I spend a large amount of my day trying to gather and digest information. I collect this information from various sources—daily newsletters, social media, late-night comedians, and multiple newsfeeds online. The most insightful information I collect always comes from conversations with people. Whether I am speaking with my agents about the state of the market or speaking to people about news of the day, honest and meaningful conversations with people will tell you a lot.
Lately, there is a theme in the conversations I’m having with people in New York City. If I have to sum it up in a word, I would say it would be “disappointment.” Every person I know couldn’t wait for the DeBlasio administration to leave Gracie Mansion and welcome Eric Adams as the 110th Mayor of NYC, but so far, in the eyes of my peers, he has fallen short.
New Yorkers are resilient, optimistic, and tough, but we are also impatient. And even though Eric Adams has only been in office since January, he hasn’t delivered, and it doesn’t appear like he is even trying. Yes, he makes it to dinner dates with Kanye and shows up at the US Open, but that is not what we need. Our subways are filthy; the streets are filled with homeless people, our storefronts are vacant, and crime is off the charts. Some neighborhoods even hire private security to ensure their safety. Every major city in the world is going through similar issues, but as I said – New Yorkers are impatient, and we have high expectations.
The funny thing about “heroes” is that they usually come out of nowhere and surprise us with their courage and selflessness. They have a high moral compass to do the right thing and only answer to their cause.
Not to a shareholder.
Not to an investor.
Not to a constituent.
This past week – I continued to be inspired by the acts of heroism of two modern-day heroes. President Volodymyr Zelensky, who continues to risk his life on the frontlines, and Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, who gave away his multi-billion dollar company to fight climate change.
I would love to write another Padkos this time next year, admitting I was wrong and bragging about the incredible turnaround that Adams brought to our city. He has the capability and opportunity to be the hero we need, but will he seize it? For the sake of our city, I pray he does, or we are in a very long three years.
Side Bar:
Sometimes a villain will wear a hero’s cape. I highly recommend David Gelles’ new book on Jack Welch. “The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America and How to Undo His Legacy.”
Let’s do this.
-Shaun