FINDING RHYTHM & SETTING NEW STANDARDS
Written by Jessica Murray
This edition closes the 2025 chapter for Empower’s content. It’s been a fulfilling year.
I’m ending December with intention and using the next couple of weeks to set new rhythms as the page turns to 2026. Rhythm is a word that’s resonated a lot with me recently, whether personally or professionally. It’s an aspiration and a north star. My word of the coming year.
Instead of sprinting and jamming in everything between now and December 31, I’m instead focused on executing for existing partners, setting the tone for new projects and refining priorities.
Since this is a closing edition, it’s fitting to:
Reflect on 2025.
Remind you about Empower and why the business exists.
Share what’s evolving in 2026.
Reflection: Three truths from 2025
The unexpected: When I sat at this desk a year ago, I didn’t imagine the 2025 that transpired. Uncertainty in Q1 bled into early Q2, making it challenging to hit my lofty revenue goals. That was a hard miss, but things picked up. I’m now here with more organic referrals than I’ve ever had and work I’m genuinely enjoying.
The promising: I’m operating a profitable, six-figure run rate business, and I’m positioned well for the next phase.
Building my way: I’m running hard and still have those big goals. I’m also navigating this journey in a way that works for me and best supports partners who entrust Empower.
I’ve come a long way, and there’s still more to build.
The Reminder: What is Empower?
I don’t often use this space to promote the business. But, it’s a good time for a refresh, both for those of you who’ve been here a while, and new subscribers.
What we do
Empower designs and builds the operating structure founder-led businesses need to grow with clarity, consistency and control. We demystify operations, create a clear plan and work alongside teams so progress becomes predictable.
When I launched the brand’s visual identity, I spoke about architecting, co-creating and developing strong, interconnected foundations. The business is evolving and I’ve put a finer point on positioning, but those fundamentals to our approach haven’t changed.
Who we serve
Founder-led businesses at prove-and-scale moments, or the “messy middle.” Our core includes bootstrapped through Series B tech startups and growing 7-figure SMBs.
Our Empower Progress and new Empower Hours (see below) offerings are also suited for earlier-stage teams and solopreneurs.
How we work
Advisory, focused project sprints and Fractional COO / EOS Integrator services. I’ve tailored what we offer to meet businesses and their founders at their moment.
Education is another big piece of what I do personally. In 2026, I hope to double down on interactive workshops and speaking opportunities within entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The Share
With each year, quarter, month, week and day, I’m constantly learning.
With that process comes the opportunity to elevate and evolve (or stand still).
Because I’m not one to stay stagnant, I’m choosing evolution.
The Refresh: Empower’s Offerings
I’ve further refined what best suits and resonates with our past, current and target partners. We’ll continue to offer a combination of advisory, project-based and Fractional COO / EOS Integrator options.
The New: Empower Hours
‼️ I’m also announcing something new! Introducing: Empower Hours
Sometimes you may need 15 minutes for three burning questions. Other times, you want an hour with a peer group. Empower Hours will be the space for that. Open office hours, 1x per month, 90 minutes with me, an approachable investment and a capped group of 10 virtual attendees to maintain quality.
Come with your questions.
Stay for the collaboration.
Leave with next steps.
Come and go as you please.
The first session will take place on Thursday, January 8, at 1:30 p.m. CST. From there, every second Thursday each month at the same time.
You can sign up for one session or pre-book multiple.
Want in?
The Edit: Our newsletter in 2026
The newsletter is here to stay.
Over the past year, subscribers told me what they value most. So, we’re tweaking around the edges, starting with the next installment (Edition 053).
While engagement is always high, the #1 piece of feedback I’ve received on the newsletter relates to length. According to Beehiiv’s 2025 Rewind, I wrote over 34,000 words this year. I’d be happy to pare back 😊
Based on what I heard, 2026 will look like this:
In Focus
Behind the Build
Fuel for Thought (with a twist). Switching to a quick list of links for notable reads, listens or ideas since the last edition.
A little shorter.
No less valuable.
Hopefully, another year of significant growth.
I wish you a meaningful end to 2025. Enjoy the festive season. See you on the other side.