Preparing for 2025:

Does anyone else have a mentor they’ve never met? In today’s world, with influencers and social media just a click away, I bet most of us do. Whether it’s business advice, home improvement tips, or personal growth inspiration, we often make changes or try new things because of the influence of people we’ve never met in person. In many ways, these people become our mentors, shaping our actions and decisions.

And that’s not a bad thing. Influence and mentorship, at their core, are about sharing ideas and perspectives. For instance, half the home improvement projects I tackle are inspired by ideas I’ve picked up from social media. That’s mentorship in action—learning from others, adapting what resonates, and leaving behind what doesn’t.

As we approach 2025, the holiday season, and a fresh start to the new year, it’s worth reflecting on the power of mentorship, influence, and shared ideas. They’re integral parts of our lives, shaping not just what we do but who we become. How have unseen mentors influenced you this year?

Preparing for 2025: Building a Resilient Workforce for the Future

The manufacturing world is changing fast, and the way we approach our workforce needs to keep up. As we head into 2025, it’s not just about filling positions—it’s about building a team that’s ready to adapt, learn, and grow in a constantly shifting landscape. The companies that thrive won’t just be the ones with the latest technology; they’ll be the ones with a workforce that’s resilient and future-ready.

Automation is a big part of the conversation, but it’s not the whole story. Machines can streamline processes, but they can’t problem-solve, collaborate, or bring fresh ideas to the table. That’s where people come in. The focus needs to be on finding and developing team members who have the curiosity to learn and the adaptability to evolve with the work. Sometimes, it’s not about perfect experience but about mindset and potential.

Building resilience also means investing in the people you already have. Upskilling and cross-training aren’t just buzzwords—they’re tools to prepare your team for what’s next. It’s also about fostering a culture where accountability, trust, and teamwork aren’t just expectations but the norm. When people feel empowered to bring their best, they’re more likely to stick around and contribute to the long-term success of the business.

Heading into the new year, it’s worth asking: what are you doing to prepare your workforce for the challenges ahead? Resilience isn’t something that happens overnight, but with the right focus, it’s absolutely something you can build.

Today in History

• 1901 – First Transatlantic Radio Signal Received: Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi successfully received the first transatlantic radio signal, the Morse code for the letter "S," transmitted from Cornwall, England, to St. John's, Newfoundland.

• 1963 – Kenya Gains Independence: Kenya declared its independence from British colonial rule, marking the end of British governance and the beginning of self-rule for the nation.

• 2000 – U.S. Supreme Court Decides Bush v. Gore: The U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Bush v. Gore, effectively resolving the disputed 2000 presidential election in favor of George W. Bush by halting the Florida vote recount.

• 2015 – Paris Agreement on Climate Change Adopted: Nearly 200 nations adopted the Paris Agreement, a landmark accord aimed at combating climate change by collectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• 2019 – British General Election Results: The Conservative Party, led by Boris Johnson, won a landslide victory in the UK general election, securing an 80-seat majority, while the Scottish National Party won 48 of 59 seats in Scotland.