5 things business leaders must consider for success in 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, business leaders are inevitably already planning how 2026 will shape up, particularly as the last year proved to be a tumultuous one. The so-called AI boom is still booming, corporate DEI initiatives have shrunk or disappeared altogether, and return-to-office mandates have tightened.

No one has a crystal ball to predict emerging technologies, financial headwinds, political hurdles, and market trends for the next year. But that doesn’t mean that companies can sit back—there are steps to take now to help insulate your company against potential turbulence in the coming year, while simultaneously fostering success by focusing on the human aspects of technology and leadership.

So, here are five things I’m thinking about as we head into 2026—and I welcome every other business leader to join me as we ring in yet another new year.

1. There is no AI bubble

Some business leaders speak about AI like they did about the internet circa 1998. But while we saw a dotcom bubble burst in the stock market, consumer appetite for e-commerce only grew and grew. The same will be true for AI—although we may see tech company value corrections, there’s no bubble regarding user demand. What we’re seeing instead is a seismic shift in how humans and non-humans interact with each other. The only real risk is to the companies (choosing to be) left behind through inaction.

2. AI should be leveraged for growth—not cost saving

Company leaders are approaching AI with a short-term lens—viewing it as a means to save money and drive shareholder value from a profitability perspective. This short-sighted way of planning means doing the same amount of work with less, leading to sacrifices from a product, process, or people perspective. Instead, C-suites should be looking at AI from a long-term growth lens by using it to augment and accelerate the work people are already doing. The goal should be to spend the same amount of money while increasing output, without hamstringing the quality of work.

3. Use AI to amplify creativity and critical thinking

Implementing a solid AI strategy takes more than downloading the hottest new tool. Which leaders in your organization are ensuring that your culture of creativity and critical thinking is alive and well? To be truly successful with AI, the human element cannot be overlooked. Just like a parent governs their child’s technology use to foster growth, a successful leader implements AI in a way that is supportive—not stifling.

4. Abolish absolutism

When a leader speaks in absolutes, it’s a huge red flag. “Everyone must be in the office five days a week,” or “We must do all this work in-house because that’s always best.” Leaders should remember that the future is hybrid in all its iterations. Not just in terms of how often employees are in an office, but in terms of staffing and how they leverage technology. The flexibility offered by hybrid thinking affords leaders an opportunity to diversify their business and find the most effective—and profitable—way to operate. With the world seemingly more uncertain than ever, building agility into your leadership style and business planning is increasingly important.

5. Check your ego

It’s time that the C-suite remembers to embrace a bit more humility—or at least try to. No matter how senior you are, no one cares about your opinion unless you care about theirs. Successful leaders consistently recognize that their people are their greatest asset, whether they’re internal or external. I’m not saying a company should be run like a democracy, but it’s important to be collaborative about forming opinions. Remember: Your point of view isn’t the only one.

Justin Tobin is founder and president of Gather.