Episode 12 of the New Year’s Eve Lollapalooza is a masterclass in what actually scales: preparation, consistency, and focus — with zero fluff.

Jay Doran and co-host Mike Calhoun are joined by Armand Pinoci, Aaron Scott Young, Michele Schina, Nick Lampone, Yuri Mitchell, and Nathan Knottingham for a fast-moving roundtable on their words for 2026, the lessons they’re taking from 2025, and the real priorities that will shape the year ahead.

The words set the tone:

Nathan: Preparedness (after last year’s Flexibility) — staying ready for the known and unknown without losing peace.
Nick: Reputation — because “it’s not what people shout, it’s what they whisper,” and in finance, trust is everything.
Michele: Mastery — sharpening the fundamentals, becoming a better leader, coach, and teacher through the numbers.
Aaron: Momentum — shedding the distractions, doubling down on what’s boring, profitable, and scalable.
Yuri: Consistency — building structure at home and at work, especially with a new baby and new responsibilities.
Armand: Stability — year seven in business, a new house, and the commitment to keep the foundation strong.
Mike: Different — because growth requires a new approach, not just more effort.

From there, the conversation turns into pure value: how to scale by staying in your lane, why “rejection is protection,” what consistency looks like over six years of showing up, and why patience is often the hidden ingredient behind real stability.

If you’re heading into 2026 wanting a clearer focus and a stronger foundation — this is your episode. Share it with someone building something real, and leave a review on The Culture Matters Podcast to help us keep elevating these conversations.

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