12 Business Lessons for 2026
2025 felt like a year of transition. I helped clients with everything from dialing in their business models, to rethinking their companies in the age of AI, to considering the “life after exit” chapter of their lives.
2026 is the year of what comes next.
Here’s how I’m approaching it from a mindset perspective:
1. Be the goldfish with my mental baggage. Let go of what doesn’t serve me. Wipe the slate clean and start every day fresh, optimistic, and open.
But also…
2. Build on what I’ve already learned. I can be a goldfish with my attitude—but still carry important lessons forward into the new year.
In that spirit, I’m resharing a few of the most important lessons I learned in 2025.
1. What Does Working on the Business Really Mean?
2. Accountability Doesn’t Mean Let Your Team “Sink or Swim”
3. Are You Willing to Invest in Your Core Values?
4. The High Cost of Worrying vs Working
5. What Kind of Day Is Today? The Rule of Thirds
6. One Big Question to Start Getting Better Advice
7. When to Choose Simple over Scalable
8. Defend, Extend, Upend: What’s Your AI Strategy?
9. Do the Right Thing, Even When Nobody’s Watching
10. Sitting in the Messy Middle
11. Basic and Difficult: The Best Solutions Are Usually Timeless
12. Outsized Impact: Your Actions as an Entrepreneur Literally Change Lives
I hope these articles spark something that’s relevant for 2026: an idea or inspiration to bring with you into the coming year.
Can’t wait to see what you do next.
Happy New Year!
