Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026! As the calendar turns, we all look forward to a fresh start and new opportunities this year.
At the beginning of each year, our leadership team sits down and takes a high-level look at where we have been in the previous year and where we are headed in the year ahead. This year we learned that strategic reflection isn’t always about finding immediate answers. Sometimes, it’s about sitting with the questions.
Seth Godin is one of my favourite authors and he points out that the stories we tell about our work shape how we see ourselves and how others see us. And sometimes, we need to pause and ask: What story are we really telling? What questions are emerging as we try to shape our vision for the year ahead?
So let me ask you, when you think about your own organization or your own role, have you ever found yourself with more questions than answers at the start of a new year? Have you ever felt that sense of being so deep in your own story that it’s hard to see the bigger picture? If so, you’re not alone. It’s a common challenge that many of us face as we try to chart a path forward.
When we pause to ask these questions, we give ourselves room for real reflection. Jim Collins says great strategy starts with facing the ‘brutal facts’ of our current reality, those hard truths we might miss when we’re too close to our work. Clarity often comes when we simplify our thinking with the help of an outside voice, stripping away the complexity that keeps us paralysed.
At Blue Vineyard, we’ve learned that bringing in an outside perspective can help us find clarity. We have a number of advisors with different areas of specialty. These range from business strategy to partnerships, product design, marketing and more.
In addition to that I personally have a few people I keep in my world who I respect as personal mentors who can bring insights about me as a leader, father and Christian.
Finding them took some intentionality but, in hindsight these people have made a huge difference to our company and my life.
If you do not have these people around you yet, don’t worry, it just takes some intentional relationship building. You would be surprised at the number of people who are just waiting to invest in others.
For us, this approach has been transformative. It has helped us turn uncertainty into strategy and given us the clarity to move forward with confidence. And we believe it can do the same for you. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed by questions, or simply unsure where to start, having a strategic partner can help you turn those challenges into opportunities.
So as you think about your strategy for 2026, consider the value of an outside perspective. And if you’re looking for a technology partner who can help you get some clarity. Schedule a discovery call with us and we will explore your current challenges and objectives, Share our perspective and if there are any practical ways we can assist with your vision we would be happy to help.
Have a great 2026!