Where Hustle Meets Heart - The Real Magic of New York City
Today, we move forward.
If you grew up in New York and are of a certain age, you know going forward is what we do best. In that vein, you will likely remember the saying "time to make the doughnuts" from the famous Dunkin Donuts commercial of the baker rolling over to his 5am alarm to get up and get to work.
If you're part of the hustle of New York, you know all too well that during this pandemic we've never really stopped making those doughnuts. Rather, we’ve pivoted to making whatever the moment in front of us commands. As businesses, we are operating under incredibly complicated circumstances—limitations to our customer base, health protocols that are upending our processes, personal health concerns that raise the stakes of going to work—all during a period of some of the most intense financial duress our city has ever seen. As citizens, we're operating under stress and constant pressure to stay afloat while trying to create space to advocate for what's right in the world, help our communities survive, and cheer on the front line workers that keep the city running. It's a lot—yet, every morning, we get up and "make the doughnuts."
Yes, these doughnuts might look a little different than the ones we are used to making in this amazing city, but they still possess the ingredients of profound substance that make New York City so special: hustle with heart.
Look at our incredible hoteliers who are stepping up to help our most vulnerable populations by providing them beds to sleep in, all while they themselves are trying to create a business model that enables them to keep their lights on and their beloved staff employed.
Look at our world class live event venues—from our conventions centers to our live theatres. Once the epicenter of bustling gatherings attracting people from around the globe, we've seen these spaces converted into hospitals to help our sick, places of refuge for protesters in the streets, and spaces for students in our New York City public schools to learn. And while they do their part for their communities, live events professionals are simultaneously reimagining these same spaces with emerging technology that often allows the shows to go on (virtually, for now).
Look at our incredible restaurants that are meeting the moment by feeding our hungry at an unprecedented scale, while at the same time reinventing the entire definition of the dining experience in a social distancing world.
Look at our public schools that are reinventing how they are educating our students. Look at our health care systems adjusting on the fly to not only manage the COVID crisis, but also the plethora of additional needs our city has during this time.
Look at the hustle for progress—but don't look past the heart.
This is a community that gives far more than it ultimately takes. That's why I believe New York City is the greatest city on earth. Period.
I stand with my high rent. I stand with my high taxes. I stand with my unreliable commute. I stand with the random mystery odors that rise from the streets unexpectedly on a stroll to the office.
I stand with all of the imperfections because, as somebody who has done business in New York City for over 20 years, this city has given me so much more than I think I've actually given it. I stand with, behind, and on the shoulders of the hustle that makes this city special.
To all the naysayers who I continue to hear buzzing in the background that "New York City is dead," please pack your bags sooner than later and don't let the doorknob hit you in the ass on the way out. I hear airfares are cheap at the moment—so your time to go is now.
To all the hustlers, remember this: while the doughnuts we are making today may be different, they sure as hell aren't stale. And whatever you do, don’t let “the hustle” gobble up “the heart”—your city needs both now more than ever.
Rock on.
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P.S. Over the next few weeks, I'll be posting some stories of the hustle from New York City businesses—stories of inspiration and the raw reality of the moment.
Here's part one of my interviews. (updated 10/27/20)
P.P.S. If you're looking for something to do in this moment, support the amazing work the team at NYC & Company, the official tourism board of NYC, is doing. They capture this spirit best with their "ALL IN" New York City campaign. See video below.
Financial Trader
3yAnd if you're not from the area, this isn't Abbey Road.
AUTHOR
3yHustlers usually have a heart, as well as that individuality that makes New Yorkers so extraordinarily interesting. New York will not only survive, but triumph in all this. Prosperity is not the only measure of success. I’m hoping the corporate carpetbaggers and bots will flee, and that both artists and “ordinary” working people will return to a New York if renewed fairness and vast opportunity.
#1 Door to Door salesman in the world Top 10 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2020
3yInteresting article. Thanks for posting.
KPMG National Training Facilitators Corps | Economic & Valuation Services Tax Practice | Learning & Development
3yA lot of the people who "fled" left for second homes where they would have spent a decent chunk of the warmer months anyway and began returning when the weather started cooling down, or had no real intention of staying here long-term, so COVID expedited their move to the suburbs. I was here for a large part of peak COVID, dating/living with an essential worker (healthcare professional) and have noticed that the streets already seem busier with people returning. Many businesses now want their employees back onsite at least some of the time. NYC will be absolutely fine, even if it will not be exactly the same as we remember.