As we navigate the human experience of finishing a calendar year, and starting a new one…we explore approaching this transition ‘softly’ as opposed to starting the new year with speed and super high expectations.

We were honored to spend time with Hope Malveaux, MBA, M&A Culture Due Diligence Expert, Workplace Culture Architect, and Co-Author of Culture is the Answer. Hope thrives during times of change, and she views each new year, new season as an opportunity for reinvention.

2025 was ‘a year’ for so many of us. Hope shares how some of her burdens were so heavy that she had no choice but to let them go.  She knows that she deserves peace and rest. Hope’s act of release created a softness in her life that allowed her to focus on mentorship and helping others win. 

Resilience is Hope’s word for the year. OTOJ will wish another word for her: reaping. We believe for Hope to reap in goodness what she has sown into the lives of others.