A Year Lit with Purpose: Reflections as We Head into Christmas
Every December, I find myself standing in front of the Christmas tree a little longer than usual. I don’t see the presents or the ornaments, but I am focused on the lights. There’s something about those small points of brightness, warm and inviting, that brings the year into focus. Each one reminds me that progress rarely happens in sudden bursts. Most of the time, it appears one small light at a time. One decision. One conversation. One act of generosity. This year, as I look back on Evolve HR Solutions’ journey, the tree seems a little brighter. I am amazed at how far we have come in just three years.
A Year of Growth, Momentum, and Trust
I often joke that everyone should start a business during an economic slowdown. But each year, Evolve has steadily grown. This year, we increased by 22% compared to last year. We had the privilege of serving eight new clients this year. That trust is never taken lightly. Every engagement presents its own challenge, and the opportunity to help leaders find the right people to grow their business remains one of the most meaningful parts of this work. We also achieved a personal best by closing a search in just 18 days. That result was driven by a belief that speed and quality can go hand in hand.
Additionally, we strengthened our capabilities by joining forces with JKE Recruiting, expanding both our team and the scope of what we can deliver. Along the way, we rebranded Evolve HR Solutions to better reflect who we have become and the kind of partner we aim to be for companies navigating a complex talent landscape.
Ideas That Caught Fire
One of the year's biggest surprises came from a simple conversation about the future of HR, a post that resonated deeply and went viral. After more than 2,000 likes, 500 comments, and 230 reposts, the message was clear that HR is seeking a better way to think about talent, leadership, and future work. That energy carried into The Leadership Puzzle Podcast, where we released our 35th episode and continued sharing insights from leaders across various industries. Additionally, The Talent Advantage, my first business book, reached #2 in HR books on Amazon—a milestone I’m both grateful for and humbled by (though I couldn’t surpass The Five Dysfunctions of a Team). Simultaneously, ideas for the Third Workforce began to take shape. What started as a question about how leaders should embrace the integration of human, external, and digital talent has grown into a book now in the editing stage. It’s work that feels even more relevant each week as organizations rethink what the future of work really looks like.
Impact Beyond Business
Among all the lights on the Evolve HR Solutions tree this year, one shines the brightest. Through a mix of client partnerships, personal dedication, and the growing Evolve community, we donated 10% of our revenue to support orphans worldwide. This includes building a library in an underserved area on the outskirts of Cusco, Peru. That effort reflects what I believe leadership should be: using whatever influence we have to create opportunities where none previously existed. Closer to home, our weekly networking call for HR leaders in transition continued to grow, reaching over 50 leaders this year. Week after week, this group showed that generosity, shared wisdom, and encouragement can change people’s trajectories in real time. It has become one of the most rewarding parts of my week.
Looking Toward the Year Ahead
As I look at the tree this Christmas, I’m reminded that every bright moment in 2025 came from people, clients, colleagues, friends, leaders in transition, podcast guests, and partners around the world. None of this happens alone. The year ahead already holds new possibilities, new relationships, and new challenges to solve. But before stepping into that next chapter, I want to pause and say thank you. For the encouragement. For the trust. For the willingness to lean into important conversations about talent, leadership, and the future of work. May your Christmas season be filled with light, rest, and the people who make your story worth telling.
— Jeff Lupinacci
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeff Lupinacci spent the last 25 years at some of the world's best-known companies, such as Intel Corporation and Kimberly-Clark. His career spans key executive roles such as Chief Learning Officer, Chief Talent Officer, and Chief Integration Officer. After a successful corporate career, Jeff turned his focus to his true passion—serving the overworked and under-resourced HR profession.
Beyond his corporate success, Jeff is a sought-after speaker and thought leader, with his insights featured in leading publications such as CFO Europe, Nikkei Business Magazine, and Baylor Business Review. In addition to his business leadership, Jeff is an adjunct professor at Baylor University, where he teaches Human Capital Management for the Executive MBA program and leads the HR Strategy and Analytics capstone for undergraduates.
Jeff is the best-selling author of The Talent Advantage: A CEO’s Journey to Discover the Value of Talent. He lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife and two doodles.