What's Your Story with Jaime & Stan

What’s Your Story, Ken Greene? From 9/11 Survivor to Aviation Leader and Teacher

Episode Summary

In this powerful and unforgettable episode, we sit down with Ken Greene — aviation executive, professor, and 9/11 survivor. Ken shares his harrowing experience inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center, how he narrowly escaped, and the lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose that have shaped his life since. From running major airports to teaching the next generation of aviation leaders, Ken’s story is both a tribute to those lost and an inspiring reminder to live fully, lead courageously, and always know who you are when crisis strikes.

Episode Notes

In this powerful and unforgettable episode, we sit down with Ken Greene — aviation executive, professor, and 9/11 survivor. Ken shares his harrowing experience inside the North Tower of the World Trade Center, how he narrowly escaped, and the lessons in leadership, resilience, and purpose that have shaped his life since. From running major airports to teaching the next generation of aviation leaders, Ken’s story is both a tribute to those lost and an inspiring reminder to live fully, lead courageously, and always know who you are when crisis strikes.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• Ken’s career in aviation and leadership roles at Denver International and the Port Authority of NY/NJ
• His firsthand experience inside the North Tower on 9/11
• Lessons on crisis leadership: communication, preparedness, and resilience
• Survivor’s perspective: living with loss, trauma, and gratitude
• Why safety and security come first in aviation leadership
• How Ken channels his experience into teaching and keynote speaking
• The powerful question every leader should ask: Who are you?

MEMORABLE QUOTES

• “Every day is a gift for me, so I rarely have a day that’s less than a nine.” — Ken Greene
• “When crisis hits, there’s no manual. It comes down to who you are.” — Ken Greene
• “I got a gift that a lot of people didn’t get. The question is: what do you do with it?” — Ken Greene
   

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Where to listen & watch:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ifVezyg7oQ
Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/mtkxjcez
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yhkw24v7
Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/2hnfynpm

Connect with Ken Greene:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-greene-85a8b511b/
Read more of Kens story in his book here: https://www.amazon.com/When-Walls-Came-Down-Greene/dp/0974531367

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