Thinking back on yesterday – and specifically 23 years ago – a multitude of thoughts crammed through my mind during the day. Grief. Horror. Shock. And it never gets easier. Who would expect that it ever could. Last night as I sipped a glass of wine, I remembered vividly the days post September 11, 2001, and the aftermath was something profoundly powerful: a collective spirit of unity and resilience that swept across the nation.
September 12, 2001, marked a new dawn — amid chaos and grief, Americans came together in a way that transcended politics, religion, race, and social divides. We stood united, bound by a shared sense of humanity, compassion, and determination to rebuild and move forward.
As we reflect on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, it’s important to remember that the spirit of September 12 — the spirit of unity — is still within us!
Jobs. Business. Life’s ups and downs. Resilience, yes. But when we work together for the greater good, we can accomplish great things. In a world that often feels divided and somber, revisiting that sense of unity can guide us today.
I recall that day strangers offering one another comfort, communities rallying together to help those in need, and first responders working tirelessly to find survivors amidst the rubble. The overwhelming response wasn’t motivated by politics or personal gain — it was driven by compassion and a shared commitment to recovery. Countless acts of kindness were performed by everyday citizens. It was a time when our shared values as a people — love, resilience, and hope — overpowered the fear and destruction that sought to divide us. We were, simply put, united.
In today’s market we’re going through lots of changes across jobs, business, and the economy. I sometimes feel we are inundated with too much information overload and the speed and swiftness of life. In the blink of an eye new technology is replaced, new skills are evolving, jobs become obsolete. It’s hard to keep up the pace.
Let’s reinvigorate that same camaraderie we saw in 2001 today.
Despite all the layoffs and restructuring happening, job searching is an opportunity. Even if it doesn’t seem that way at all. We can all relate that navigating a job search is about as fun as doing taxes or going to Ikea. I’ve shared the Ikea analogy before. Ikea’s layout is brilliantly done, because you must wander through rooms with endless items that you don’t need, yet you end up buying them. When all you wanted was the one item at the exit. Same in job searching. We go through rounds of interviews, networking conversations, assessments, projects, and do some companies require blood samples these days?? And all we are looking for is to land that job. Get that offer. It is a grueling and lonely process.
As I look at the shifts happening in the job market over the past few years, and in working with many high achieving executives, I recognize the strength in having a strong network community. Whether it is for an exchange of ideas and knowledge, connections, job leads, or keeping accountability, (and sanity), groups are tremendously beneficial – and essential. Remember it’s not about trying to meet as many people as possible. Networking is about meeting a few well-connected people who can advocate for you. I’m confident we can all do our small part and help others during these times, who need a little motivation and encouragement, and pay it forward.
Do me a favor and reach out to a connection you have not spoken to in a while this week or next. See how you can help them.
That unity we experienced on September 12, 2001, serves as a powerful reminder of what we are capable of when we come together. While we now face different challenges — the lesson of that day remains relevant: we are stronger when we are united – and help others!
Let’s rally together. Let’s lead with empathy. We may never realize the impact we can have on someone’s career (or business) by just a conversation. Who can you help today?