Leadership Reflections 2025: Lessons, Optimism and Advice

Perspectives from leaders across industries on resilience, connection and what comes next.

As 2025 comes to a close, many leaders are reflecting less on short-term results and more on what the year revealed about leadership, resilience and connection. Across industries and regions, the past year reinforced that progress is rarely linear—and that clarity often emerges through experience rather than certainty.

To capture those insights, we invited leaders from different sectors within the BOOM community to share what the past year taught them, what they see gaining momentum, the habits they are carrying forward and the advice they would offer others navigating continued change. Their reflections are practical and personal, grounded in real work and real responsibility.

Together, these perspectives offer a snapshot of leadership in 2025—measured, people-focused and quietly optimistic.

Alisha Reynolds, CEO, Tourism Calgary

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

No amount of uncertainty or chaos can break the bond of good people striving to do good things together.

2. What positive trend or shift in your business or sector makes you optimistic about the year ahead?

Calgary is the place to be. From a robust calendar of lively events (think Skijor and World Cup), to infrastructure developments popping up in every quadrant, to new flight connectivity, Nordic spas, and world-class arts experiences – our blue skies are calling, and the world is listening.

3. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

   
   

   Positivity and patience are superpowers.

4. What advice would you offer to other leaders navigating uncertainty or change?

Always find the good. No matter how hard things may seem, there is always light. Leadership is finding it.

Melanie McDonald, Vice-President, Calgary Chamber of Commerce

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

This year reinforced that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about staying steady, present and clear when things are uncertain or difficult. I was reminded that resilience isn’t just endurance, it’s the ability to adapt, make thoughtful decisions under pressure and keep moving forward while bringing others with you.

2. What positive trend or shift in your business or sector makes you optimistic about the year ahead?

We have seen a lot of positive momentum this year – built on a foundation that took years of hard work, building trust, resilience and commitment. I am looking forward to continuing to build off of that positive momentum, which is a nice way to end one year and begin another.

3. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

I don’t have a good answer here. I feel like work kicked my ass this year and did me no favours in my personal life. This year was hard.

4. What advice would you offer to other leaders navigating uncertainty or change?

Communicate early and often, even when the message isn’t fully formed. People don’t expect perfection, but they do need transparency and reassurance. Lead with clarity, empathy and consistency, and remember that how you show up during heavy workloads, high-demand cycles and uncertainty often matters more than the outcome itself.

Meghan Noren, Group Relationship Specialist, Brokerlink

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

The market shifted quickly this year: client expectations evolved, risk profiles changed, and economic uncertainty made long-term planning more complex. What I learned is that resilience isn’t just about pushing through challenges; it’s about staying flexible enough to adjust your approach without losing sight of your long-term goals.

2. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

This year taught me that small, steady steps—whether it’s following up with prospects, investing in my own development, or taking care of my well-being, will create more momentum, rather than waiting for the “perfect” moment.

Adrian Nagle Director, Industry Engagement, Calgary Construction Association

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

This past year reinforced that resilience in our industry isn’t just about pushing through challenges—it’s about staying adaptable and deeply connected to the people we serve. Construction has faced shifting challenges, labor shortages, and economic pressure, and I learned that listening closely to members’ needs and adjusting quickly is what builds trust. Leadership, especially in membership outreach, isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being present, responsive, and willing to evolve alongside our members.

2. What positive trend or shift in your business or sector makes you optimistic about the year ahead?

I’m encouraged by how strongly construction firms are embracing collaboration and professional development. Many companies are prioritizing safety training, workforce development, and new technologies — not just to stay competitive, but to create long-term stability. This shift makes me optimistic because associations play a critical role in connecting members to these resources. As more firms recognize the value of community and shared learning, membership becomes an essential strategic asset rather than an optional expense.

3. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

A habit I plan to carry forward is proactive communication. Taking the time to reach out before a member feels stuck or disconnected has transformed the quality of my relationships. Instead of approaching conversations with a sales mindset, I shifted to a service mindset — asking what challenges they’re facing and how our association can support them. That approach strengthened not only my work results but also my sense of purpose.

4. What advice would you offer to other leaders navigating uncertainty or change?

My advice is to stay people-focused. In times of uncertainty, members and teams aren’t just looking for solutions — they’re looking for clarity, partnership, and stability. Be transparent about what you know and what you’re still figuring out. Ask more questions than you answer. And don’t underestimate the impact of small, consistent actions that show you’re invested in their success. Change becomes more manageable when leaders build trust and create space for open dialogue.

Gerald Chipeur, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

The most important lesson for me in 2025 was the value of the community in which I live. 

First, in 2025 the lawyers and staff with whom I deliver legal services are now back to work in force at the office. We are at the office together and this is a good thing. The opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with colleagues over a coffee is valuable in ways that extend beyond the delivery of the best client service. More importantly, presence in the office permits mentoring and team work to flourish. 

Second, this year I have had unique opportunities to meet artists and to appreciate their creations. Those opportunities have arisen because of my daughters, Stephanie and Lauren. They have helped me better appreciate the value of art to the community. 

2. What positive trend or shift in your business or sector makes you optimistic about the year ahead?

I am very optimistic for the future. Why? For the first time in a long time, all levels of government are working together effectively for their citizens.  

It is no wonder that Calgarians are so positive about the future of this great City. 

3. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

I am surprised to say this, but the time management systems that lawyers utilize to track work product actually make my life more enjoyable.  

The bottom line is that I find myself most productive when I pay attention to my time and keep track of everything that I undertake for myself or my clients. 

4. What advice would you offer to other leaders navigating uncertainty or change?

The best advice I can give is that one should refrain from giving advice unless it is requested. Nothing good comes from sharing unsolicited recommendations. That has been my experience. 

Laureen Regan, President & CEO, BOOM Group

1. What is the most meaningful lesson the past year taught you about work, leadership, or resilience?

   
   

This year has been full of lessons. I am deeply grateful for such a strong group of team members and for the broader business community around us. It’s difficult to choose just one lesson, but the most meaningful has been this: every “no,” every loss and every missed opportunity is actually one step closer to a different kind of success. Often, it’s a success that doesn’t look like what you originally envisioned—but one that turns out to be infinitely better.

2. What positive trend or shift in your business or sector makes you optimistic about the year ahead?

   
   

I am genuinely energized by the renewed emphasis on meeting in person - attending events, collaborating face-to-face and coming together as teams. This year offered countless opportunities to connect across the business communities that support us and that we support in return. Every event and every interaction strengthened relationships and helped us become a better company.

3. What is one habit or mindset you plan to carry forward because it strengthened your work or life this year?

   
   

This year I became much more intentional about how we track projects and follow up as a team. Having a clear system in place made a real difference. Work moved forward more smoothly, fewer things were missed and my own productivity improved.

4. What advice would you offer to other leaders navigating uncertainty or change?

   
   

There will always be uncertainty and change in our lives. What helps is staying engaged, being open to conversations, and continuing to show up - even when you’re not sure where something will lead. That’s often where the most meaningful opportunities start.

Across these reflections, one message is consistent: resilience is built through people. Whether through collaboration with colleagues, deeper connection with members and clients or attention to community, leaders are finding strength in staying closely linked to those they serve.

What stands out is not a shared industry or location, but a shared approach. Within the BOOM community, leaders and organizations intersect across sectors and regions, creating space to exchange insight, learn from one another and move forward with greater confidence. Connection, intentional and ongoing, has become a strategic advantage.

The habits these leaders point to are simple but powerful: patience, optimism grounded in action, proactive communication and thoughtful use of time and energy. In periods of uncertainty, their guidance aligns—stay people-focused, remain adaptable and lead with purpose. It is through these shared values, and the connections that sustain them, that meaningful progress continues.

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