September 11th: Decisions Determine Destiny, Chance Plays a Role & Where is Your God?
15 years ago today I was in Downtown Manhattan: horrified, heartbroken and grateful to be alive.
Our family of 7 lived in England from 1998 to 2001. I was asked by Novell to accept an expat assignment as Vice President Marketing for their Europe, Middle East and Africa business. We loved this family experience! Because our oldest son was preparing to enter High School in 2001 I began searching in 2000 for a way back to the USA. Sadly, Novell at the time didn’t have an executive role for me. We looked beyond the state of Utah, which had been our latest launching pad. Having lived in CT, NJ, NY, IL, CA and UT — we were well acquainted with the challenges of a move. I was fortunate to land an executive level promotion at Vignette, in Austin, TX as VP Global Marketing. My new job started the beginning of 2001.
With this backdrop, I share personal key learnings from my experiences in 2001.
Decisions Determine Destiny.
I had no idea the decisions I made early in 2001 would be a matter of life or death.
Tony Robbins said, “A real decision is measured by the fact that you have taken a new action. If there is no action, you haven’t truly decided.” In my personal and professional life, constant learning, hard work and consistent action driving toward a defined vision have been a formula for success.
Early in 2001, the Vignette Corporate Marketing and Public Relations team brought forward a recommendation for the launch of Vignette v5 in New York City for September 11, 2001. They presented two options. The first, Windows on the World, which was located in the North Tower at 1 World Trade Center. The second, The Benjamin Hotel, located in mid-town Manhattan at 50th and Lexington Ave.
We debated.
We held the first option for Windows on the World. In 2001, this was a technology company favorite for launching new products. IBM, Microsoft and other major brands used this venue. It is on the 107th floor of the North Tower. As we discussed our two options, we determined as a team that we were industry leaders defining Web 2.0. Given this competitive position, we would seek a non-traditional venue.
I chose The Benjamin.
You see, we began our event with an 8:00am breakfast. Press briefings and round tables started at 8:30am. We confirmed ~1,000 customers who were flying in from around the world for an event that evening.
At 8:46am on September 11th American Airlines Flight 11, which was a large Boeing 767, was flown directly into the North Tower between the 94th and 98th floors. We would have been on the 107th floor.
In the aftermath of this horrific terrorist attack, we read of the tragic deaths of employees, World Trade Center staff, individuals interviewing … anyone who was above the 94th floor. Including those at Aon Corporation, Cantor Fitzgerald and Marsh & McLennan.
Had I chosen Windows on the World to launch Vignette v5, it would have meant certain death. In the North Tower there were 1,360 fatalities above the 92nd floor, which was 100% of its occupants at the time.
My perspective on how decisions determine destiny deepened.
Chance Plays a Role.
As I reflected that day and over the past 15 years, it is clear to me that there is a random nature to this life. I find depth in Robert Kennedy’s words,
“Tragedy is a tool for the living to gain wisdom, not a guide by which to live.”
Recently, I was reading stories and experiences of people from September 11th. I came across an article by Shiela Winson written December 20, 2013 titled “Windows On The World — The Unwritten Story”. You can find it at www.unpublishedarticles.com/windows-on-the-world-the-unwritten-story/
Shiela Winson explained in this story that the Risk Waters Group held a financial seminar at Windows on the World, September 11th with the exact same itinerary we were running 50 streets away. Tragically those who ran this conference and those who attended all passed away.
She wrote, “Life and death can sometimes be decided on a razor thin wire of chance.”
My heart goes out to those from Risk Waters Group and all who perished in the World Trade Center towers. I am grateful to be alive and for the perspective I gained from this experience to focus on my family, more fully cherish each day and the gift I have of life.
By chance, my cousin Deborah Stephens and her partner Val Arismendez were on vacation in NYC on this same day. As my family heard I was in NYC my father called to let me know Deb and Val were also in Manhattan.
I was grateful.
Deb and I have had a wonderful connection since we were learning to walk! This random occurrence brought us even closer. We were able to comfort each other, have a quiet, reflective dinner at the Palms Restaurant. Deb and Val were and are a strength to me.
Over the next few days, I organized a bus to take the Vignette team (that was in NYC for the event) from NYC to Austin, TX. I stayed behind to ensure the international press people were able to return to their homes. Finally, finding a rental car for Deb, Val and myself to drive from NJ to Pittsburgh, PA. We were finally able to take flights home September 16th.
Where is Your God?
One of my direct reports asked me, literally as the dust settled, “Where is your God now?!” He expressed his utter disbelief in a God who would allow such a tragedy to happen to his children.
My first reaction and answer — He is right here with me! Then I searched for something more meaningful to share.
I looked at people walking past us, eyes full of shock and grief, tears streaking down their dust covered faces, an eerie silence on the streets.
Then, it began to change.
We looked at each other, with greater depth. Resolve, unity of purpose. Anger toward whoever was at war with us. Looking for ways to serve and help!
By the late afternoon and early evening, hundreds of us, if not thousands, standing in line to give blood. I witnessed compassion, kindness, people serving one another. Race did not matter, gender did not matter, sexual orientation did not matter, political and religious beliefs did not matter …
We were united, seeking to do good.
I know God gives us agency. We are free to choose. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins and help us overcome weaknesses and trials of all types. I am grateful He chose to serve. What choice will you and I make?
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
In the heroic words of Todd Beamer, Let’s Roll!
