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CEOs Share Their Aspirational New Year’s Resolutions for 2026

Update Reimagining New Year’s Resolutions: How CEOs are Leading the Charge As the calendar turns and the New Year approaches, the spotlight isn’t solely on personal ambitions; top CEOs across various industries are proclaiming their resolutions, revealing how they plan to push boundaries not only in their businesses but also within their personal lives. This year, the focus appears to blend personal growth with professional commitments, presenting a dual approach that could inspire teams and followers alike. From the Mountains to the Boardroom: Overcoming Personal Challenges Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson, has chosen a physically demanding challenge as his 2026 resolution—climbing a peak in France that has eluded him for 15 years. This quest emphasizes perseverance, showcasing the importance of setting personal goals as a means to foster resilience, which is vital in leadership roles. This personal challenge could serve as a metaphor for business leadership—commitment to overcoming hurdles no matter how daunting. Redefining Customer Engagement: A CEO's Commitment to Direct Interaction In the tech realm, Guru Gowrappan from Asurion pledges to immerse himself in the customer experience by personally engaging with every touchpoint of their services. This move highlights a growing trend where leaders prioritize direct interaction with customers to identify improvement areas immediately. By walking in their customers' shoes, executives like Gowrappan are emphasizing that true leadership means understanding the end-user experience firsthand. You are What You Consume: Lifelong Learning as a Resolution Marcin Kleczynski, CEO of Malwarebytes, not only prioritizes a commitment to reading prolifically but also drives a clear message about understanding customer needs in the cybersecurity landscape. His mantra, “Evolve or die,” resonates deeply in a sector characterized by rapid change. This multi-faceted approach demonstrates that ongoing personal development directly correlates to professional success. AI and Agriculture: A Leap Toward Sustainable Innovation Gerrit Marx from CNH is steering toward an ambitious resolution that melds artificial intelligence with farming practices. By shifting towards AI-powered predictive farming, he aims to enhance sustainability, productivity, and long-term soil health for farmers. This strategy underscores a technologically driven future, where leaders are not just adapting but actively shaping innovations to meet global agricultural demands. Embracing Humanity in Leadership: The Unique Offerings of Being Human Penny Pennington, managing partner at Edward Jones, is focused on enhancing her human experience, rather than just improving her human character. By actively participating in discussions about humanity amidst technological advancement, Pennington sheds light on the emotional component central to leadership—a quality that may become increasingly rare as machines take on more roles. Balancing Work and Life: The Pursuit of Well-Being As mechanical demands grow, wellness becomes a target for many leaders. Cesar Carvalho of Wellhub outlines his goals of ensuring healthier sleep patterns and prioritizing family time. By treating wellness as a professional objective, these leaders send a strong message on the necessity of nurturing personal well-being to enable better performance in the workplace. The Art of Remembering: Family Connection Through Memories Howard Hochhauser from Ancestry.com is channeling his resolution toward preserving family memories for future generations. His personal mission to document familial stories positions the importance of connectivity within families, suggesting that maintaining historical narratives can serve as a robust ally in strengthening social bonds amid a fast-paced culture. As we step into a new year, these resolutions from influential executives underscore a holistic approach to leadership that intertwines personal ambition with professional responsibilities. In a world marked by rapid changes and immense challenges, such resolutions remind us of the fundamental need for growth, understanding, and human connection. Leaders who embrace this dual focus may not only carve a path for their companies but also inspire those they lead to pursue their resolutions with passion and purpose. What will you inspire in your journey this New Year? Start contemplating your resolutions from both a personal and professional perspective, as it may lead to a fulfilling year ahead!