As 2025 comes to a close, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the challenges, lessons, and opportunities this year has brought. The world around us continues to move at a relentless pace, and as leaders, at every level, we carry the responsibility to Set the Tone.
Too often, as we read or watch current events, we see examples of individuals who confuse leadership with noise—who fail to understand the difference between setting the tone and being tone-deaf. True leadership is not about reacting to headlines; it’s about shaping environments where clarity, trust, and purpose thrive.
I have always believed that setting the tone is one of our most important responsibilities.
It is not a single act but a daily discipline—reflected in our actions, our words, and our routines. As we step into 2026, let us recommit to this discipline. Let us be intentional in how we lead so that we inspire rather than discourage, elevate rather than diminish, and guide rather than simply manage.
The year ahead is filled with possibility. By setting the right tone, we create cultures of resilience, hope, and excellence. Together, we can ensure that 2026 is not just another year but a year defined by leaders who listen, act with purpose, and leave a legacy worth following.
As we look ahead, success begins with viewing our business holistically, recognizing the opportunities in our daily actions, our monthly rhythms, and our yearly commitments. Consistency and balance in our words, deeds, and leadership create the foundation for lasting impact.
We know our future will be defined not only by technology and operational excellence but by the strength of our people. That is why we are committed to being a destination for talent, an organization where people feel valued, empowered, and proud to contribute. Even in challenging times, our responsibility as leaders is clear: to provide direction, to persevere, and to lead with integrity. By committing ourselves to be people of character, leaders of vision, and companies of purpose, we ensure that the year ahead is not just endured but embraced with optimism and confidence.
As we recommit ourselves to leading with integrity and optimism in the year ahead, it is important to ground that commitment in the values that define who we are. Values are not simply words on a page; they are the compass that guides our actions, the standard by which we measure ourselves, and the promise we make to those we lead. With that in mind, let us reflect on the principles that will continue to shape our culture and inspire our future.
Our Values
Integrity: We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability. Integrity is not optional; it is the foundation of trust, and trust is what sustains strong leadership and lasting relationships.
People First: Our strength lies in our people. We are committed to creating an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and supported to grow. When our people thrive, our business thrives.
Vision & Innovation: We embrace change as opportunity. By looking ahead with clarity and courage, we anticipate shifts in the business landscape and respond with strategies that drive progress.
Excellence in Action: We believe excellence is not an event but a discipline. Through consistency in our actions, words, and deeds, we set the tone for performance that endures.
Legacy of Leadership: Our responsibility is not only to deliver results today but to build a culture that lasts tomorrow. We measure success not just by what we achieve but by the leaders we develop and the impact we leave behind.
Succession Planning
True leadership is not only about the results we deliver today; it is about preparing the leaders for tomorrow. Succession planning is the discipline of ensuring that our organizations remain strong, resilient, and future-focused long after we have moved on. It means identifying talent early, investing in their growth, and creating opportunities for them to lead. When we commit to succession planning, we are not just filling roles—we are building pipelines of visionaries who will carry our values forward and elevate our organizations to new heights.
Closing Thought
At the heart of it all, leadership is about legacy. Legacy is not measured in titles or accolades but in the impact we leave behind. It is the culture we shape, the people we develop, and the values we instill. Legacy is leaving things a little better than we found them, whether that’s a team, a company, or a community. As we step into 2026, let us lead with integrity, invest in our people, and commit to building a future where our influence endures through those we have inspired and prepared to carry the torch.
As we close out 2025, I want to wish you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with health, happiness, and safety. May the New Year bring renewed energy, fresh opportunities, and the confidence to lead with purpose. Here’s to 2026—a year of growth, resilience, and leaving things a little better than we found them. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year
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I have broad experiences to share that can help others as they grow and take on new challenges. During my time as president of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, I integrated over 20 acquisitions that became UPS Supply Chain Solutions. I steered UPS’s entry into the health care industry and created the mantra, “It’s a patient, not a package. ®” With the ability to see a clear vision of the changing business landscape, the passion to develop strategies, tactics, and metrics to drive desired results, and the passion to develop the Best, The Brightest, Most Informed, and Best People in the industries they serve.
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