This is the first of two episodes in which our host, Jeff Pelaccio, asks three of our ExecHQ Principals, Elizabeth Souder, Mike Read, and Baron Lukas, to provide year-end thoughts and suggestions for a successful 2025 in light of the recent election results and the probable U.S. economic/business climate. You can schedule a 30-minute introductory call with Baron using this link: https://calendly.com/baron-lukas-exechq/30min). Elizabeth Souder bio: Elizabeth McJimsey Souder is a “recovering” attorney and organizational health consultant and coach who helps companies and leaders realign the disconnect between who they say they are and how they behave. She has worked with some of Kansas City’s leading organizations as they launched, prepared for growth and expansion, addressed COVID and post-COVID related interruptions, reimagined who they were, restructured how they functioned, and rebuilt the culture in which they worked. Elizabeth also enjoys working with new managers and their teams to build trust, align and operationalize values, empower one another, and win together.  Mike Read bio: With over forty years of experience Mike Read brings industry-specific knowledge that shapes effective strategies and tactical approaches. His insights enable clients to allocate resources wisely, directing efforts toward achieving optimal outcomes. Whether refining existing operations or pioneering new market entries Mike's guidance ensures that your company stays ahead in competitive landscapes. Mike is a trusted advisor and partner to executives and business leaders worldwide. Using his technical background and business development expertise, Mike brings a unique perspective that helps organizations solve complex business problems, including product line rationalization, turnaround execution, and acquisition selection and integration. His depth of experience spans the energy, aerospace, defense, telecom, and marine industries. As President of a high-tech company in the energy and marine markets, Mike successfully developed and leveraged operational strengths and best practices to achieve financial and operational objectives. He specializes in optimizing enterprise core processes and establishing centers of excellence that drive peak performance. Baron Lukas bio: An executive leader, board member, advisor, coach, and retired Marine Corps Colonel, Baron has 44 years of leadership, management, and mentoring experience.  His professional career spans a diverse spectrum of positions: fighter pilot, instructor, strategist, intelligence officer, professor, commander, and finally, C-Suite executive, entrepreneur, board member, and advisor.