Here I Come 2026

I’m fired up for 2026!

Following a year of relentless headwinds I cannot be more excited about what is in store for the new year.

What about you?

Is the new year simply more of the same…grind, explain, lament, repeat? Or, is the new year…well…actually going to be new?

We often don’t think about wishing each other Happy New Year with the intent that the year ahead will bring new and exciting change. Yet, that is what 2026 should be all about.

Yes, moving from December to January is just another flip of the calendar; and yet, there is still something special about the anticipation of something new. 

The annual ritual of focusing on a HNY is a wonderful way to get ourselves aligned for the year ahead.

• How will we approach our work?
• What is the status of our mental health?
• Are we thinking beyond ourselves; or, is our entire world view based on our jobs?
• How will we make a real difference for our companies, our colleagues, our clients, our families, our communities?
• What does a successful 2026 look like?

I’m sure there are many more questions to add to this list. What is a top priority for you?

Thanks for being here for another year…and I hope you truly have a Happy New Year!

Jay

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Timeworn

“…damaged from overuse…”

Sound familiar. I’m wrapping up 2025 with a mixed set of emotions: joy, stress, gratitude, anxiety, fatigue, anticipation….and many others depending on the moment.

Honestly, I’m feeling a bit timeworn right now.

This year has been loaded with more pressures, emotions, and stressors than ever before. Plenty have been positive, but beneath the surface is a tempest of feelings that on some days feel as though they’re out to get me.

Maybe you can relate, particularly at this time of year.

Timeworn? Yes.

Still strong? Yes.

Excited for what’s next? Absolutely!

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Lots

Lots of experts out there

Lots of trolls hiding behind their computer screens (in their Mom’s basement)

Lots of futurists predicting with absolute certainty what’s next

Lots of pressure to make the right decision, every minute of every day

Lots of opinions in our hyper-politicized society

And there are also…

Lots of sad people

Lots of employees struggling to make ends meet

Lots of our friends and neighbors masking depression with smiles and friendly waves

Lots of opportunities to pay closer attention to those around us

Pause for a moment during the hectic pace of your day and think about those around you. How are they really doing? Do you know; or, have they always responded with “I’m fine, how are you?”

Thanks for being here.

Jay

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Giving Tuesday, Leadership and You

Giving Tuesday is a wonderful tradition. It helps us move beyond the frenzy of Black Friday and the relentless screen time of Cyber Monday and reflect on the important work that must be done in our communities, often grossly underfunded.

I am privileged to serve on the Board of Directors of one of those places, an organization called The Children’s Cancer Center located in Tampa, Florida. Not a healthcare organization, rather, it is the only organization of it’s kind in the United States delivering thirty programs to children and families fighting pediatric cancer and chronic blood disorders. 

My ask today is simple and direct and should touch your heart. As you think about your gift options on Giving Tuesday, I would like you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to this amazing organization.

• Help us support the thousands of children and families that rely on us each year.

• Help us bring a few bright moments to exhausted Moms and Dads who are struggling to keep it all together.

• Help us support the siblings watching their brothers or sisters fight the fight of their lives.

• Help us connect those parents grieving the loss of their child to this insidious disease.

• Help us wrap the love, support and compassion around those brave kids that are going through this nightmare every minute of every day.

Click Here to Donate to Fight Pediatric Cancer

Leadership is not only what you do inside your organization. It’s also what you do for your community.

You can make a huge difference.

Please prayerfully consider helping out of your abundance.

Thanks for being here.

Jay

The picture is one of our brave kids fighting the good fight!