Owen Casteel’s Post

I hope you had a wonderful holiday, my friends! As we step into 2025, I know many are reflecting on a challenging 2024. If that includes you, I hope you find comfort and renewed energy in the clean slate ahead. New Year’s is one of the most exhilarating holidays. No other celebration quite matches the mix of nervous anticipation, joy, and hope. It’s a chance to turn the page, reflect on what matters most, and refocus our energy on the future. The opportunity to start fresh is thrilling—an unblemished beginning, full of potential. It’s a moment to come to terms with unmet goals while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. Most importantly, it’s a reminder that you are the greatest factor in shaping your future. My New Year’s message to you is simple: REFLECT ON THE GOOD. Take time to celebrate your wins from this year—the moments when you said: “This is really working.” “This is amazing.” "I've got this." If you’re anything like me, this doesn’t come naturally. No one is harder on me than me. I often focus on what isn’t going well, thinking that improving those areas will help me become better. But this mindset can be exhausting and defeating, leaving us feeling like we’re doing everything wrong and nothing right. Sound familiar? The truth is, the relentless pursuit of improvement isn’t always the key to meeting our goals. Sometimes, it drowns out the things we are doing well—the victories, big or small, that deserve to be recognized and celebrated. I’ve realized that taking time to reflect on the good serves me far better. Acknowledging my highlights and committing to continuing them has been priceless. This practice not only boosts my confidence but also gives me the motivation to keep those positive moments going into the next year. So, as the new year begins, I’m asking you to pause your inner critic. Take a moment to think of at least five things you did RIGHT this year—the things you’re proud of, the things that get you out of bed every morning and inspire you to tackle the day. Celebrate the good in your life—it’s worth it. And as you move into 2025, carry that reflection, joy, and optimism forward.

As Christmas approaches and the year draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the journey so far—both personally and professionally. In business, just like during the holiday season, it’s the little things that matter: ✅ Showing appreciation for the people who support you. ✅ Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge. ✅ Preparing for the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring. As a management consultant, I’m reminded daily of the importance of adaptability, gratitude, and collaboration in creating lasting success. The holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to bring these same principles into our personal lives: strengthening relationships, finding joy in small wins, and planning ahead with purpose. To my LinkedIn connections—thank you for being part of my journey this year. I wish you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year. Let’s take 2025 by storm together! 🚀 How are you celebrating or reflecting this Christmas Eve? I’d love to hear your thoughts. 👇 #ChristmasEve #ManagementConsulting #Reflection #BusinessStrategy #Gratitude

As the holiday season wraps us in its warmth, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what truly matters. The end of the year often brings a mix of emotions: gratitude, nostalgia, and anticipation. Amid the busyness of life and work, this is our chance to pause, take a deep breath, and reconnect: With loved ones who’ve been by our side through every twist and turn. With ourselves, to honor how far we’ve come. With our purpose, to realign with what truly matters. This week, as I reflect on the year, here’s what I’m holding close: Gratitude for the moments that shaped the year, both the highs that brought joy and the challenges that helped me grow. Connection with the people who matter most: family, friends, and colleagues who’ve been part of this journey. Excitement for the year ahead, for the opportunities, lessons, and adventures waiting to unfold. The holiday season reminds us that success isn’t just about what we achieve but also about the people we share it with and the memories we create along the way. 🌟 What’s one thing you’re cherishing this holiday season? Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection, time with loved ones, or simply the joy of giving, let’s celebrate together. #HolidayReflections #Gratitude #MompreneurJourney #FamilyFirst #EndOfYearThoughts

To all the leaders out there: The holidays aren’t just a season—they’re a chance to show your team you truly care. And nothing says ‘I value you’ like respecting their time to rest and recharge. The people on your team will remember how you honored their holiday. That late-night email on Christmas Eve? They’ll remember it—and not in the way you’d hope. Instead of inspiring productivity, it might leave them feeling undervalued during moments that should be for family and rest. 📌 Let’s lead differently. - Push pause on the non-urgent tasks. - Make it clear that no one is expected to reply until after the holidays. - Encourage your team to truly unplug—yes, that includes you, too. When you honor your team’s time, you’re not just giving them space to enjoy the season—you’re also building trust and respect that lasts long after the holiday lights come down. So, this holiday season, be the leader they’ll thank in January. Let the inbox rest. It’ll be there when you return. And guess what? So will a happier, more productive team. 🎁Because the best leaders know this: Caring for your people starts with giving them the time to care for themselves and their loved ones. Happy Holidays to all! 🌟

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Today, I want to take a moment to say thank you for being part of this community, I’m grateful for you. The holidays are a time to pause, recharge, and connect with what matters most. As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the “what’s next” mindset. But today, I encourage you to put the to-do list aside, savor the present moment, and give yourself permission to just be. Success in business—and in life—isn’t just about the goals we hit or the milestones we achieve. It’s also about the connections we make, the impact we have, and the joy we find along the way. As you close out this year, take time to celebrate how far you’ve come and embrace the possibilities ahead. Here’s a simple holiday exercise for reflection and joy: Take 10 Minutes for Gratitude: Write down five things you’re grateful for this holiday season. It could be personal, professional, or both. Create a Joyful Intention: Set one simple intention for the day, like “I will stay present” or “I will focus on connection.” How I Can Help: When you’re ready to shift your focus to the new year, I’m here to help you create clarity, balance, and a path forward that feels exciting and aligned. Together, we’ll take the lessons of this year and use them to build a brighter, bolder future. Wishing you peace, joy, and all the magic of the season,

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and connection—but for many of us, it’s also a time when stress peaks. Between year-end goals, personal commitments, and the pressure to “do it all,” it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Here’s a reminder I’m leaning into this season: ✅ Prioritize what truly matters—whether that’s hitting a big work milestone or spending quality time with loved ones. ✅ Set boundaries—give yourself permission to disconnect, recharge, and come back stronger. ✅ Celebrate your wins—you’ve worked hard all year; don’t forget to recognize your accomplishments. The holidays can be a powerful time to pause, reflect, and set the tone for the year ahead. Balance doesn’t mean perfection—it means knowing where to invest your energy. To those grinding to finish the year strong, I see you. To those pausing to recharge, I respect you. Let’s close the year with intention and make space for what energizes us most. And in case time gets away from me, which it usually does, Happy Holidays to you and yours from me and #uniti. I’d say I’m already looking forward to next year but I think I’ll stop and take a breathe before that. Hugs to all of you!

Reflect, Reset, and Embrace the Season 🎄 As the holidays get closer, I’ve been taking some time to reflect on this past year. For me, it’s been a mix of exciting wins, unexpected challenges, and a lot of learning along the way. One thing I’ve realized is how important mindset is—especially during busy, transitional times like this. Here are a few things I’m focusing on as the year wraps up: 1. Celebrating Progress: Like many of us, I can be my own toughest critic. But when I look back, I see moments where I grew, even if they didn’t feel like wins at the time. Progress, no matter how small, deserves to be celebrated. 2. Giving Grace: The holidays can bring a lot of joy, but they can also feel overwhelming. I’m reminding myself to slow down, let go of perfection, and show kindness—to others and to myself. 3. Planting Seeds: I’m starting to think about what I want 2025 to look like, but instead of waiting until January, I’m taking small steps now to set the foundation. Sometimes, those early efforts make all the difference. This season is about more than just finishing the year strong; it’s about being present and intentional with the people and moments that matter most. What are you focusing on as we close out 2024? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

🎄 50 days until Christmas! 🎄 As we enter the holiday countdown, I’m reminded of how fast this year has flown by. For many of us, this time of year isn’t just about the festivities — it’s about reflecting on our journey, celebrating growth, and re-evaluating our goals. In our careers, we’re often caught up in deadlines, targets, and KPIs (hello, recruitment metrics!). But just like the holidays, it’s worth taking a moment to look back at the impact we’ve made and the connections we’ve built. Here are a few questions I’m asking myself as I look back on the year: ✨ Did I bring value to the people I work with and serve? ✨ What growth have I seen in myself that I can be proud of? ✨ How have I contributed to creating a positive environment for others? The holidays are a great reminder to appreciate the small wins, the lessons learned, and the people who’ve been part of our journey. As we wrap up the year, let’s keep pushing forward but also remember to celebrate how far we’ve come. Wishing everyone a reflective and inspiring holiday season! 🎁

I wouldn’t be myself if I didn’t put a slight spin on the 12 Days of Christmas🎄 As the year draws to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the past 12 months, what I’ve achieved, what I’ve learned, and the moments that truly mattered. During this busy holiday season, it’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle. But with New Year’s approaching, it’s also the perfect time to embrace both productivity AND rest. ✨ Day 1: Time Management – Prioritize your goals, but don’t forget to schedule time for what really counts: family, friends, and self-care. ✨ Day 2: Stay Motivated – Set your intentions for the coming year, but don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve come. ✨ Day 3: Enjoy the Moment – Take a step back. Let this season remind you of the importance of relaxation and connection. ✨ Day 4: Reflect – Reflect on lessons learned, relationships built, and personal growth. ✨ Day 5: Recharge – Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for success. ✨ Day 6: Be Present – Whether with loved ones or on your own, make every moment count. ✨ Day 7: Set Boundaries – Balance is key. Allow yourself to rest without guilt. ✨ Day 8: Stay Grateful – Gratitude fuels motivation. ✨ Day 9: Embrace Change – New beginnings often come from reflection and letting go. ✨ Day 10: Plan for the Future – Think big, but take it one step at a time. ✨ Day 11: Stay Positive – Approach the new year with optimism and hope. ✨ Day 12: Celebrate the Wins – Recognize your achievements, big and small. Wishing everyone a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with peace, purpose, and plenty of time with the people who matter most to you. Here’s to reflecting, relaxing, and recharging as we set our sights on an even brighter year ahead 💚

Good Morning! Only two more prompts left for 2024 and I'm floored this is the prompt that was written for this week. A couple of days ago we lost my uncle and after spending a few days with family, holding space, remembering his light, and creating more memories this feels needed more than ever. It also feels a bit too soon, but I think it's a great message that needs to be shared. As the holidays ramp up, the end of year looming over us, and key milestones to hit etc. It's important to take stock of how you want to be remembered at the end of your life. What do you want your loved ones, your friends and family to say about you as they lay you to rest. Having this awareness can be so helpful when making decisions on how you want to spend your time and show up for your people today. This reminds me of This Is Us, when Randall is grieving and takes some time off work. In a well-meaning attempt to show support, his company sends him a box of fruit—fruit he’s allergic to. It’s a moment of clarity for Randall, realizing just how little thought and consideration they’ve given to him as a whole person with a full life outside the workspace. This week, as we navigate the limbo between two big holidays, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we want to be remembered in the long run. I’ve found that this kind of reflection can really take the edge off, helping me reconnect with my core values. It shifts the focus back to what truly matters: connection and understanding, rather than chasing influence or approval. When we ground ourselves in this perspective, it becomes easier to set boundaries, show up authentically, and live a life that feels more aligned with who we truly are. Let this week be a gentle reminder to prioritize the things that matter most.