As we close out 2025, we’re taking a moment not just to reflect, but to recognize progress. Growth doesn’t always come from big milestones; often, it shows up in how we adapt, communicate, and keep moving forward when things get complex. In this holiday team post, members of the JMAC team share one area of growth they’re proud of from this year, along with a practice they’re committing to carry into 2026. Together, these reflections offer a grounded look at how intentional growth and consistency help us recover, prepare, and move ahead with clarity.
Audree Hernandez, Senior Account Executive
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
Boldness– putting myself out there and accepting challenges.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
Affirmations– only focusing on forward-mindsets and actions that fuel my fire.
Casey Burke, Content Writer
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
I’ve grown in my resilience and my drive to find work that’s meaningful to me. The year culminated with me finding a new full-time job after a difficult search, and I think the tenacity and consistency I showed during that time is worth celebrating and will benefit me in the future.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
In 2026, I’d like to commit to playing music on a regular basis, particularly the piano. Music is something that has always brought me joy and relaxation, and I haven’t made as much time for it as I’d like this year.
Gabie Rudolph, Account Executive
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
This year, I’d celebrate the way I’ve learned to step forward instead of hold back.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
In 2026, I want to commit to spending more time outside and making space for fresh air, movement, and moments that pull me away from screens.
Joana Estipona, Account Coordinator
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
One area of growth I’d like to celebrate this year is my confidence. It has made a significant difference in how I engage with the team and in the quality of my work. I’ve become more confident in speaking up, sharing recommendations, giving feedback, and asking for help when I need it. This growth has helped me show up more fully and contribute more meaningfully.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
One thing I want to commit to practicing in 2026 is being more intentional with my communication – speaking up with clarity, asking questions early, and sharing ideas confidently. I want to continue strengthening my presence and contribution within the team.
John McCartney, Agency Principal
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
An area of growth I am celebrating this year is finally reaching a place where I can look in the mirror with intention and commit to becoming a better version of myself. I have been consistent with therapy, journal writing, meditation, and other practices that support my well-being. I also took a deeper step by trying to understand why I am wired the way I am. I paid attention to the triggers I thought were resolved and realized there was more work to do. That led me to new audiobooks, new tools, and new learning that helped me understand myself more clearly. I am proud of the progress I made and grateful for the clarity and peace that came from doing that work.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
In 2026, I want to commit to practicing curiosity by exploring new creative hobbies. I have stayed consistent for more than 600 days on Duolingo learning Japanese, which showed me what is possible when I focus on something every day. There are other interests I want to pursue, like learning digital photography, and I plan to make space for that in the new year. I want to lean into new skills, new creative outlets, and new ways to learn that inspire me and help me grow.
Tijon Dembo, PR Intern
What’s an area of growth you’d like to celebrate from this year?
This year, I defeinelty grew in my ability to manage multiple commitments. With being a full time student, an intern and a competitive hip-hop dancer, my plate has been extremely full this year. But with all the different things I committed myself to, I had to learn to make it all work in tandem and I think the skill of balancing multiple commitments is an important one to have.
What’s one thing you want to commit to practicing in 2026?
In 2026, I want to commit to practicing better communication. Throughout my internship, I’m learning the importance of communication and how businesses cannot run without it. In 2026, I will hold myself accountable for the way I communicate with people. This could be in a work environment, in a school environment, or even personally.
