Wrapping Up 2025: Lessons from the Porch
I call this one: Road Trippin’
Smiles before the storm, our road trip kickoff (pre-Turkey Day traffic drama!)
As twinkling lights go up and the year winds down, I find myself reflecting on my first full year as an entrepreneur, a year filled with failures, pivots, and wins. Much like the holiday season, it’s been a mix of chaos and joy, lessons and laughter.
My greatest accomplishment this year? Turning my why into something tangible through “Front Porch Meets Modern Work” and launching its first component, “Porch Talk.” In a world dominated by AI and algorithms, I believe it’s more important than ever to return to what makes us human: authentic connection. Just as the holidays remind us to gather around the table, workplaces should create environments where people feel safe, inspired, and ready to show up fully. That’s the vision behind Porch Talk, spaces where real conversations happen and relationships grow.
This level of creativity didn’t happen overnight. It came from unlearning and relearning. So, as I sip my coffee and reflect on this past year, here are the 12 lessons I’m taking away from 2025. Consider them my version of the “12 Days of Christmas” for entrepreneurs:
12 Lessons for the Season
Let go of what you can’t control. Think holiday traffic jams and those unexpected business detours. (My husband is still recovering from my Turkey Day road‑rage!)
Failure is part of the process. Every broken ornament teaches us something.
Good things take time and strategy. Just like baking the perfect cookie. (Although my family knows I’m notorious for forgetting key ingredients, baking powder included. Proceed with caution.)
Being part of the team doesn’t mean shrinking. Shine like the star on the tree.
Martyr syndrome doesn’t position you for leadership. Self-care isn’t selfish.
Leadership means having hard conversations with humility. Except maybe when politics come up at dinner after too much wine.
You are allowed to be successful. Celebrate your wins like holiday cheer.
Rest is a necessary component of success. Even Santa takes a nap.
Plans are good, but so is living in the moment. Enjoy the lights, not just the checklist.
Uniqueness can’t be stolen by AI. Your sparkle is yours alone.
Empathy is a learned skill. Practice it like wrapping gifts, carefully and with intention.
Easy conversations don’t happen naturally. Create space for them, like gathering around the porch.
As we step into a new year, let’s commit to building workplaces that feel like the front porch. Where connection matters, creativity abounds, and people thrive. After all, the best gift we can give each other is presence.