RE Log - Fall 2020

FALL 2020 Ransom Everglades LOG 33 They discussed furloughing workers and slashing the occupancy of their dining rooms to accommodate social distancing. Despite the high costs and the long-term uncertainty, both vowed to keep their iconic restaurants open. “I would do anything in my life to make sure Joe’s was here,” Sawitz said. “I would beg, borrow and steal … [Closing is] not even an option in my mind. Joe’s has to be here … We’re going to come back.” Two of Miami’s most prominent female business leaders – Jessica Goldman Srebnick P’21 ’23 ’25 of Wynwood development fame and Lourdes Lopez P’19 of the Miami City Ballet – assessed COVID-19’s impact on the arts world, which thrives on vibrant gatherings in galleries, theaters and concert halls. Goldman Srebnick, CEO of Goldman Properties, and Lopez, Artistic Director of the Miami City Ballet, described during a May 19 webinar the devastating fallout in their respective businesses from the outbreak. They agreed that the “tsunami” had passed, and that they were focused on surviving the “in-between.” “Pivoting is going to be really, really critical to the success of leaders,” Goldman Srebnick said. “Being able to pivot and make changes and do things really differently.” The final podium event took place in late May. André Dua P’22 ’24 ’27, the founder and leader of McKinsey & Company’s Higher Education Practice, talked about “The Reality of College in 2020” during a session targeted to graduating seniors and their families. Dua urged the Class of 2020 to prepare for inconveniences as they begin college in the fall, but to approach the uncertain times with a spirit of openness, resilience and flexibility. Colleges, he pointed out, were desperate to bring students back because of the financial consequences of remaining closed. Their campuses, however, were going to look a lot different. “It is going to be an adventure,” he said. “That is my very positive way of looking at it.” Jessica Goldman Srebnick P’21 ’23 ’25 discusses art during the pandemic. Lourdes Lopez P’19 and the Miami City Ballet.