PREDICTING YOUR WINS IN 2026

INTRODUCTION

4 traits will define the leaders and companies that pull ahead. Don’t waste time trying to predict the hottest trends or where you’ll be — you make the future through vision, strategy, and execution. 

1. VST: VISION – STRATEGY – TACTICS

These are not just words; they are the roadmap to your future success. Vision sets the direction, strategy paves the way, and tactics execute the plan. Embracing these elements will inspire and motivate you to shape your own destiny. 

Clear, bold, and time-bound vision wins. Strategic leaders know exactly where they’re going and why. Their goals are measurable, scalable, and visible to the entire team. This kind of clarity cuts through confusion, energizes people, and turns strategy into momentum. 

2. COURAGE

Uncertain times demand bold choices. It’s not about being reckless, but about having the courage to make the hard decisions that drive growth. Strategic leaders stop hiding behind busyness and start focusing on what really matters. They say no more often, simplify faster, and lead with conviction. This courage will reassure you and instill confidence in your leadership. 

3. SELF-MANAGED TEAMS

The future belongs to teams that think and act like owners. Self-managed teams don’t wait to be told what to do — they take initiative, solve problems, and move projects forward. Strategic leaders empower, equip, and trust their people to perform, creating freedom for everyone at every level. 

4. ADVISORS AND COACHES

No one scales alone. The best leaders surround themselves with people who sharpen their thinking and expand their perspective. That might mean hiring fractional executives — a CFO, COO, or CMO — or working with a coach or mentor who can accelerate growth and hold them accountable. Strategic leaders invest in wisdom early instead of waiting for a crisis later. 

 WHAT WON’T WIN 

The habits that once felt productive will soon become liabilities. 

Busyness. Constant urgency. Endless meetings. Saying yes to everything. These patterns destroy clarity and crush creativity. They keep leaders trapped in the weeds — managing instead of leading, reacting instead of building. 

 MORE ABOUT VST – VISION, STRATEGY, AND TACTICS FROM MY NEW BOOK 

The next era of entrepreneurship won’t reward exhaustion. It will reward strategy. 

“From Stuck to Strategic” launches on November 17 and is available for pre-order now in e-book, hardback, and paperback you can order 11/17.