Take a breath. You’re doing better than you think.
Dear friends,
As December unfolds, I feel a mix of gratitude, hope, excitement, and a sincere belief that what lies ahead could be deeply transformative.
I want to share something honest. Not a polished corporate review or a perfectly structured recap, but the real texture of this moment, the beautiful parts, the chaotic parts, the parts that catch us off guard.
You know what I mean.
- The pressure.
- The deadlines.
- The never-ending meetings.
- The family obligations, invitations, last-minute errands and travel plans.
- And beneath all that: the doubts, the fatigue, the transitions, the anxiety, the nostalgia.
For many, this season that’s meant to feel bright can actually feel like a pressure cooker. We try to stay efficient, present, joyful, even while carrying invisible weight.
And in the middle of it, someone always asks:
“So… what are your plans for 2026?”
Here’s what I want to say:
Take a breath. You’re doing better than you think.
This message is inspired by the incredible people I’ve crossed paths with this year (coachees, clients, colleagues, friends). Dozens of journeys, hundreds of conversations, and just as many reminders that despite uncertainty and noise, human resilience is extraordinary.
- I’ve seen people navigating doubt.
- Professionals rebuilding themselves.
- Careers restarting at fifty or beyond.
- Leaders recovering after burnout.
- Talents rediscovering their worth.
- Individuals daring to change direction.
These stories are the real fabric of the working world.
The noise around us… and what we actually need
Every December, predictions flood in.
This year it’s:
- AI will transform everything.
- Jobs will disappear.
- The economy will shift.
- We must move faster, reinvent ourselves, evolve.
Maybe. But none of these predictions replaces what each of us must do at our own scale:
move forward with intention, presence, and clarity.
What matters now
You made it through 2025.
You held on, moved forward, stayed standing. Even when things were blurry. Even when they were heavy. Even when you doubted yourself.
You are stronger than you think.
For 2026, here’s what you are allowed to do:
Release the pressure.
- Detach from your title or status.
- Move at your own pace.
- Take care of yourself before you take care of everything else.
- Nurture your inner clarity.
- Protect your energy.
- Celebrate what is within your control.
The rest can wait.
2026: Looking forward
The year ahead brings essential questions:
- What will our real relationship with AI look like?
- How will work structures evolve?
- Are we heading toward a multi-speed labor market?
- What new infrastructures will we need to navigate what’s coming?
We’ll explore these questions together.
A final word
- If you’re stressed: you’ve already survived difficult years.
- If you’re in transition: your worth does not depend on your current situation.
- If you’re exhausted: rest is an act of courage.
- If you’re excited: your energy matters.
The future of work is not something that simply happens to you.mYou are co-author of it. Every choice, every movement, every conversation counts.
Rest.
Recharge.
Breathe.
And move forward when you’re ready.
And to start the year with clarity: in my next publication on December 23rd, I’ll share a simple, practical, and meaningful digest of what awaits us in 2026—your little gift to help you approach the year with perspective and confidence.
And if at any point you need a space to think, to clarify, to understand, to anticipate, or simply to be supported in your journey, know that we’re here. I’m here.
Truly here.
With warmth, respect, and unwavering belief in your potential,
Leslie
