This September marks 25 years since 9/11 — and as New Yorkers, this story is our story.
Join us for a compelling discussion of Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation, an oral history that shares the firsthand experiences of leaders who guided the FDNY through and beyond September 11.
The book presents their words from interviews that often lasted two hours or longer, offering a powerful firsthand account of leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the department's history. It explores lessons in leading through crisis, navigating prolonged hardship, fostering organizational transformation, and supporting healing in the aftermath.
Structured to be read as both an oral history and a guide to leadership, the book has earned high praise from early readers, including Adm. James Stavridis (former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO), Prof. Mike Useem (Faculty Director of Wharton's Center for Leadership and Change Management), Annie McKee (co-author of Primal Leadership), Stephen Klasko (former CEO of Jefferson Health), R. Edward Freeman (Bachand University Professor at UVA's Darden School), and Laura Kavanagh (34th FDNY Commissioner, Ret.).
The conversation will be moderated by Paul Brown, Co-Author of Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation. A retired New York City Fire Captain and third-generation firefighter, Brown spent over thirty years as a first responder and deployed to numerous disasters and wildfires nationwide as a member of the FDNY Incident Management Team. He speaks regularly on managing crises, high-stakes decision making, and organizational change.
Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation will be released on August 31, 2026. We encourage you to bring a copy of the book! Click here to see what readers are already saying!
For full details, visit www.risingfromgroundzero.org.
About the Authors
Gregory Shea, PhD is a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change Management. Lead author of Leading Successful Change: 8 Keys to Making Change Work and Your Job Survival Guide. His writing has appeared in Harvard Business Review and the California Management Review. Click here for a full bio.
The session will include significant time dedicated to questions, hence spending a little time perusing this blog on his website, the book (available 8/31/26), and the Author landing page here will help you get the most out of the session. Greg will sign books at the event.
When:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
6:00 PM – Wine & Cheese Reception/Book Sale
6:30 PM – Program Begins
7:15 PM – Q&A
7:30 – 8:00 PM – Book Sale Continues/Author Signing
Where:
Midtown location (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the "Primary Email" address listed in your profile. Please review your profile to confirm that the email address listed is correct.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $26 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $52
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as this event will sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, September 2nd at 9:00am.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.
Join us for a compelling discussion of Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation, an oral history that shares the firsthand experiences of leaders who guided the FDNY through and beyond September 11.
The book presents their words from interviews that often lasted two hours or longer, offering a powerful firsthand account of leadership during one of the most challenging periods in the department's history. It explores lessons in leading through crisis, navigating prolonged hardship, fostering organizational transformation, and supporting healing in the aftermath.
Structured to be read as both an oral history and a guide to leadership, the book has earned high praise from early readers, including Adm. James Stavridis (former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO), Prof. Mike Useem (Faculty Director of Wharton's Center for Leadership and Change Management), Annie McKee (co-author of Primal Leadership), Stephen Klasko (former CEO of Jefferson Health), R. Edward Freeman (Bachand University Professor at UVA's Darden School), and Laura Kavanagh (34th FDNY Commissioner, Ret.).
The conversation will be moderated by Paul Brown, Co-Author of Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation. A retired New York City Fire Captain and third-generation firefighter, Brown spent over thirty years as a first responder and deployed to numerous disasters and wildfires nationwide as a member of the FDNY Incident Management Team. He speaks regularly on managing crises, high-stakes decision making, and organizational change.
Rising from Ground Zero: 9/11 and the FDNY's Path through Crisis to Transformation will be released on August 31, 2026. We encourage you to bring a copy of the book! Click here to see what readers are already saying!
For full details, visit www.risingfromgroundzero.org.
About the Authors
Gregory Shea, PhD is a Senior Fellow at the Wharton Center for Leadership and Change Management. Lead author of Leading Successful Change: 8 Keys to Making Change Work and Your Job Survival Guide. His writing has appeared in Harvard Business Review and the California Management Review. Click here for a full bio.
The session will include significant time dedicated to questions, hence spending a little time perusing this blog on his website, the book (available 8/31/26), and the Author landing page here will help you get the most out of the session. Greg will sign books at the event.
When:
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
6:00pm - 8:00pm
6:00 PM – Wine & Cheese Reception/Book Sale
6:30 PM – Program Begins
7:15 PM – Q&A
7:30 – 8:00 PM – Book Sale Continues/Author Signing
Where:
Midtown location (Note: Address will be sent via email to all registered guests 24-48 hours prior to the event to the "Primary Email" address listed in your profile. Please review your profile to confirm that the email address listed is correct.)
Cost:
WCNY Supporting Members - $26 (WCNY supporting membership costs $95/yr at Join/Renew Membership)
Other Wharton Alumni & Alumni Guests - $52
Gold & Benefactor Members - $0
Pre-registration is required. Please register early as this event will sell out quickly.
Registration is subject to availability and will close on Wednesday, September 2nd at 9:00am.
Cancellations must be made at least 48-hours (business day) prior to the event date by sending an email to Gabriela Sanchez. Refunds or credits for future events are not available for any no-shows or late cancellations. Click here for full details.