Navigating Crisis: Lessons from an Unthinkable Tragedy

After much consideration, I recently watched Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story on Netflix. Having been part of the senior management team at LIVE Entertainment during that time, it brought back many intense emotions.

Just days before the tragic event, Jose Menendez called me to confirm plans for a gathering at my home, which he and Kitty had planned to attend. I vividly remember the helicopters flying over our neighborhood that Sunday afternoon, unaware of the terrine events that were unfolding that day. 

That Monday morning, I was called into the office as we faced the devastating news of Jose and Kitty’s deaths. It was my first significant experience in crisis management. While navigating my own emotions, I had the responsibility of supporting our teams, and the company, reassuring our customers and vendors, plus managing the influx of media speculation. Despite the overwhelming grief and uncertainty, we had to keep the company moving forward.

This experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership in the face of unexpected tragedy—balancing empathy with responsibility, and how vital clear communication and team unity are when navigating difficult situations. These skills continued to be very valuable to me throughout my career. 

As for the ongoing debates surrounding the case, I continue to reflect on its complexity. There are questions that remain unanswered for many, and it’s a reminder that some events leave us grappling with more than just the facts—they leave us navigating human emotions, trauma, and the consequences of decisions made in moments of extreme pressure.

It’s hard to believe this occurred nearly 30 years ago. The emotions are still raw, but the lessons in leadership and resilience continue to influence me today.