When one thing has ended, and another needs to begin, it can be easy to feel stuck. You can feel the pull to move forward, but uncertainty, hesitation, and competing energy make it hard to act. That in-between space can feel uncomfortable. It can also be the place where real momentum begins.

In this conversation on the Leading with Instinct podcast, Katie Navarra-Bradley, Professional Facilitator and Leadership Coach with Katie the Coach, and Ginny Telego, President of Collaboration Partners, explore what the Year of the Fire Horse represents for leaders stepping into 2026. They talk about movement, freedom, and intentional forward motion—and how horses model these qualities every day. It is an invitation to move with clarity instead of pressure.

Change is hard, but usually necessary. Often, leaders know it, but can’t move forward. Katie and Ginny explore how leaders can recognize what gives them energy, what drains it, and how intentional choices create sustainable progress rather than burnout.

Shedding your 2025 “Year of the Snake” skin might be hard to do, but it’s important. The Year of the Horse is about understanding when you’re ready to move, trusting your instincts, and stepping forward with clarity, confidence, focus and purpose.

Takeaways

— Letting go is the first step, while the next step forward requires clarity

— Forward motion is easy to do if you will simply do it

— Uncertainty is part of change. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention to what matters.

— Energy misalignment creates chaos for people and teams

— Horses model how intention regulates momentum

— Leaders must consider what gives energy and what drains it

— Sustainable progress comes from clarity instead of coming from urgency

— Self-permission often unlocks the next step

— Change works best when others are brought along thoughtfully

The Leading With Instinct Podcast is brought to you by Collaboration Partners and KatieTheCoach.com.

Chapters

00:32 — Introduction/Shedding the Old Skin

07:50 — From Snake to Fire Horse

15:31— Ready for Hard Change

22:03 —Creating Forward Motion

34:26— Questions to Ask Yourself if Stuck

Helpful Links:

Katie Navarra-Bradley, Katie The Coach: https://katiethecoach.com/

Ginny Telego, Collaboration Partners: https://www.thecollaborationpartners.com/