As we close out the year, one thing feels unmistakable: the pace of change isn’t slowing down.

 

Planning cycles are shorter. Certainty is rarer. And the leadership skills that worked five years ago feel increasingly brittle under today’s pressure.

 

The leaders we work with are focused on  building the capacity to adapt, to sense early signals, and to lead people through uncertainty with clarity and steadiness.

 

As you head into 2026, consider this: Rather than asking “What is our plan?”  it may be more important to ask “Do we have the mindset, systems, and people strategy to adjust when the plan inevitably changes?”

 

To that end, we’ve been reflecting on the ideas shaping how we think about leadership right now,  and we gathered them in one place.

 

→ The Books That Quietly Changed How I Think About Leadership

Adrian’s reading list that spans psychology, systems thinking, creativity, history, and change — and why leadership wisdom rarely comes from leadership books alone.
→ Read the blog

Brené Brown on Strength, Groundedness, and Leading Through Uncertainty
 

In her recent conversation on the Diary of a CEO, Brené Brown explores what it means to lead from “strong ground”—not with rigidity, but with steadiness and flexibility.

 

It’s a timely reminder that leadership in volatile environments isn’t about having all the answers, and instead is about staying rooted enough to respond well when reality shifts.

 

→ Watch on YouTube

📌 In case you missed it: a collection of our recent blog posts with insights straight from the field.

 

🎄 Make the Most of Holiday Networking 
The holiday season brings a full calendar —- client lunches, office gatherings, community events, and casual catch-ups. It’s one of the few times a year when conversations happen more naturally and people are open to reconnecting.

 

Still, networking can feel intimidating if you’re unsure how to start or what to say. The good news? You don’t need a polished pitch. Curiosity and a willingness to learn matter far more.

 

In this post, we share two simple ways to make holiday networking feel more natural and meaningful.

→ Read: How to Network Authentically This Holiday Season (Without Feeling Forced or Awkward)

 

📈 How to Build a Winning People Strategy to Drive Your Business Strategy 
We see it every year: organizations finalize ambitious business goals, then try to “plug in” people strategy afterwards.

 

The most effective leaders reverse the order. They ask, “What capabilities will our people need to execute this strategy, and where are the gaps today?”

 

That question is where resilient strategy begins.

→ Read: How to Build a Winning People Strategy for 2026

 

Before jumping into new goals, pause to ask:

Even a short reflection can prevent teams from carrying outdated strategies into a new year.

📋 Essentials Lab
For new supervisors, team leads, and “step-up” employees preparing for future leadership roles by learning the essentials.

→ Next Session: February 4-5, 2026

 

📣 Accelerator Lab
For leaders looking to accelerate their career by developing the people skills to inspire teams, manage relationships, and drive results.

→ Next Session: Four Tuesdays - March 3, 10, 17, & 24

 

📈 Strategy Lab
For experienced leaders and seasoned professionals looking to elevate their strategic thinking, decision making, and ability to inspire teams in today’s fast-paced, complex environment.

→ Next Session: Four Thursdays - February 26 and March 5, 12, 19, & 26

 

Not sure the right lab for you? Take our quiz.