Vistage Year in Review: 12 Insights to Take into 2026
Every year, Vistage brings together some of the world’s most inspiring thinkers. Leaders who challenge us, stretch our perspectives and give us the tools to perform at our best.
From mastering mental resilience and tackling impostor syndrome to mastering inclusion, here are twelve insights from the past year we’ll be taking into 2026.
- Mental strength is how we handle the everyday
Former litigator and judge turned executive coach Emma Bell taught us true resilience is built not by dramatic life events, but in how we handle the small, everyday challenges that test us.
“Rather than looking towards your external environment or other people in your lives and waiting for them to change, be aware that there are things you can do immediately that will radically shape how you show up,” she explained.
- Culture starts with character
Founder & CEO of Be World Class Group, coach and author, Simon Hartley, reminded us that world-class teams start with who we hire and how we develop them.
“The All Blacks have a saying that culture is collective character,” says Simon. “If we want to get our team’s culture right, we need to get its character right first. We need to make sure we get the right people in the first place.”
- Inclusion starts with understanding, not labels
Dominic Keohane, founder of Innate Change, showed us that neurodiversity inclusion isn’t about applying broad labels or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s about seeing each person’s needs, strengths and experiences as entirely individual.
“If someone is autistic, they’re the only person who will have their version of autism,” he explained. “Learn about the person in front of you and how you can best support them.
- Hiring starts with values and clarity
Talent Gateway Founder and recruitment expert Nici Jupp taught us that great hiring comes from thoughtful planning, a strong online presence, a seamless process, and helping new people perform quickly.
“You’re the product that candidates are buying,” she reminded us. “Businesses neglect that level of understanding that the online world is the same for you as a business as it is when you’re selling a product or service.”
- Tame the chimp
Professional basketball player turned global speaker and trainer John Dabrowski introduced us to Steve Peters’ Chimp Paradox, a model that splits our brains into the rational human, the emotional chimp and the computer of learned habits.
“If you don’t have your work organised and there are too many things to look at, the chimp is unsettled and unhappy all day long, even when you’re sitting down in front of Netflix, trying to switch off,” he said. “By managing the chimp, you regain your evenings and weekends.”
- Cybersecurity is a team sport
Rob May, UK Ambassador for Cyber Security with the IoD and a Global Ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI, reminded us that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, not just the IT team’s. Because cybercriminals don’t target companies, they target individuals.
“You’re not safe, because you employ people”, he stressed. “If somebody walks up to your front door and presses the buzzer, and someone invites them in, all of those defences you’ve put up are redundant.”
- Stop letting self-doubt run the show
Leadership coach Bodhi Aldridge reminded us that impostor syndrome isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a hidden barrier even the most accomplished leaders quietly battle.
“Even when you know the industry better than anyone else, or even when you’ve done all the research, to feel confident and capable, you need to let go of the things that limit you,” he said.
- Multitasking damages performance
Sarah Furness, RAF helicopter pilot and squadron leader turned mindfulness coach and cognitive therapist, taught us that our brains simply aren’t built for multitasking, and that something we think makes us more productive actually drains our time and energy in the long run.
“Not only are you doing less, you’re working harder to do less, which reduces output and increases stress,” she explained. “By taking a step back and defining your most important task, you can make sure that task is done to the best of your ability.”
- We always have a choice
Entrepreneur and motivational speaker Lorraine McDonnell taught us just how powerful our thoughts are in shaping reality. We always have a choice to reframe and push through, no matter how hard things feel.
“When we think we’re challenged to the max, we’re actually only at about 40% of what we can achieve,” she explained. “The limitations we feel are just perceptions and self-sabotaging beliefs.”
- Use goal setting to train your subconscious mind
Brian Mayne, author and global speaker, introduced us to his powerful Goal Mapping system, which combines words and pictures to activate both sides of the brain and train the subconscious mind.
“Pictures stimulate the creative mind and subconscious mind, and while words stimulate the conscious mind”, he explained. “It works with business goals, but equally it works with personal goals and making lifestyle changes.”
- We are who we surround ourselves with
Sara Davies MBE, founder and CEO of Crafter’s Companion, Dragon’s Den investor, and one of the UK’s most recognisable entrepreneurs, reminded us that running a business isn’t about perfection. It’s about resilience, humility, and learning to adapt when things don’t go to plan.
“You are the product of the people you surround yourself with,” she stressed.
- Running a business isn’t so different from running a space mission
British astronaut, author and STEM ambassador Tim Peake CMG transported us beyond Earth and shared a few extraordinary lessons from his time aboard the International Space Station.
Successful space missions are underpinned by three “Ps”, he said. The right plan, the right preparation, and the right people.
See the Vistage 2026 events calendar
Our Vistage Climb webinars and events are your opportunity to learn directly from the smartest and most insightful people in the industry.
See what’s coming up in 2026.
Category : Business Growth & Strategy Uncategorized
About the Author: Vistage Staff
Vistage facilitates confidential peer advisory groups for CEOs and other senior leaders, focusing on solving challenges, accelerating growth and improving business performance. Over 45,000 high-caliber execu
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