2025 Reflections and What I'm Thinking About Next

I’ve been thinking a lot about betting on yourself..

The first time I remember doing it, I was a kid playing softball. There was a moment in a game where I could play it safe.. or take a risk. I took the risk. I didn’t know exactly how it would turn out, but I trusted myself enough to try. That choice shifted the momentum of the game.. I won’t say if we won that game or not, because that’s not the point :).

That said, betting on yourself doesn’t mean knowing how the story ends. It means trusting that you have enough influence to shape where things go.

That belief didn’t stop with childhood.

Choosing Ownership

Over this past year, I’ve seen that same instinct show up in my work in new ways. I stepped away from high paying paths that came with limited flexibility and a version of burnout I didn’t want to normalize anymore. Consulting felt like another bet. Less certainty.. more ownership.

What I’ve learned is that the work compounds when you’re intentional.

I’ve helped a company drive meaningful outcomes for their post sales team.. not just through strategy, but through operational changes that actually stuck. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring leaders at mid-sized and enterprise companies as they grew into bigger roles.. supporting two managers through promotions to Director and another into a VP role.

Those moments matter to me more than titles or metrics. They’re reminders that investing in people and systems creates impact that lasts.

Teaching for Real Impact

One thing has become increasingly clear. I want to spend more time helping teams operate better.

That shows up in high impact workshops.. virtual and in person.. where teams can slow down, get aligned, and focus on outcomes that move the business forward. It also shows up in the operational work.. helping teams implement systems, processes, and rhythms that support real execution.

Alongside that, I’ve gone deeper into building AI agents and operationalizing tools like HubSpot and Zapier to support post sales and GTM teams. I’ve become a certified partner across both.. and that work has reinforced something I believe deeply.

When technology is applied thoughtfully, it creates leverage, clarity, and space for teams to do better work.

Sharing What I’ve Learned

And then there’s writing.

My Substack continues to matter to me in a way that has nothing to do with monetization. Earlier in my career, there weren’t many honest resources about leadership, consulting, or building post sales teams. Much of what I learned came from trial, error, and conversations behind the scenes.

Writing is how I share what I wish I had access to earlier.. the frameworks, the missteps, and the lessons that only come from doing the work.

A Note for Anyone at a Crossroads

I’m often asked how I got into consulting.. and why. And just as often, how I keep it going.

The honest answer is that the alternative stopped being an option for me. I was constantly burned out. My work ethic and integrity were always being given to someone else.. at the expense of myself and the people I care about. That needed to change.

So if you’re facing a similar dilemma, I’d encourage you to think about what’s needed to give space to the things, people, and initiatives you care about most. That might not mean becoming a consultant. It could mean scaling back in a different way, resetting boundaries, or choosing a new path entirely.

One support leader I coached loved the company they worked for but slowly found themselves doing the work of multiple roles. Over time, it led to severe burnout. After some tough questions and a lot of introspection, they decided to take a sabbatical. During that time, they discovered a new passion. When conversations with their employer reached a stalemate, they created a plan to pursue that passion intentionally.

These decisions are hard. They require honesty, courage, and patience.

But sometimes, betting on yourself is the right path. It may not be easy.. but it’s often what’s most aligned with who you are and what you need next.

Looking Ahead

Holding all of that in mind, I’m turning my attention to what’s ahead.

As the year wraps up, I plan to spend the next few weeks reflecting on what all of this looks like in 2026.. and how I continue to support the leaders I coach and the clients I serve. Those relationships matter deeply to me and they’ll always come first.

That said, I’m excited about what’s ahead. About new challenges, new ways to teach and build, and the continued bet on myself.

I don’t know exactly how the story ends. But I’m clear on the direction.. and confident in the work.

I’ll see you in January.. where I’ll be sharing more lessons, tips, and learnings on building high performing post sales teams and becoming a better operator.