Happy New Year from Atlanta.

We drove over to watch the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between Arizona State and Texas.

It was a tremendous game and a great way to start the new year.

Beto’s Tacos in Alpharetta were on point.

To commemorate the New Year, we pre-gamed this masterpiece of chicken, waffles, and peaches at the Atlanta Breakfast Club.

This week, I’m focused on the look-in-the-mirror sort of introspection that leaders need to do as they walk through the year and lead teams to success.

Let’s break out the remaining party poppers and go. 🎉

1. Forget Resolutions. Here’s How Leaders Win in 2025

2. Owning Your Data: The Future of Wealth Management 🎧

3. Bookmarks

   1. Milemarker 1.4: Transforming Advisor Workflows

   2. February Growth, Technology & Data Strategy Sessions

4. Milemarker On the Road ✈️

Forget Resolutions. Here’s How Leaders Win in 2025

The start of a new year is an electric time.

It’s the season of plans, resolutions, and the unshakable belief that this year will be different.

Businesses, initiatives, and projects all hinge on the statement: “In 2025, we will do X, Y, and Z.”

At least for the first couple of weeks.

Or maybe never if we’re pressing play on Deathcab for Cutie’s New Year.

No one begins the year by mapping out failures.

Yet, as the months unfold, we may see a string of unmet goals—not merely as a sign of defeat but hopefully as lessons learned.

Failures are inevitable. Seasoned leaders know that the path to success is not linear: what separates success from stagnation is how you plan, respond, and persist.

So, as we step into 2025, let’s break down how to plan for—and achieve—success as a leader.

Here are four principles that I’m personally reminded of as we carry in the year ahead:

1. Leadership Has No Autopilot

Many leaders dream of scaling their business to the point where they can “step back.” But here’s the truth: you sign up to be involved.

The best leaders I’ve worked with have deep knowledge of nearly every aspect of their business. While you don’t have to do everything, you must understand it. From KPIs to client experiences to operational workflows—great leaders are always learning and steering the ship.

2. Leadership by Example (Good and Bad)

The phrase “if you want it done right, do it yourself” doesn’t scale.

However, leading by example does.

Your job as a leader is to:

• Cast a clear vision. Paint the picture of success so vividly that your team sees it, too.

• Steward the process. Show your team how to move forward—not just what to do.

• Get in the trenches. Meet regularly with your team, understand the challenges, and stay connected to the work.

Success is a shared effort, and the leader sets the tone.

3. Equip Your Team with Pathways to Success

One of the most frustrating moments as a leader is when your team brings you a problem and says, “We hit a wall.”

Strong leaders don’t just solve problems—they teach their teams to think beyond barriers.

This means equipping your people with:

• Option A, B, and C. Encourage contingency thinking—when one plan fails, have another ready.

• A culture of problem-solving. Teach your team to present solutions, not just challenges.

• Progressive action. The only way forward is through. Keep asking, “What’s next?”

4. Success Is a Game of Compounding

There’s no shortcut to success. It’s not an overnight 10x or 20x return. It’s about making progress day by day, one step at a time.

Sometimes, you score a touchdown on your first play from scrimmage.

Sometimes, you get sacked, fumble, and injured on the same play.

The clock keeps ticking.

The key is resilience.

As John Maxwell says:

“Success is not a destination—it’s a journey. The greatest leaders don’t just reach the top; they help others climb with them.”

2025: A Year to Build, Progress, and Persist

This year, I’m excited to see what you’re building and how I can help you succeed.

Whether it’s scaling your wealth management firm, creating better data systems, or tackling a new initiative—let’s make 2025 a year of impact, progress, and resilience.

For me, I’m deeply grateful to be in the success business—helping advisors, leaders, and businesses grow and thrive.

Let’s do some truly meaningful work, one step at a time.

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year. Let’s get to work.

________________________

On the Pod: Owning Your Data: The Future of Wealth Management

In this “Best of 2024” episode of The Connected Advisor, Kyle Van Pelt brings together four leaders from four firms to discuss why firms should own their data and why data and technology are keys to success. Featuring Mike Prior, Brian Preston, Mark DeLotto, and Chrissy Lee.

In this episode:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:52) - Mike Prior on the importance of a modern approach to technology.

(04:37) - Brian Preston on how to build organic growth by being on the front edge of technology.

 (07:00) - Mark DeLotto on  the criticalness of data in all aspects of building a firm.

(12:00) - Chrissy Lee on how technology is the secret to exceptional operations.

⚡️Bookmarks

Milemarker 1.4: Transforming Advisor Workflows

I’m excited to see the Milemarker team continue to produce excellent work. Later today, we will announce that v1.4 is now live.

If you want to learn more about how this can benefit your firm, please let me know, and I’ll connect you with our team.

February Growth, Technology & Data Strategy Sessions

I’m excited to get on the road and help some of our clients in the next few days. Although my January schedule is full, one strategic consulting sessions is still available in February.

If you want to clarify your technology roadmap, get your leadership team on the same page/same vision, clarify your data strategy, or advisor and client experience, now’s a good time to schedule.

These sessions help you align your goals, streamline your operations, and make meaningful progress in 2025. I’d be happy to discuss how I can help your firm create a more focused and effective strategy.

Don’t wait. Let’s get our calendars aligned now to secure your session.

Send me an email if you’re interested: [email protected] 

Milemarker on the Road
Catch my team on the road at the following events or cities:

1. January 10 - Coeur d'Alene, ID

2. January 14 - Atlanta, GA

3. January 21 - Charlotte, NC

4. January 28 - New York, NY

5. February 3-6 - Orlando, FL

If you’re in any of those cities and want to arrange a meeting time, reply to this email, and we’ll get something on the calendar.

Jud Mackrill