Five Mistakes That Changed How These Leaders Are Approaching Success in 2026
In a year defined by rapid change, leaders reflect on the missteps that shaped their growth and the practical shifts they’re making for the year ahead.
Natee Meepian — stock.adobe.com
As posted on RollingStone / Culture Council
December 8, 2025
Thomas Andersen, BTA Cannabis CPA Tax, featured as a member of the RollingStone Culture Council’s Expert Panel
Every business year comes with its wins and its wake-up calls. For many leaders, 2025 delivered both at once, revealing blind spots around boundaries, delegation, time management, professional development and even the personal habits that quietly influence performance. By examining what went wrong, they’re uncovering the lessons that will guide a stronger, more sustainable approach in the new year.
Below, members of Rolling Stone Culture Council share the mistakes that taught them the most this past year and explain how those insights will reshape their decisions, systems and leadership style in 2026.
Not Setting Firm Boundaries Around Client AI Usage
One mistake this year was not setting firm boundaries around AI usage in client contracts. The explosion of AI-driven content led to an influx of low-quality work without human oversight or accountability. This lack of integrity created friction and blurred lines around value and actual authorship. For 2026, I’ll implement stronger contractual language outlining AI use and collaboration ethics. – Jennifer Sodini, Hidden Hand Media
Overloading My Calendar
I treated my calendar like Tetris, stacking back-to-backs and “heroic” nights. Productivity and output went up; passion and joy went down. The lesson is that time is a clinical tool. In 2026, I’m time-boxing with deep work before noon, clients in defined blocks, admin and theme days, recovery and self-care hours scheduled and one screen-free day every week. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations
Not Delegating Enough
I hesitated to delegate. As tempting as it may be, wearing every hat is exhausting and impractical. Learning to ask for help at the right time is an essential lesson to learn. It’s a team effort! – Kathy Schenfelt, SCH Entertainment
Procrastinating on Continuing Professional Education
This year, I didn’t manage my time well for continuing professional education. I procrastinated in favor of networking (fun), forcing me to play catch-up over a few blocked-out weekends. The lesson learned: No matter how engaging “fun stuff” at work is, it’s crucial to maintain perishable competencies, to stay relevant in today’s competitive world and to preserve a healthy work-life balance. – Thomas Andersen, BTA Cannabis CPA Tax
Failing to Prioritize Confidence, Consistency and Convenience
This year, I didn’t prioritize the little things that empower confidence, consistency and convenience. For example, I kept delaying sending clothes to the dry cleaner, which meant I hardly ever had my favorite garments ready for the next big meeting. Our best work starts with a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast and an unwrinkled shirt. In 2026, I’ll be prioritizing all three. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
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