2025 stretched me, refined me, and clarified what actually matters. In this episode, I am reflecting out loud on the wins I am proud of, the areas where I fell short, and the lessons I am carrying into 2026 as a founder, coach, and human. If you are closing out a demanding year and thinking deeply about how you want to grow next, this conversation is for you.

This is not a highlight reel. It is an honest look at health, momentum, leadership, systems, and what it really takes to build something sustainable without burning yourself out.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Why prioritizing health changed how I show up in business
• What investing in myself taught me about clarity and momentum
• The hidden cost of growing without clean systems and data
• Why planning further ahead is now non-negotiable for me
• How closing the loop on projects creates real client success
• What I want 2026 to feel like, not just look like on paper

⏰ Timestamps

0:00 Intro and why I wanted to reflect publicly
1:23 The sweatshirt, discipline, and following the plan
1:36 My biggest personal win in 2025
3:48 What surprised me about DogCo this year
4:49 Why investing in yourself creates clarity
6:59 The DogCo Summit and momentum heading into 2026
7:45 Why the podcast became one of my favorite projects
9:03 Gratitude for the DogCo team
10:26 Planning further ahead and communication gaps
12:44 Data, metrics, and systems debt
15:46 Shipping full cycles and closing the loop
19:41 Hopes, plans, and personal goals for 2026
24:35 Final reflections and closing thoughts

I also want to say happy holidays! 🎄 I sincerely hope you had a restful, meaningful holiday season and were able to spend time with the people who matter most to you. Thank you for listening, for supporting this podcast, and for being part of the DogCo community. I am incredibly grateful for you and excited for what we are building together in the year ahead!

- M