Leading in Chaos: My 9-11 Lessons Learned

On September 11, 2001, the world as we all knew it ended. The unthinkable happened and we all had to accept our new reality On that day I was an NYPD Sergeant. Upon hearing of the attack, I immediately headed in to the World Trade Center and became embroiled in what would become a life-changing series of events. The lessons I learned about what real leadership is, and what my priorities must be, changed my view of my job, leadership and life forever. This session takes the audience along for the day-to-day experiences of being at the terrible site of the 9-11 terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. It highlights the very real human experiences of so many under those horrible conditions, and shows how the light of the human spirit can and did shine brightly among the dust and debris. It also shows that true leadership is based upon being responsive to the human needs of your team and others around you- it is a selfless and singular pursuit and must be forged under fire. This experience teaches the fragility and incredible value of each human life, and the awesome responsibility that each leader has to put others ahead of his/her own needs. These lessons cannot be truly learned from books or lectures but must be experienced firsthand to take root. Opportunities to learn start with embracing this fundamental understanding of what leadership really means. When we learn that truth, we emerge as stronger, more effective leaders.

Active Shooters: A Gap Analysis Shows What's Missing

Our world has almost become immune to the active shooting events that not long ago, shook us to our core. Since the tragic events of Columbine HS in 1999, we have seen a steady increase in such events and the accompanying collective responses by law enforcement, governmental leaders, the private sector and ordinary citizens. In 1999, the Columbine tragedy resulted in endless news coverage and fascination with the shooters. Soon there became a set of experts who would weigh in on these events offering what each felt was crucial to do to avoid future similar tragedies. These recommendations resulted in countless billions spent on upgraded security systems, law enforcement training, mental health services, mass notification systems, legislation and more. Yet we still continue to see these events taking place and innocent people dying. Why is that the case? In reviewing these cases it can be seen that there is a significant and unavoidable gap in the various plans being adopted universally. Yet we watch as the professionals continue to insist that their methods and tools will and can work.

This session shows how the overall approach, and priorities, of those tasked with ensuring we are safe against such attacks are inherently flawed, or at least incomplete. The current set of tools and approach will only continue to produce body counts until a sober look at the chain of events, and a recognition of what is truly PRIORITY#1, are done by all. Defining success in these cases must be revisited as well.

When we put this serious issue to the test of asking hard questions, and decide we are open to abandoning what we think will work, for a realistic approach, we stand a chance of greatly reducing the numbers lost in such events. Until then, expect more of the same.

Obsession: A Case Study

The United State Secret Service estimates that almost 3 millions people are stalked each year in the US. Many never even know this is taking place, and many are changed forever by these harrowing experiences. Stalking and unwanted attention is often psychologically devastating and the persons behind it are frequently operating from various stages of obsession.

Obsessed persons have made history with their tragic acts of violence towards the objects of their twisted fascination and obsession. How can these people be dealt with effectively to make them turn their focus elsewhere? Can it be done?

In the workplace, obsession takes many forms. This session focuses on a bizarre case of obsessive stalking perpetrated by a co-worker of the victim whom she knew and worked closely with for more than a decade. The depth of his obsession caused him to disrupt and upset the victim's life for years until something effective was done.

The audience will be walked through this case study from the perspective of the corporate security leader who was tasked with creating a plan to deal with this matter in a way that ensured no acts of violence would occur, and that the stalker would ultimately be left with his dignity intact. No easy trick! The lessons learned here can help all better understand the dynamics at play with obsessed persons, and the strategies that can be employed successfully to mitigate the risk of violence.