Your Word for 2026

During the Looking Back – Planning Forward workshop on Monday, I loved hearing how participants experienced 2025 and especially how they want to carry the lessons forward into 2026. One of the reflections was to define your Word for 2026 based on what you learned this year.

Looking Back at 2025

For me, the year brought a mix of technological acceleration, geopolitical uncertainty, and energizing human connection.

• AI everywhere. 2025 started in a whirlwind of AI: exciting, inspiring, and at times a bit overwhelming. I wondered what it would mean for my business and for my clients. To deepen my understanding, I enrolled in two continuing studies courses at Stanford: Crash Course in AI and AI for Go-to-Market Strategy. These courses helped me see both the possibilities and the limitations of AI. My biggest conclusion? There has never been a more exciting time to be an entrepreneur… but things are moving fast.

  
  

• Mid-year uncertainty. Political and economic changes, especially around tariffs and U.S. market conditions, created hesitation. Many European companies pressed pause on their expansion plans, waiting for more clarity before making strategic decisions. It was a reminder of how fragile things can be and how important it is to build a strong foundation that can absorb unexpected changes.

  
  

• Ending on a high note. The Belgian Economic Mission closed the year with momentum. Hosting a panel conversation for such a fantastic group of Belgian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley was a unique opportunity, and my follow-up trip in November has already led to new, exciting projects. The energy of the mission reinforced how much people today crave optimism, inspiration, and true connection.

  
  

What’s Ahead for 2026

As I look back on the past year, the word I choose for 2026 is Authenticity, supported by three key elements:

1. Staying Grounded

Holding on to what you believe in. For me, that means continuing to work with the mindset: do good and good will follow, embracing an abundance mentality, and creating meaningful connections. It’s a mindset beautifully captured in the wonderful book The Go-Giver.

2. True Connection

Virtual meetings will always be part of international work, but in-person connection remains irreplaceable.In 2026, I want to invest even more in:

• Building bridges between Belgium and Silicon Valley

• Creating opportunities to collaborate with experts whose services complement strategy

• Hosting and attending meaningful, in-person events

  
  

3. Showing an Authentic Voice

I want to bring more of my true self into my work and into how I communicate.That includes working with video and sharing insights more openly. Enjoy the three videos I created to welcome the Belgian delegation and introduce them to California and Silicon Valley.

What’s Your Word for 2026?

I invite you to take a moment and think about your word for 2026. Where do you want to focus? What do you want to change or strengthen?

I would love to hear your Word of the Year: feel free to reply and share it with me.

Here’s to a meaningful and authentic 2026.