2025, You Were Bold — And 2026, I’m Coming for You
"This year stretched me, taught me, and introduced me to extraordinary people across the Financial Services field. I’m walking into 2026 with gratitude, renewed focus, and a strong sense of purpose." Kari Ellis
This year, my team and I at WayPoint Consulting Partners had the privilege of working with talented candidates and forward-thinking clients from coast to coast. Each conversation reminded me why I enjoy this work. Helping someone find the right opportunity—or helping a company secure the right employee—never gets old. It’s meaningful. It’s impactful. And it’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Serving on the national leadership team with Women in Insurance & Financial Services (WIFS) was another highlight. Collaborating with brilliant women who genuinely care about advancing our industry brought fresh insight and energy into every project we touched. I’m grateful for their partnership and the friendships that grew out of that service.
2025 also pushed me into new territory. I stepped into a recording studio Tom Hegna, economist, author, and retirement expert—who hosted my financial services interview in NYC with CNBC to share my message with a wider audience—something I never expected to do, yet it quickly became one of my favorite chapters of the year. I also stretched outside my comfort zone by speaking at several industry events and conferences (they say public speaking is the #1 fear in America—so I guess I leaned right into it).
This year, I teamed up with an incredible group of collaborators to publish Beyond The Broker: Navigating Financial Advisory Independence—a milestone that still makes me smile. Bringing those ideas to life, and hearing how they’ve encouraged others, has been nothing short of an honor.
When I look back, one theme stands out: partnership. None of this happens alone. I’m thankful for every client who trusted me, every candidate who allowed me into their career story, and every colleague who collaborated with me to strengthen the Financial Services profession. You helped make 2025 the kind of year that leaves a lasting mark.
Selling Yourself Without Boasting As we approach 2026, I’m excited. There are new opportunities on the horizon, new leaders to support, and new success stories waiting to be written. I’m committed to continuing the work of connecting great people with great organizations—and doing it with clarity, integrity, and a
genuine spirit of service.
Thank you to my LinkedIn network for being such an important part of my journey. Your support, conversations, and collaboration have added real value to my work throughout 2025. I’m cheering for each of you as we wrap up this year and step into the next one with intention, purpose, and the confidence to pursue what’s possible in 2026. May the new year bring you progress, clarity, and opportunities that match your talent.
Wishing you a Happy Holidays and meaningful end to 2025 plus a successful, healthy, opportunity-filled 2026. Here’s to growth, courage, and making the coming year count.
📌 BLOG CONCLUSION:
A year of growth, collaboration, and meaningful connections, 2025 reminded me why I am passionate about serving the Financial Services community—and I’m entering 2026 with gratitude, momentum, and a commitment to helping more professionals find the opportunities they’re ready for.