Do you remember the line leader from elementary school? The student chosen by the teacher to lead the class to the lunchroom, the library, the gym, wherever you were headed next. It was a special job. Sometimes it rotated, sometimes it was a reward for good behavior. Either way, being the line leader mattered.

A few months ago, I decided to start baking bread. This entire bread baking journey mirrors my experience as a small business owner. How is that?

I share this story of two executives who created a culture that functioned as a life raft. We all fit in it, and we were all rowing in the same direction. They understood something many leaders miss: that culture lives in the small, repeated moments where people connect, exchange, and belong.

That may be a question better suited for a psychologist than a coach. However, what I do know, from both personal experience and from working with clients, is this: while we may not be able to control the arrival of emotions, we can control how we redirect them and how much influence we allow them to have. That distinction matters.

In 2026, I want to bring my best self forward. This isn’t about being critical of myself or dwelling on what I didn’t do. It’s also not about celebrating accomplishments or patting myself on the back. Instead, it’s about recognizing the moments when I showed up well in 2025, when my words, actions, and presence reflected who I want to be, and choosing to expand those moments in the year ahead.

When I was in second grade, I remember hurrying through my reading assignments so I could be the first one finished. I am sure I did not read every word of whatever story we were assigned. Thankfully, it did not impact my ability or desire to read. Still, that memory has stayed with me.

I have been working with a leader and her team through their leadership development program, providing emotional intelligence training and one-on-one coaching. These sessions have given me a front-row view of their dynamics. While no team is perfect, this group demonstrates several qualities that signal the makings of a great team. Let me explain.

Many people experience emotions deeply but keep them contained. They may know exactly what they are feeling, yet hesitate to share it with others. This gap between recognition and expression can quietly shape both personal relationships and leadership effectiveness.

Growth doesn’t always happen in a straight line. Sometimes, it curves toward a direction that fits us better than the one we planned. As for me, I’m entering 2026 with gratitude for the unexpected turns and excitement for what’s next.

Sometimes you need to find someone to emulate, someone who’s gone before you and done what you want to do.

When we are fully engaged with another person, we are sending a clear message: You matter. You are worth my time. That simple act fosters connection. It builds trust. And it dramatically increases the likelihood of meaningful exchange, about our work, our interests, and our opportunities.

Today I pruned the floor plant in my office. It’s a beautiful plant that I’ve had for many years, with big, glossy leaves that brighten the space. But recently, it grew out of control. So, I took my scissors and began to trim. Snip by snip, I cut away what no longer looked good. That’s when it struck me: pruning isn’t just about plants. It’s about our work and personal lives, too.

Negative self-talk doesn’t just affect your confidence; it shapes your behavior, decisions, and results. The words you speak to yourself are powerful. When you start replacing the negative with the positive, you begin to rewrite the story you tell about who you are and what you’re capable of.

How does the saying go? “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” I love a good action plan. Goals are clearly laid out with specific steps and a timeline. Then, wham, an obstacle pops up and blocks the way. When that happens, you usually have two choices: stop in your tracks and give up, or find a way to go around, over, or through the barrier.

Hiring a life coach is more than a trend, it is an intentional investment in yourself. Many people wonder if the time and financial commitment is worth it. The answer is yes, because coaching provides four powerful benefits: validation, insight, action planning, and accountability.

When we hear the word coach, our minds usually jump to athletics. But coaching extends far beyond the playing field. There are life and business coaches, executive coaches, debate team coaches, book coaches, and the list goes on.

But have you ever thought of yourself as a coach? If you’re a leader, you’re coaching every time you provide feedback or encouragement. If you’re a parent, you’re coaching your children in how to speak, act, and make decisions. As a spouse or friend, you’re coaching whenever you respond to a complaint or a concern.

We’ve all been there. You go into a critical conversation prepared. You think through what you want to say, maybe even jot down a few points to keep yourself focused. You feel ready and confident, yet somehow, the conversation backfires. The other person seems to shut down, you don’t feel heard, and instead of progress, you end up with tension or silence.

I recently participated in a networking meeting where we were given the prompt, “I thought I was buying a goat, but I got a sheep.” The exercise encouraged us to reflect on circumstances in which we expected one outcome but ended up with something entirely different. That phrase has lingered with me. It’s a lighthearted way to describe a universal experience: we all, at some point, thought we were buying a goat but ended up with a sheep.

It’s time to say goodbye to summer. The days are getting shorter, the evenings are cooler, and yes, the first pumpkin latte has already made its way into the season. Fall is always a time of transition. Summer vacations are over, kids are back in school, and work routines return with a renewed urgency to finish the year strong. The question is: how can you master a smooth transition into fall?

How do you prioritize your tasks? Is it off the cuff, deciding in the moment based on what feels urgent? Or do you follow a more detailed, intentional process? A better question might be: How is your team prioritizing their work?