As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting less on milestones and metrics, and more on people, perspective, and quiet progress. This was a year that asked a lot of us. Not in dramatic ways, but in steady, human ones—requiring patience, adaptability, and care in how we showed up for one another.
For much of the year, uncertainty lingered. Many across Western Canada felt it in their businesses, their households, and their sense of momentum. And yet, as the year draws to a close, something begins to shift. Not a sudden turnaround, but a gradual one. Signs of stability have emerged. Conversations became a little more hopeful. Decisions felt a little less reactive and a little more intentional.
MAKE felt that change not as a surge, but as a deepening of confidence. Confidence to invest thoughtfully. Confidence to collaborate more openly. Confidence to keep building, even when the work required care and patience rather than speed. Much of what we shared this year—on LinkedIn and in real conversations—was rooted in this belief: meaningful progress is made through consistency, trust, and people working well together.
This year reaffirmed something we hold close: good work is relational. It happens when teams feel supported, when ideas are shared generously, and when we take the time to listen—really listen—to clients, partners, and one another. We saw firsthand that sustainable growth doesn’t come from pushing harder, but from working smarter, with empathy and clarity.
Beyond the industry, the broader world still carries its weight. Negativity and division can feel ever-present, and the pace of change can be exhausting. In moments like these, leadership—at every level—is less about direction and more about tone. Less about certainty and more about care. A duty of care.
So as we look ahead, my call to action is a gentle one, but very important: be the light. It has been a phrase used by my wife for many years. When presented with choice, choose kindness. Choose optimism and ground it with action, not avoidance. Small, thoughtful acts—done consistently—have a way of pushing back against the darkness that can otherwise feel overwhelming.
For our part, the MAKE team is dialled for 2026 – to show up with curiosity, integrity, and a belief in people. We will keep nurturing partnerships and contributing positively to the communities we’re part of. The path forward may not always be easy, but it is becoming clearer and lighter.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends and colleagues!
With appreciation,
Alan
