My annual tradition continues: what three words will guide me and my business this year?
Empathy
It’s the ability to know when someone is experiencing a difficult time while staying present and supportive without taking on their feelings as our own. Empathy enables us to recognize their challenges while maintaining the clarity needed to help them find solutions. For me, it’s an important part of building trust, talking openly, and showing genuine care.
In work and life, empathy helps us connect with others in a real way while keeping healthy boundaries. When we practice this understanding approach, we can show others we hear them and value their feelings without getting weighed down by their worries. This balanced way of connecting helps us become better leaders, form stronger bonds with people, and grow in our own lives too.
Authenticity
Is about staying true to who you are in both your words and actions. It’s not just about being honest, it’s about staying true to your inner self by expressing your real thoughts and feelings, not pretending to be someone else to gain approval or fit in. When you’re authentic, people trust you because they see you as genuine and consistent, someone they can depend on.
In both personal and professional settings, authenticity strengthens relationships by fostering trust and mutual respect. It allows you to act with confidence and integrity, even when faced with challenges or pressure. By being authentic, you create deeper connections, build credibility, and live in alignment with your values and purpose.
Impact
is about creating meaningful change and leaving a lasting impression. When it comes to reach, it’s not just about how many people you connect with but how deeply your message resonates. True impact inspires others to think, feel, or act in ways that align with their values and needs.
Reaching more people means multiplying opportunities to share your message. Social media, public speaking, or even word of mouth can expand your influence. But reach alone isn’t enough. It must be paired with clarity and consistency to ensure your connections are genuine and lasting. Impact comes from the quality of your influence, not just the quantity.
AI – A New Direction
2024 marked the rise of Generative AI. Major players like OpenAI, Meta, Google, Anthropic, and even X unveiled their visions for the future of AI, setting the stage for profound shifts across industries. Fields like marketing, photography, and filmmaking are being reshaped in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
What unites these advancements is AI’s ability to enhance both the reach and impact of your message. It enables hyper-personalization, deep research, trend analysis, and unmatched scalability. However, the key lies in using AI ethically — with empathy and authenticity. When you use technology in a way that stays true to your values and shows respect for your audience, it becomes a powerful way to build trust and create authority and influence.
I’ve always said, “The more High-Tech we become, the more we need High Touch!”
Many of you know I spent 17+ years in the I.T. space and the pull of the Startup World is strong. I’ll be “Building In Public” soon and I hope you’ll join me on this journey! You can subscribe to my Newsletter here.