Pass the Cranberry Sauce and the Perspective

When historians look back at 2025, they will not be kind. The gold rush of Artificial Intelligence began to tarnish, and politics was dominated by what Tom Nichols of The Atlantic magazine called a confederacy of todlers. On a personal note, I rolled off a contract due to budget cuts and tariff pressure on my client. As the year comes to a close, I have struggled with feelings of disappointment and bitterness.

Fortunately, it is Thanksgiving week, and I will spend time with family and hang holiday decorations. It is a chance to emotionally reset and take a break from headlines and job searching. It is also a chance to reflect on the things I should be grateful for and put things in perspective.

Family Close to Home –

I am very fortunate. My mother lives with my partner, Carol, and me. Together, we are a warm unit of mutual support and kindness. I do not think many men have the good fortune to have their mother and spouse get along, so I consider it a significant blessing.

My partners' adult children are close by, and we do things together and provide mutual support when needed. Over the last year, I have learned to assemble furniture, and my daughter-in-law enjoys picking up the tab for dinner. I did not expect to be a family guy, but the role fits like an ugly Christmas sweater and feels stylish.

The No Kings Movement –

Watching the news feels like an exercise in masochism. The daily circus of cruelty, corruption, and incompetence is dispiriting to witness. Furthermore, many in the public sphere are behaving as if the situation is acceptable.

The "No Kings" movement challenges this narrative as people from all age groups and political stripes come together to object to the current authoritarian motivations of our current political moment. I can understand why some commentators label the No Kings movement the "…orange man bad!" movement, but it is really about supporting the ideals that made this nation great.

It is also comforting to know that I am not alone in my resistance to this dark turn in American politics. I belong to something that history will either call the beginning of a new American Renaissance, or I will be one of the people who did not stand by and accept the collapse of our democratic order.

Clean Drinking Water –

Despite everything, I have food to eat and clean drinking water. We take for granted that diseases like cholera and dysentery do not devastate communities annually. It is also a vital example of how scientists, engineers, government officials, and professionals make the world better. Travel to parts of Africa or the Pacific where clean drinking water is scarce, and you'll understand why this matters.

Alberto Blanco and Leadsticks –

Alberto and I are fellow travelers separated by an ocean and language. We are also a small mutual support group that met on Mastodon, and I am a better writer and person thanks to our correspondence. If you have not subscribed to his newsletter, do it here.

The Gang at CNBC Squawk Box –

The three anchors of CNBC's "Squawk Box" are a revelation to me. With grumpy professionalism, they interface with business leaders and are not afraid to ask pointed questions. I disagree with them from time to time, but I know they are coming from a consistent set of values and have a low tolerance for fluff and phoniness. The show should be required viewing before your morning commute.

To You, My readers –

You have been my companions in times of good and bad. You find that I have something valuable to share and come back each week to enjoy it. Your comments on the blog and via LinkedIn nourish me, and they make my daily struggle to improve business culture feel more critical each year. Please spread the word and ask your friends to subscribe.

These are some of the things I am thankful for this year, and I look forward to a better 2026.

Now pass the cranberry sauce.

Until next time.