The arrival of a new year is always symbolic — but 2026 feels different.
It arrives not as a clean break from the past, but as a moment of reckoning and renewal. The world has just come through another year of contradictions: astonishing technological progress alongside persistent fragility; moments of deep personal gratitude mixed with global uncertainty. As I step into 2026, I find myself less interested in resolutions and more focused on intentional design — of life, work, leadership, and impact.
This reflection is both personal and collective. A look back at 2025. A sober scan of the world around us. And a forward-looking view of how we can navigate what’s coming — without being left behind.
Personal Reflections on 2025: Highlights and Lowlights
What I’ll Carry Forward
2025 reinforced a truth I’ve come to value deeply: progress isn’t always loud, but it is cumulative.
- Family moments mattered more than milestones. Watching my children grow — in confidence, curiosity, and compassion — was the most grounding force in an otherwise noisy year.
- Creative consistency paid off. Writing, thinking in public, and sharing long-form perspectives across my website and social platforms became less about visibility and more about clarity.
- Purpose-driven work deepened. Supporting leaders and organizations through moments of transformation reaffirmed why I continue to do what I do — helping turn uncertainty into direction.
- Resilience over speed. Some initiatives moved slower than planned, but they moved with intention — and that made all the difference.
- Community over audience. Meaningful conversations mattered more than metrics.
The Harder Lessons
2025 wasn’t without its shadows.
- Burnout remains real. Even with experience, it’s easy to underestimate the toll of carrying too many responsibilities at once.
- Not all effort compounds. Some paths demanded closure, not continuation.
- The world’s instability is personal. Global conflict, economic stress, and climate anxiety don’t stay “out there” — they seep into daily life.
- Silence can be costly. In leadership and relationships, delayed conversations often become heavier later.
- Letting go is a skill. One I’m still practicing.
The World in 2025: Five Things That Went Right — and Five That Didn’t
What Went Right
- AI moved from novelty to utility, delivering real productivity gains across industries.
- Hybrid work matured, becoming more intentional and human-centered.
- Climate accountability improved, with more businesses embedding sustainability into operations.
- Mental health conversations normalized, especially in leadership and workplaces.
- Innovation accelerated outside traditional centers, giving more regions a global voice.
What Went Wrong
- Geopolitical tensions intensified, prolonging humanitarian crises.
- Economic inequality widened, even amid technological growth.
- Trust in institutions eroded further, fueled by misinformation.
- Digital fatigue set in, overwhelming individuals and teams.
- Change outpaced readiness, leaving many organizations struggling to adapt.
Digital Business Transformation in 2026: Five Developments You Can’t Ignore
2026 won’t reward passive observers. It will favor those who design for adaptability.
1. AI Becomes a Management Layer
AI is no longer a tool — it’s becoming an operational co-pilot. Leaders must learn how to govern, audit, and collaborate with it.
Don’t fall behind: Build AI literacy at every level, not just IT.
2. Automation Shifts from Cost-Cutting to Value Creation
The focus moves from “doing more with less” to “doing better with intention.”
Don’t fall behind: Align automation with customer experience and employee enablement.
3. Data Trust Becomes a Competitive Advantage
Privacy, ethics, and transparency will differentiate brands.
Don’t fall behind: Treat data governance as a board-level concern.
4. Digital Skills Trump Digital Tools
Tools are abundant. Capability is scarce.
Don’t fall behind: Invest in hands-on learning, not just platforms.
5. Transformation Becomes Continuous
There is no “end state” anymore — only evolving states.
Don’t fall behind: Replace rigid roadmaps with adaptive operating models.
Hopes for 2026
For Myself and My Family
- Health and presence — the kind that allows us to fully show up for one another.
- Curiosity without pressure, especially for the next generation.
- Peace over performance, choosing meaning over momentum.
For Those We Serve at 3Rivers Global
- Clarity in complexity, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
- Confidence to act, not just analyze.
- Transformation that actually sticks, delivering results people can feel — not just measure.
Designing Forward with Intention
2026 isn’t about predicting the future.
It’s about preparing ourselves to meet it — grounded, capable, and human.
May this year be less about chasing certainty and more about building resilience. Less about reacting, and more about designing lives and organizations that can thrive amid change.
Happy New Year. Let’s move forward — together.