As we wrap up the year, this is our final Weekly 5 for Friday of 2025. Instead of more noise, we’ve chosen five thoughtful pieces that invite reflection on connection, leadership, learning, and what it really means to prepare for the year ahead. Consider this a quiet pause before 2026 begins.
1️⃣ Why “Connection” Will Be Your Secret Weapon in 2026.
In a world drowning in data and constant tech disruption, connection will be the competitive edge that defines success in 2026. The organisations that win won’t just chase AI, automation, or lower prices; they’ll put authentic human relationships at the centre of everything they do. Genuine connection with customers, employees, and communities isn’t “soft stuff”.
It’s the deciding factor when products, services, and information all start to look the same. In 2026, trust, authenticity, and human-centred experiences will separate the winners from the rest. Read more here.
2️⃣ Kick-Start 2026: Join Dean and Graeme’s Transformation Webinar.
Start 2026 with clarity, insight and action. Dean van Leeuwen and Graeme Codrington are hosting a must-attend speaker event on 15 January – Grey Elephants and the BANI World: How to prepare for and thrive during a once-in-a-century opportunity – to help leaders understand how to thrive through transformation, not just survive it.
In a world where change isn’t slowing down, leaning into the forces shaping business and society and knowing how to act on them is the real advantage. If you’re serious about stepping into 2026 with confidence and purpose, this session is the kick-starter your strategy needs. Register here…
3️⃣ Want to know how Jude’s 2 teens first year back in mainstream school has gone?
After 5 years of unschooling and experimenting with a variety of different learning environments?
She’s sharing 30 days of reflections on both their kids and her learning journey now that they’ve had a full year back in school. Follow her on LinkedIn or Instagram for her daily reflections.
4️⃣ If AI Has the Answers, What Does Expertise Look Like Now?
In a world where AI can produce technically accurate answers to almost anything, the real question is: what makes us truly expert? In this short clip from Elephants in the Boardroom Podcast, recorded live at the Dubai Futures Forum, Graeme Codrington and Dean van Leeuwen reflect on how expertise has shifted.
When information is everywhere, real value comes from context, judgement, emotional intelligence, and long-term wisdom – the human skills that will matter most as AI reshapes what’s possible.
5️⃣ Finish 2025 With Purpose: Why a Team Wrap-Up Week Matters.
Most teams spend December rushing to finish tasks and hoping January will magically bring fresh energy. But what if the way you end your year actually determines how you start the next one?
In this recent article, Frans van Loef suggests treating the final weeks as a team wrap-up week. A deliberate pause to reflect on achievements, celebrate progress, clear unfinished work, and close the year with intention. When teams finish not just busy, but resolved, they return from the break refreshed, aligned and ready to tackle 2026 with clarity and momentum.
Wherever and however, you’re spending the coming break, we hope it brings rest, perspective, and a little breathing room before the year ahead.
Thank you for joining us throughout 2025, we look forward to continuing the conversation in 2026.