge when news came through: the first tower had collapsed. The time — 6:59 AM Pacific — is burned into memory not because of a single image, but because the ordinary day rearranged itself in an instant.

We run busy calendars and tight programs. It is tempting to let certain days pass without pause. But remembrance is itself a form of attention: it honors people, acknowledges shared history, and reminds leaders to build organizations that are resilient and humane.

On days like this, step away from deliverables and metrics. Reflect on human consequences—the families, the first responders, the communities that continue to live with the aftermath. For managers and leaders, take a moment to model empathy: allow space for reflection, encourage stories, and remember that the work we do serves people first.

Here’s the main point: remembering is both personal and professional. It keeps the human context visible in every project and every plan.