2026: Welcome back!

It was 8:15pm December 31st as the pilot announced our landing into São Paulo. My husband and I had planned to get home, take showers, prep our New Year’s dinner (steak & seafood), maybe even squeeze in a nap before popping the French bubbly we’d been saving. Then we’d head to Av. Paulista where thousands of people gather to receive the new year. Think Times Square in New York to get an idea.

So we made our way to the baggage belt, already dreaming of freshening up after a 15-hour journey between 3 airports and 2 planes. Little did we know the luggage wouldn’t start showing for another hour and a half.

It was 11:03 when we finally got home. We rushed through showers—no nap, no dinner. Almost guzzled the first cup of bubbly we’d saved for months. At 11:40pm we rushed out the door, doubting we could make it to see the fireworks.

After going through the checkpoint, there we were! In the last five minutes of 2025, trying to find a good spot. All of a sudden the big screen started the countdown with hundreds of people around us going out loud: Dez, Nove, Oito... Três, Dois, Um! Feliz Ano Novo! And right after—fireworks! 🎇🎇🎇

We made it! 🍾

I hope your transition into 2026 was a mix of rest and excitement—unlike my rushed welcome to the new year. But here’s the thing: you make plans, life happens, and you reprioritize so you can still achieve what matters most. Our goal was to experience New Year’s on Av. Paulista. We did. We left some things behind, and that was ok. No regrets.

That lesson carried right into January.

Normally, the “back to work” after the holidays tends to be slow until you settle into your routine again. This year? Different. My team and I started running from day one—and we probably won’t stop given the companies and projects we’re managing.

Yesterday I was reflecting on it. It felt like we were already weeks into the year, but it had only been 10 days. That’s what happens when you’re busy doing work that matters, I guess.

This might sound cliché—especially since we’re all still riding the energy rush from New Year—but this year feels like an awakening for me. Professionally, physically, intellectually, spiritually.

I’ve spent two years working with small businesses, helping them grow. The results were beyond satisfying for our portfolio companies. My team has grown with me too, which means they can take on more. And that gives me room to do more.

I’m excited to explore tech companies again. If you didn’t know, I built 3 high-tech companies before doing this. I’m excited to work with kick-ass women who I can help AND learn from. I’m looking for powerhouse women whose leadership inspires the community around them.

I’m starting the year strong in my faith, standing in the promises God has for my life. I invite you to try Him out if you haven’t yet. For He is the living God.

You know the retro I invited you to do before closing the year? Well, I did it too. And you know what I found? That I needed to find my tribe. That I was playing the comfortable game—ok, not too comfortable... just comfortable enough for an aggressive Type A.

If you’ve been in your cocoon, maybe this is what you needed to read. Where do I need to grow? What does growth look like for me? What am I willing to do to get there?

Sometimes you have to skip the steak dinner to make the fireworks.

Hit reply—I’d love to hear what you’re leaving behind this year.

Happy Growth Season!

Carmi