It's Christmas week, and the perfect time to reflect on your future as a leader. In this episode of Recruiting Conversations, I'm answering one of the biggest questions I've been hearing to close out the year:

How do I cast a bold, inspiring vision for 2026 without overcommitting or losing trust when I can't deliver it all at once?

If you've ever wrestled with that tension, this episode will help you lead with both clarity and confidence. I walk you through how to cast a magnetic vision and pair it with grounded execution, so people believe in both your future and your follow-through.

[00:00] Merry Christmas & Setup – A holiday message and the big question: how do I balance big vision with realistic execution

[01:00] The Tension Every Leader Feels – You're dreaming big for 2026, but also wearing 5 hats and carrying the weight of everything you already do

[01:30] Vision and Execution Are Not Opposites – You can lead both, if you hold them in tension with transparency

[02:00] Vision Should Stretch You – If your "vision" only covers the next 30 days, it's not vision. It's a task list

[02:45] Execution Builds Trust – Your actions must reinforce your words. Belief comes from consistency, not hype

[03:10] Real-World Example – Casting a boutique leadership vision even when you're just starting solo, and grounding it with small Q1 steps

[03:45] Avoid the Extremes – Some cast vision with no follow-through. Others get stuck in the day-to-day and stop casting vision entirely

[04:30] What Great Leaders Will Do in 2026 – Inspire people with clarity, then walk them there step by step

[05:00] Brand and Content Must Reflect the Balance – Be honest about where you're going and what you're doing now

[05:15] Your Vision Will Evolve – That doesn't mean you were wrong. It means you're leading in real time

[05:40] Final Challenge for Year-End

1. Write your 2026 vision (team, culture, impact)

2. Identify 2–3 steps you'll take in January

3. Decide how to communicate that to your current team and future recruits

• You Don't Have to Choose Between Big Vision and Real Execution – You just need to lead both with clarity and consistency

• Vision Without Steps Creates Skepticism. Steps Without Vision Create Stagnation – You need both to build belief

• Let People See the Journey – Share the North Star, but also the next two steps toward it

• Your Leadership Brand Should Reflect Both Your Belief and Your Process – That's how trust compounds

• It's Okay if Your Vision Evolves – Stay rooted in your values, and you'll always find alignment

People don't need you to be perfect. They need you to be honest, bold, and grounded. Cast the vision. Show your work. Invite others to build it with you.

Want help crafting a vision-based recruiting strategy that attracts and builds trust? Subscribe to my weekly email at 4crecruiting.com or book a call at bookrichardnow.com. Merry Christmas, and here's to a 2026 worth building.