Ep 5: The Worst Day of My Life – My 9/11 Pentagon Story

What does it mean to lead when the unthinkable happens?

In this deeply personal episode, Carla Coates shares her own story of being at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. For Carla, 9/11 was not just history. It was lived experience. She recounts the moments of fear, survival, and reflection that shaped both her life and her leadership.

From resilience in the face of chaos to the importance of humility, healing, and seeking support, Carla reveals the lessons she carried forward from that day. Her story is both sobering and inspiring, reminding us that leadership is not just about titles. It’s about presence, humanity, and the courage to keep going.

Whether you’ve faced crisis in leadership or simply want to reflect and remember, this episode is an invitation to honor shared trauma, find strength in vulnerability, and never forget.