10 Ideas to Alter Your Mindset in 2026
Of the many incredible things about technology tools and social media platforms, one that stands out is how they provide an unmatched level of access.
We can hear directly from people we historically would have had to wait to publish a book or be interviewed via traditional outlets.
That's not the case today.
My intention with my content has always been to provide you with inside access to the principles and ideas I've used to scale firms like Baker Tilly during my time as CEO, and the principles that I've shared with organizations and leadership teams around the world.
Essentially, I wanted to make it so that you didn't have to hire me to get access to my principles and different ways of thinking that can impact your firm.
As I look back on the year, it's interesting to see the themes and ideas that I came back to most often with my advisory clients and the ones that resonated most with all of you.
So, with that in mind, I've reviewed the stack of notebooks I've filled this year, as well as my entire library of content—which includes 49 newsletter articles, 321 LinkedIn posts, and 11 podcast appearances—to find the top 10 most impactful ideas to influence your mindset and results in 2026.
Here they are...
10. I don’t care if you love or hate private equity, just don’t do this...
We’re seeing innovation in professional services like we’ve never seen before.
This isn’t about whether you like PE or not...It’s about whether you recognize and appreciate what’s happening.
Because the most dangerous thing you can do? Ignore it.
9. The best career advice I can offer.
I've had numerous conversations with leaders at different places in their careers this year. When they each ask me for my advice or perspective on their next career move, this is the specific advice I share:
8. Every growth journey starts with a singular decision.
Every significant growth and scaling journey can be traced back to a singular moment. A mindset shift or a decision that set the trajectory of a new path.
I remember that specific moment for us at Baker Tilly that fueled our 3x growth journey from $475m to $1.5B. And it started with 5 simple words...
→ Read the story and newsletter here
7. Your M&A success hinges on two things.
I had a great conversation with James Gosling on his podcast, M&A Diaries. We got really tactical, and I broke down our entire M&A strategy at Baker Tilly that included our approach to identifying firms, integrating new team members, and enabling future organic growth.
→ Listen to the podcast here
6. "I made $600k this morning."
A Partner told me this... And while it sounds great on the surface, it highlights a misguided mindset and a great example of an opportunity to Break the Mold™.
5. Even the greatest leaders can benefit from outside help.
Early in my CEO tenure at Baker Tilly, I knew I needed help. I needed to convey a particular message to our leadership team about the path ahead — and I recognized I lacked the credibility to deliver that message in a way that would hit home.
So I brought in someone to help...
4. The most progressive leaders see things that others don't.
I remember the day I told our leadership team at Baker Tilly that I had the goal of being a $1.5B firm by 2025. At that time, we were a ~$700m firm.
Two senior leaders (more math-minded people) went to the back room, came back, and said, “Alan, it’s impossible.”
Here's what I did next:
3. Moss Adams and Baker Tilly Merger: Bigger isn't better; better is better.
The Moss Adams x Baker Tilly merger was a big story this year—and rightfully so. In these cases, I'd suggest that a bigger firm is NOT automatically better.
A better firm is better. Here's how to tell the difference:
→ Read the article on CPA trendlines
2. Your career isn't defined by how you start... It's about what happens next.
Most people assume CEOs start their careers as all-stars. Not me. I was a disaster. In fact, I wrote about the story in my book where I showed up to my first interview at Arthur Anderson hungover...I didn't get that job.
But then something happened that changed my trajectory:
1. Words matter.
Strategy matters. Differentiation matters. Collaboration matters. Culture matters.
The foundation of each of those things is built on communication.
And communication is greatly influenced by the words you use. So be intentional...
Here's one of the verbiage uses I'd suggest you should look out for in your firm—because it will directly influence mindsets and your ability to get buy-in:
Was there a particular idea or concept of mine that stood out to you this year?
Thank you for being part of this Break the Mold community and for supporting my content this year—it means more than you know.
I'll be back with one more Sunday email to round out 2025. See you next week.
With intention,
Alan D Whitman
Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you and your organization:
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