A new year sharpens priorities—and the teams pulling ahead aren’t betting solely on better markets or better tools. With hiring costs up and ramp times long, leaders are turning to generative AI for relief. Smart move. But AI can’t replace judgment, skill, or confidence. Those come from consistent coaching, clear expectations, and repetition. Here are five practical actions to build habits that stick long after January. Start small, reinforce progress, and make improvement in

Curt Cignetti didn’t rebuild IU Football with hype—he did it with process, accountability, and a winner’s mindset. His approach on the field mirrors what great leaders do in business: shape attitude, eliminate excuses, build habits, and win one play at a time. His blueprint shows how disciplined leadership turns struggle into momentum and belief into measurable progress.

As a leader, your job isn’t to keep everyone comfortable—it’s to help them grow. “Try to increase your outreach this week” and “We’re implementing a daily outreach minimum and tracking it together at 4:30 PM” are not the same message. One is a suggestion. The other is a strong choice. Your team can feel the difference—and your results will show it.

Thanksgiving gives us rare space to notice the ‘teachers’ we never asked for—the tough economy, rising costs, AI disruption, election-year noise, even the hard no’s and risky yes’s. In this year’s reflection, Mary Ann, Managing Partner at Butler Street, shares how those unwelcome lessons reshaped her leadership, sharpened their focus, deepened gratitude for clients and teams, and turned ongoing discomfort into clarity, courage, and uncommon growth.