Happy First Week of 2026!
I have to tell you about two conversations that happened this week that completely reinforced why I’m making intentionmy word for 2026.
The first? A “get to know you” call with someone from a paid group I’m in.
I hopped on excited to learn about this person, make a genuine connection, maybe find ways we could collaborate or support each other’s work. Instead? I got a 30-minute monologue about what they do, how their parents wanted them to pursue a different profession (cue the negativity), and – here’s the kicker – “who can you connect me with?”
Not once did they ask about my business. Not once did they share anything personal. Zero curiosity. Zero connection. Just push, push, push.
I got off that call and immediately thought: This person needs to take my Relationship Capital workshop.
Because here’s what they’re missing – what so many people miss when they’re focused solely on their goals – people do business with those they know, like, and trust. And you can’t build that if you’re treating every conversation like a transaction.
Last week, I talked about setting goals for 2026. This week, I want to challenge you to add something to those goals: become a giver, not a taker.
There’s a reason books like “Give and Take” by Adam Grant resonate so deeply. When you lead with generosity, when you show up to genuinely help others without expecting immediate return, it comes back to you in ways you can’t even imagine. But it has to be authentic. It has to be intentional.
Which brings me to my second conversation.
I had dinner with an incredible woman who works at my son’s school. She’s the one who helped guide him through the college application process – I’ve already gushed about her brilliance. But at dinner, she shared something that made my blood boil.
At the school’s annual charity auction (which raises money for families who need tuition assistance), every teacher and staff member was given a complimentary ticket. Every single one… except her.
Meanwhile, her amazing husband and mine had partnered on an auction item that brought in over $6,000 for the school.
You want to know what happened? We’re not donating an item this year. And who loses? The students who need that tuition support.
This is what happens when leaders forget to lead with intention. When they forget to treat people – all people – with dignity and respect.
As you’re crafting your goals for 2026, I want you to ask yourself:
Am I building a mission that includes how I treat others? Am I showing up as a giver or a taker? Am I creating connections or transactions? Am I leading myself and others with intention?
Because here’s what I know after years of building Missing Link Network, hosting Unstoppable Success, and working with leaders one-on-one: The most successful people aren’t the loudest. They’re the clearest about their purpose and the most intentional about their connections.
If you caught this week’s podcast episode, you heard me talk about vision, mission, and leading yourself. But it’s not complete without this piece: your success in 2026 will be directly tied to how you show up for others.
Not in a “fake it till you make it” way. In a genuine, heart-centered, “I’m here to help you rise” way.
Want some help getting clarity on what that looks like for you?
Grab the Vision Mission Workbook (it’s free, under Publications) – and this time, add a section on how you want to show up for others this year.
Read Charting Your True North – a phenomenal workbook that will help you become the leader you’re meant to be.
Book a complimentary strategy session with me if you want to work through this together. Sometimes having someone in your corner who gets it makes all the difference.
Make 2026 the year you lead with intention. Make it the year you give more than you take. Make it the year people look back and say, “They helped me rise.”
Because that’s what real leadership looks like.
Here’s to being unstoppable – together,
Jaclyn
P.S. – If you know someone who needs to hear this (we all know that person who treats networking like a transaction), forward this to them. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do is help someone see their blind spots.