
I’ve stood inside Notre Dame Cathedral more than a dozen times, and its architectural marvels—soaring vaults, intricate carvings, and the palpable sense of history—defy simple description. In April 2019, like countless others around the globe, I watched in shock as flames consumed its centuries-old wooden framework.
For centuries, this architectural marvel drew over 12 million visitors a year—rivaling the foot traffic of iconic global brands. Its near-destruction and now painstaking revival offer a powerful case study for CEOs and pastors:
Every organization’s legacy hinges on proactive maintenance, forward planning, and strategic adaptation.
Today, the cathedral is nearing the end of a multi-year, billion-dollar restoration. From the ashes of a near tragedy, a global coalition of skilled artisans, donors, and visionary leaders have rallied to restore this cultural icon to its rightful place in the world.
5 Lessons in Leadership, Maintenance, and Cultural Legacy:
Deferred Maintenance Is Costly, and it applies to your culture, leadership, finances, and your buildings.
Before the fire: The cathedral urgently needed around €100–150 million in repairs (approximately $110–165 million) to address structural and restoration issues. These needed renovations were well-known before 2019 but not fully funded. After the fire: Donations and pledges poured in, surpassing €800 million (over $1 billion) within days. The final restoration cost is estimated around €700 million to €1 billion. This exponential increase reflects a universal truth in organizations: ignoring critical maintenance—be it structural, cultural, or financial—eventually demands a far steeper price.
Preservation of the Past Kills the Future -> Honoring the Past Creates It:
Historically, Notre Dame’s caretakers resisted modern fire-prevention technology in certain areas to maintain authenticity. While this decision aligned with preservationist values, it left the cathedral vulnerable and void of modern protection systems. In organizational terms, holding fast to legacy systems without strategic upgrades will have a detrimental impact on your future.
Crises Reawaken Our Identity:
France's national identity had been lulled to sleep since WW2. However, Notre Dame’s near-destruction sparked a collective national response, reminding citizens of their shared cultural heritage. Similarly, businesses and communities sometimes need a galvanizing event—disruption, a market shift, or a cultural reckoning—to reaffirm identity and purpose. This was evident in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Physical Spaces are Pillars to a Community's Culture:
Historic buildings and offices, like cornerstone organizational values, frame our shared narratives. The loss or restoration of a landmark reshapes how communities see themselves. Just as Notre Dame’s restoration reinforces France’s cultural identity, organizations that preserve their foundational “structures”—values, mission, legacy—provide continuity amid change.
Hesitation Kills Opportunity
Pre-fire, Notre Dame attracted about 12–13 million visitors annually, making it one of the world’s most visited monuments. While exact economic loss figures vary, Paris tourism officials note a significant decrease in foot traffic and associated spending in the cathedral’s vicinity since 2019. Even if we conservatively estimate a dip in related spending, it easily reaches into the $2B range over several years. In organizational contexts, each stalled decision can lead to lost market share, reduced brand equity, or diminished cultural cohesion.
Bonus Insight: Just as Notre Dame’s spirit endured beyond the flames, the true core of an organization—its purpose—is what ensures its survival. This offers powerful lessons in leadership about resilience and staying rooted in your mission.
An organization’s true core—its purpose—is what allows it to endure.