As we wrap up 2025, I keep thinking about how leadership isn’t something you “arrive” at. It’s something you continually grow into. This year has stretched all of us in many directions, and I’m wondering:
What did 2025 ask of you as a leader that you didn’t expect? And how did you rise to meet it?
What did 2025 ask of you as a leader that you didn’t expect? And how did you rise to meet it?
The leaders who flourished weren’t necessarily the most experienced. They were the ones who stayed curious and human. The ones who made space for learning, even when they had a hundred other things on their to do list. The ones who paused long enough to ask: What’s working? What’s not? And what needs to shift?
At LeadMe Academy, we’ve had the privilege this year of partnering with numerous organisations and the HR professionals who lead their people functions - HR directors, CHROs and talent leaders - to develop hundreds of leaders, building on the thousands we’ve supported and trained over the years across the corporate landscape.
Together, we’ve worked with teams who were candid about the realities of leading today: learning to work effectively with AI, managing shifting priorities, navigating feedback, and balancing team needs with personal capacity. Yet amidst these challenges, they consistently leaned into growth, asking: How can I show up better? How can I support my team more intentionally? What small step can I take today?
Through all of it, one theme stood out: Ongoing development is a critical component of great leadership.
As you close out the year, I hope you take a moment to recognise the progress you’ve made. The conversations you handled with more courage. The decisions you made with more clarity. The ways you supported others, even while navigating your own version of chaos.
Which moments felt like growth?
Which moments surprised you?
Which ones are you most proud of?
What have you actively learned this year that’s changed the way you lead?
And what do you want to carry forward into 2026?
If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that those seemingly small, steady steps matter far more than the big, dramatic leaps.
So here’s to leaders who learn, teams who grow, HR partners who champion the journey, and workplaces that genuinely want their people to do well.
Thank you for being part of the LeadMe community this year, and here’s to evolving again, thoughtfully, generously, and courageously, in 2026.
See you in the new year!
Jackie
Jackie
Creating leaders at every level.
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