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As the year winds down, we can’t help but look back—at what clicked, what flopped, and what might just be worth carrying into the new year. 2025 was full of learning curves, but the kind we actually welcomed. The books we read didn’t just sit on our shelves; they sparked “aha” moments, subtle shifts, and big reminders of what it really means to build a business that feels like us.

In the final episode of Season 4 the Success Through Community Podcast, we pulled back the curtain on the books that challenged us, confirmed what we already knew, and gave us the language to finally say what we’d felt all along.

Here are the top 5 ideas we’re taking with us into 2026.

1. It’s Not the Message, It’s the Messenger

Our first book of the season? Let’s just say it wasn’t as loved as the others. While the advice inside was solid, the delivery made us Kelly want to “gag herself with a spoon” (yes, she said it). But what that experience gifted her was a powerful reminder that your voice matters. The same advice can land like gold or garbage depending on who’s delivering it. All though the way this book was written wasn’t for us, the message is Universal and it was loud and clear.

2. You Don’t Need to Be Loud to Be Heard

We noticed a theme to this season, and it was this: Quiet is powerful. With books like Don’t Ask Me to Be Loud and The Silent Seller helped to reinforce the idea that success doesn’t require a megaphone. That trusting your natural energy, leading with intention, and focusing on meaningful connection can very well be the secret to sustainable growth.

3. When Value Replaces the Sales Pitch

In 2025, Kelly watched her Trello consulting business quietly explode—without discovery calls, without webinars, and without feeling salesy. What changed? She stopped selling and started showing up. Through value-rich YouTube content, bite-sized trainings, and a consistent presence, clients began coming to her. It was a real-world reminder that when you’re in alignment, growth follows ease.

4. Let Them. And Let You

One of the most recurring themes of the year? Let Them, by Mel Robbins. It wasn’t even a book on the pod, but it made such an impact it became a mantra. Let them underestimate you. Let them not get it. Let them make their choices—and let you show up in a way that feels true, sustainable, and aligned.

5. Personal Development Is Business Development

If there’s one truth we kept bumping into this season, it’s this: growing your business means growing yourself. Full stop. Whether it’s working on how you price your offers, finding your voice in marketing, or just believing you’re good at what you do — entrepreneurship has a sneaky way of holding up a mirror. And honestly? Some of the biggest breakthroughs don’t happen in big strategy sessions — they happen in quiet, personal moments when no one’s watching.

Plans for Next Season: A Single Book for 2026

Next season, we’re shaking things up a bit. Instead of reading different books, we’re both diving into the same one, kinda. e’re turning the podcast into a bit of a book club! We’ll be reading Save the Cat (Kelly’s got the screenwriting version, and Joelene’s tackling the one for novelists), and chatting through it all season long.

Thinking of joining us? Pick up whichever version suits your fancy, and read along if you want to. No pressure. We’re just really curious to see where these conversations take us — around story, business, creativity… and how it all kind of overlaps when you’re building something that matters.

Thanks for being here with us this year. We’ll see you in 2026. 💛

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Lessons from the Bookshelf |... Dec 2 · The Success Through Comm... 54:51   ​