Last year my word was grounded growth.
And it did exactly what it needed to do.
I looked after my energy, paid attention to my health and checked in with myself instead of pushing through. Choosing steadiness over speed was important at that time.
There were many evenings spent at home while others were out. Many quiet moments, and many deliberate “no’s”.
What I didn’t fully clock at the time was what else had slipped out of frame.
Fun!
Fun that brings colour back to your body, and reminds you who you are underneath responsibility and restraint.
Towards the end of the year, as joy slowly crept back in (laughter, music, creativity, human connection) I felt an old part of myself return.
That’s why my word for 2026 is Joy with Intent.
And I need to be clear with myself about what that means.
Definitely not joy as escape, or leaves you depleted. But joy that is connective, purposeful and energising.
This distinction matters, especially in leadership. We often associate seriousness with credibility.
As if warmth, humour, or lightness somehow dilute authority.
In my experience, the opposite is true.
The leaders and teams who create the greatest impact are often the ones who can bring humanity into serious rooms. Who can name the tension without heaviness. Who can allow space for truth and warmth to coexist.
This is the work I want to be known for.
If 2026 works as I hope, people will increasingly come to me for:
1. Deep executive one-to-one coaching where communication, influence and presence are at the heart of the work.
- Senior team work where there are rumbles, unspoken tensions, or growing pains that need careful, honest navigation.
That clarity has consequences.
It means not promoting everything I could offer, and letting some services fade.
It means getting much tighter on my message, my origin story, and how I show up publicly.
But here’s the key point to make: I’m not rushing any of it.
Before I change my website, headlines, or content direction, I’m finishing a course I’ve invested in to help me gain clarity. I’m protecting space for a major creative project, Season 2 of my podcast, Stories in Our DNA, and am letting understanding lead before action.
This, too, is Joy with Intent.
If you’re entering this year sensing that something wants to shift but you’re not ready to label it yet, you’re not behind, I’m with you!
For now, it’s about listening.
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