January 2026 Newsletter
Starting the Year With Intention
To kick-off the new year, the Empowered Team did a little soul-searching and asked ourselves: what are we leaving behind in 2025, and what’s coming with us into 2026? Check out the answers below! We’re also hosting for the first time, an in-person EmpoweredHour on February 19, and yes—you’re invited! Expect good conversation, thoughtful takeaways, and high-quality networking— it’s also free to attend. See below for more information. Thank you for being a reader and we hope these are “Empowering your inbox.”
“I’m leaving behind the ‘running for mayor’ mindset—the idea that I need to please everyone all the time. I’m carrying forward a stronger commitment to my health, because when I take care of myself, I do better work and make better decisions.”
— Stefanie
Conversations were honest, thoughtful, and energizing, and we left with shared commitments and practical strategies we’re already putting into practice. Investing in these conversations isn’t just good for our team—it translates directly into better partnership, clearer communication, and more impactful results for every client we serve.
“If we try to solve everything, we end up solving nothing well. I want to be more mindful of the goals we set with clients and keep both them and ourselves accountable as we move through the to-do lists. It’s not just about setting the goal—it’s about checking in, staying aligned, and adjusting as needed.”
– Rashel
“Moving too quickly or not asking the right questions can create issues later on. This year, I’m slowing just enough to get ahead of problems before they arise—by asking better questions and setting clear, achievable goals for the teams I’m part of.”
— Julia
“It’s not that I’m slowing down—I’m just not trying to run on a hamster wheel. I’m being more intentional with my day so I can stay focused on where I make the most impact.”
— Taryn
“I’m leaving behind a reactive way of working and carrying forward a more proactive mindset—anticipating challenges, planning ahead, and building systems that create clarity and prevent issues before they arise.”
— Ruth
“I’ve caught myself multitasking because it feels productive, but I’ve learned I actually work better when I give things my full attention. Focus blocks help me get it right the first time.”
— Zelda
EmpoweredHour – Join Us!
For the first time we are hosting an in-person EmpoweredHour--and it's free to attend!
Tools for the Whole You: Strengthening Your Personal & Professional Self
Start your morning networking with other professionals and be a part of an interactive, facilitator-led workshop focused on practical tools that strengthen both your personal and professional self (coffee and light refreshments will also be provided!)
Client Spotlight: Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation
Theme Strategy: A Lesson in Curated Storytelling
On November 20—World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day—the Rolfe Pancreatic Cancer Foundation hosted its annual gala for 300 supporters. Last year marked Rolfe’s 25th anniversary, celebrated under the theme 25 Years of Progress. Building on that momentum, we developed this year’s gala brand, Progress Forward, a theme that honors the organization’s history while guiding supporters toward its future impact.