Editor's Note: This column ran in our Jan. 8 Pulse sent to nearly14,000 email subscribers..This is the first Pulse newsletter of 2026; I am pleased to use this space to offer a few thoughts meant to encourage you as you try to make the most of the coming 12 months..First, let’s appreciate what a special time this is. We live in an age of technological innovation, which is opening up all kinds of new possibilities. If we can make it through the disruption, we will surely come out the other end in a better place, whether at the bank or home, in your professional life or in your personal life. Second, we have a midterm election in 11 months. Regardless of the outcome, I think we can expect some kind of political change, which will close some doors but likely open others. This summer, we will be celebrating 250 years as a nation, which remains a beacon in terms of the potential for democracy.In light of these two facts, I invite you to ask yourself: “What’s the one thing that I (we) could do that will change everything for the better, make all the difference?” As you think about your bank, how does this square with the strategic plan you probably already have in place? As you think about your personal life, what changes are you ready to make, what are you willing to commit to?As you contemplate your goals, both professionally and personally, sometimes it helps to come up with a single word that summarizes your intended efforts. Examples might be: lead, adapt, transition, innovate, fearless, hungry, adventure, create or improve.And I want to close by encouraging you to read our ”Banker of the Year” story, which we feature on the cover of our January edition of BankBeat. Our selection — Corey Chambas, CEO of First Business Financial Services in Madison, Wis. — references the well-known management book by Patrick Lencioni, “The Ideal Team Player”. The book identifies three qualities which describe great team players: hungry, humble and smart. I am a fan of Lencioni’s work and I think anyone would do well to consider in the coming year how to cultivate those qualities in themselves and to encourage them in those around them. Happy new year!
