Across 52 countries, hope accounts for over half of what people need most from their leaders. Hope—not strategy, not resources, not even clarity—but hope.
In fact, employees globally are saying hope is their number one need right now.
This statistic has me reflecting on my leadership journey this past year.
Here’s what I want every leader to hear: hope isn’t a mood. It’s a skill.
One we have to learn, develop, and practice—especially in times of uncertainty.
Hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s about holding a vision of the future that inspires belief, energy, and action. It’s about giving people something to reach for beyond the current challenges.
When leaders spark hope, thriving increases and suffering decreases. It’s not fluffy. It’s foundational. It’s how we build stronger, better teams. It’s how we build trust and resiliency each and every day.
2025 has been a year that tested my own hope. It’s brought more anxiety than any year I can remember. I’ve felt it physically, emotionally, and mentally. And it forced me to stop, reassess, and make space for the real work—the inner work.
Here’s what I learned:
- Hustling is not a badge of honor if it breaks you.
- You can’t lead well when your own energy is depleted.
- Hope starts within. You can’t give what you haven’t built.
I had to create new practices to manage my energy.
I leaned into gratitude, meditation, and reconnecting with what truly matters.
That work helped me lead with more clarity and courage.
And that’s what I want for all of us.
So here’s my challenge to you as we look to 2026:
Where will you invest in yourself?
How will you build and sustain your energy?
Are you being a dealer of hope for your team and your organization?
Don’t underestimate how powerful your energy is as a leader. The people you lead are watching. They’re not just following your direction—they’re absorbing your energy. Your steadiness. Your resilience. Your belief that better is possible.
Let’s make 2026 the year we, the leaders, do the inner work.
Let’s make hope a measurable leadership skill.
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If you are looking for dedicated time away from the grind to focus on YOU and do some of this inner work, I’d love to invite you to my Surviving Greatness Retreat.
The 2026 dates and locations have been set. Visit my retreat page to learn more: https://jaimetaets.com/executive-retreats/
