Post by Emily Johnson

The thing I found myself talking about at this year’s Crain's New York Business luncheon wasn’t leadership or careers—it was New York. The city has felt different lately. Maybe it’s the Knicks in Five, JusT&T Married (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce for those not down the rabbit hole), having the World Cup in the USA and a home team still playing, Pride Month, the New York Liberty leading the conference, America’s 250th, the weather (pre-heat dome). I honestly don’t know. But people are talking to each other in the streets. Smiling. Celebrating together. Believing good things are possible. It reminded me that influence isn’t about winning arguments. It is about making hope a little more persuasive than fear—and creating the conditions for people to build remarkable things together. Let’s get to work. We have a lot to do! Thank you Buck Ennis for capturing the moment on camera.