Last Thursday, as I was wrapping up my final client call before packing for an entrepreneur’s retreat in Guatemala, my client hit me with the same phrase I’ve been hearing for decades: “I need to do more with less.”

It’s the leadership equivalent of “the check’s in the mail”—you’ve heard it a million times, and yet, here we are. Let’s face it: It was true back then, but today? It’s 10 times more true. Thanks to post-COVID chaos, hybrid dysfunction, and financial pressure that could turn coal into diamonds, doing more with less is no longer a mantra—it’s a way of life.

So here I am, in the lush landscapes of Guatemala, surrounded by some of the smartest, most ambitious entrepreneurs I’ve ever met. And you know what’s become crystal clear? Leadership in 2025 isn’t just about strategy. It’s about vision and resilience—two things too many leaders talk about but don’t actually embrace.

Stepping Away to Step Ahead

Let’s start with the obvious: Most leaders don’t take the time to step back. Why? Because they’re busy putting out fires, juggling endless meetings, and staring at spreadsheets like they hold the secret to the universe. Spoiler: They don’t.

Stepping away isn’t slacking off—it’s survival. It’s about zooming out, catching your breath, and asking the kind of questions you can’t answer while you’re drowning in busy work:

• What’s really driving success (or failure) on my team?

• Am I leading with intention, or just reacting to whatever crisis pops up next?

• And here’s the big one: Do I have a vision that actually inspires anyone, or is it just another line in a PowerPoint deck no one reads?

Here in Guatemala, stepping back has forced me to confront these questions head-on. And guess what? The answers aren’t in a Gantt chart or some shiny new app—they’re in how we think about vision and resilience.

Vision is a Story, Not a Statement

Let’s tackle vision first. Because if I see one more vague, uninspiring “vision statement,” I’m going to lose it.

Here’s the deal: Vision isn’t a tagline slapped on your website. It’s not some aspirational word salad about “synergy” and “innovation.” Vision is a story—a narrative that inspires action, aligns teams, and makes people want to show up and give their best.

And let me clear up a common misconception: Vision doesn’t come from the top. That’s right, I said it. If you think vision is just for the CEO to dream up while everyone else executes, you’ve got it all wrong.

Every leader—no matter where they sit—needs a vision.

• A team leader needs a vision for how their group works together, supports each other, and delivers results.

• A customer service manager should have a vision for creating happy, loyal clients.

• Even an individual contributor can have a vision for how their work contributes to the big picture.

Without a vision, teams drift. They get stuck in busy work, lose momentum, and start asking, “Why are we even doing this?” With a vision, they move mountains.

So let me ask you:

• Can you articulate your vision as a story, not just a statement?

• Does it align with where you’re headed and inspire your team to follow?

• Are you empowering your team to create their own vision within the bigger picture?

If not, what are you waiting for? A memo?

Resilience: The Leadership Superpower You Need

Now, let’s talk about resilience, because vision alone won’t save you.

Resilience isn’t about gritting your teeth and hoping for the best. It’s about adaptability. It’s about knowing when to pivot, when to push forward, and when to change the game entirely.

During this retreat, I’ve met local entrepreneurs who are the very definition of resilient. They don’t have endless budgets or perfect plans, but they innovate, they experiment, and they keep moving forward, no matter what.

Here’s the thing: Resilience isn’t built by clinging to the perfect plan (which doesn’t exist, by the way). It’s built by taking risks, learning from failures, and staying open to new possibilities. And yes, it’s built by stepping back to see the forest instead of obsessing over individual trees.

The Takeaway: Vision + Resilience = Leadership in 2025

Here’s how you can bring these lessons into your leadership:

1️⃣ Step Away Regularly

• If you’re always in the weeds, you’ll never see the big picture. Build time to reflect—it’s not optional.

2️⃣ Turn Vision into a Story

• A vision statement is forgettable. A vision story is powerful. Make yours clear, compelling, and actionable.

3️⃣ Experiment and Adapt

• Stop waiting for perfection. Test small, fast ideas, and use what you learn to pivot and improve.

4️⃣ Empower Your Team’s Resilience

• Teach your team to embrace challenges as opportunities. Celebrate progress, not just outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Leadership in 2025 isn’t just harder—it’s fundamentally different. It demands more vision, more resilience, and yes, more doing with less. But here’s the good news: When you embrace these principles, you don’t just survive—you thrive.

So here’s my challenge to you:
When was the last time you stepped back, reflected, and reimagined your leadership? What’s the story you’re telling your team—and are they inspired by it?

Drop your thoughts in the comments, or reach out if you want to brainstorm. Let’s make 2025 the year of bold leadership and bigger impact.