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599: Be Bold

Published 15 Jan 2026

Duration: 44:21

The podcast discusses Thoughtbot's transition to a "Being Bold" theme for 2026, focusing on intentional decision-making and company values.

Episode Description

Chad and Will start the new year off right by discussing their aspirations for 2026.Chad discusses this years theme for the company of being bold and...

Overview

The podcast covers reflections on the transition from 2025 to 2026, including personal updates on holidays and health challenges faced by the hosts. A significant portion of the discussion centers on Thoughtbot's evolving approach to company direction, moving from company-wide goal setting to a yearly theme. The theme for 2026 is "Being Bold," which highlights intentional decision-making and a commitment to the company's core values. The hosts look back at previous themes, such as "Setting Our Own Standards" and "Leading the Way," to provide context for this new direction.

The episode also delves into the process of live-streaming learning experiences, examining both the challenges and benefits. Topics include overcoming fear, embracing failure, and the importance of authenticity and flexibility in content creation. The conversation underscores the value of boldness, making incremental progress, and the benefits of sharing real-time learning experiences with an audience.

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