Ditch the stiff year-end reviews—Crina and Kirsten grab the NYT’s “7 Reflection Questions for a Happier New Year” and remix it for work with fun and honesty. Our hosts turn the New Year’s reflection into a playful self-diagnosis for work, riffing off a NYT article’s serious prompts but swapping them for fun, thoughtful, heart-singing versions that spark levity. Kirsten and Crina consider their answers live, revealing what eluded them, drained their energy, and made their hearts sing—proving honest check-ins beat vague resolutions every time. Expect laughs, aha moments, and work tweaks that feel fun, not forced.

Celebrations are powerful cultural signals. What we choose to mark, elevate, and honor tells people what truly matters in an organization.

Nearly every cultural or religious tradition celebrates something this time of year, reminding us that humans are wired to pause, connect, and acknowledge progress. The same is true in the workplace. Yet many of us struggle with this. We forget to mark milestones, skip over achievements, and move on to the next task. The research is clear: celebration isn’t frivolous; it’s foundational.

Celebration has transformative effects for individuals. A Socialcast study found that 69% of employees would work harder if they felt more appreciated. Celebration cultivates mutual uplift, shifting recognition from self-promotion to shared success. It increases visibility in a fast-moving workplace, helping people avoid anonymity and reinforcing a reputation for competence. And the act of pausing to reflect on accomplishments strengthens self-awareness and personal growth. Celebrations boost morale, engagement, and loyalty while reducing turnover. They signal emotional safety and genuine appreciation—key ingredients of a healthy culture.

And celebration doesn’t have to be elaborate. A recognition wall, a spontaneous team breakfast, a surprise treat, a personalized note—each small gesture plants a seed. The point isn’t perfection; it’s intention. When we celebrate, we tell our people they matter—and that changes everything. Listen in for celebrations stories from Crina and Kirsten - so fun successes and some horrible warnings.