As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been thinking a lot about how far we’ve come, not just as an industry or a business, but as leaders, partners, and problem-solvers navigating change together.
This year, we tackled some complex topics at MKP Strategies, from data systems and compliance to leadership, innovation, and the principles that guide better decision-making. So before we turn the page to 2026, I wanted to take a moment to revisit the five most impactful blogs of the year…the ones that sparked conversations, challenged perspectives, and hopefully, left you with something valuable to apply in your own work.
Let’s count them down.
#5: The Power in Being Prepared (September 2025)
We kicked off fall with a story that reminded me how quickly things can go wrong when preparation takes a backseat. I shared a tragic real-world example of an ambulance that got lost on its way to the hospital because the driver assumed they could “figure it out” along the way. The outcome was devastating, but the lesson is universal.
Being proactive instead of reactive isn’t glamorous, but it’s the foundation of strong leadership. Whether it’s a compliance audit, a system breakdown, or a major business shift, the time to prepare is before you’re in the tunnel, not when you’re halfway through it.
Key takeaway: Preparation might not feel urgent, but it’s always important. The best leaders plan ahead, even when things are running smoothly.
#4: The Journey of Innovation (February 2025)
This one was deeply personal for me. I reflected on my journey as a Type 1 diabetic, from test tubes and color-changing tablets to continuous glucose monitors and smart insulin pumps. The evolution of medical technology has transformed how I live, and it’s a powerful reminder of why innovation matters.
But it’s not just about technology; it’s about people. The people creating solutions, the people using them, and the people supporting them. True innovation comes from focusing on improving lives today while still pursuing the breakthroughs of tomorrow.
Key takeaway: Progress isn’t only about finding cures, it’s about improving care, right now.
And as a preview for January, I’ll be revisiting my diagnosis and what it’s taught me about life, business, and leadership.
#3: Protecting What Makes You Unique (November 2025)
One of my favorite blogs this year started with a simple but uncomfortable truth: growth can threaten what makes your company special.
I talked about why I tell every new hire, “Part of my job is to protect the company from you.” It’s not meant to be harsh, it’s a reminder that when new people join a fast-growing organization, they bring experiences and habits from other places that can unintentionally erode the culture that made the company successful in the first place.
This blog resonated with leaders because it’s a balancing act we all face: expanding your team without losing your identity.
Key takeaway: Growth is important, but not at the cost of your company’s character. Protect what makes you different.
#2: Sneak Peek: Introduction to How-to IQ (June 2025)
June was a milestone month. After months of writing, editing, and recording, How-to IQ officially launched. The blog featured a sneak peek at the book’s introduction, a preview of how a principle-based approach can help leaders make better decisions when the rulebook runs out.
The book (still available, by the way!) continues to open doors to conversations about modern leadership: how we think, how we decide, and how we show up for our teams.
Key takeaway: Leadership isn’t about rigid rules. It’s about principles that guide you when the path forward isn’t clear.
Check it out here. And you can purchase your own copy on Amazon, or get the audiobook on Spotify!
#1 – Document-Based vs. Object-Based Storage Series (January, March, May)
This three-part series takes the top spot for a reason. The conversation surrounding document vs. object-based storage is going to continue being a major discussion in the year ahead.
In the original series, we explored how shifting from a document-based approach (where data lives in disconnected silos) to an object-based model (where it’s interconnected, searchable, and adaptive) can fundamentally transform how organizations work.
This series wasn’t just about data systems; it was about the way we think about information, compliance, and connection across industries. Whether you work in manufacturing, med device, or tech, the message holds: Interconnection leads to clarity, efficiency, and smarter decision-making.
Key takeaway: The future belongs to organizations that connect their data, people, and processes — not just manage them separately.
Check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
As we wrap up the year, I’m reminded that every lesson, story, and challenge we’ve shared has pointed back to one core truth: business and leadership are human endeavors.
Whether we’re talking about data structures, innovation, or organizational culture, the heart of it all is people, thinking critically, planning intentionally, and striving to make things better.
I’m grateful to everyone who’s read, shared, or reached out this year, and I can’t wait to see what conversations we’ll have in 2026.
If there’s a topic you’d like to see explored in the new year, let me know! I’m always up for a good discussion.
Here’s to clarity, curiosity, and connection in the year ahead.