Holidays, Reflection and Looking Ahead

Hey Communicators, 

As the year winds down, I’m doing something a little different this December—making big shifts into 2026 and taking some real downtime for the holidays. This year looks different:
No airports. No long flights. No FaceTime Christmas. 

After our cross-country move this summer, we’ll be enjoying a short drive, a Christmas surrounded by family, holiday parties with lifelong friends, and plenty of space to connect. We’re soaking it all in. December is also a time to reflect on what worked, what we want to carry forward, and what needs to shift in the new year. 

I’ve been lucky to work on some of the most fulfilling projects of my career—right in my sweet spot—helping aspiring leaders transform into impactful communicators, and building programs that move the needle for people and organizations.  I’ve said heck yes to opportunities where I know I can drive real impact and support the success of others in my community. 

Last month, I shared a post about reconnecting with my mission in life—connecting the dots between people, networks, knowledge, and resources so others can succeed. That’s always been at the core of my work, and it’s powering a fresh chapter at Liby Works. 

✨ 2026 is about building boldly—with less noise and big impact. I’m streamlining everything at Liby Works to make it easier for you to access what you need, when you need it.  

But before we look ahead, I’m taking a moment to pause, breathe, and celebrate the work. Communication—especially at this time of year—doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.  

You’ll find some helpful tips and sneak peeks below—and I’ll see you in the new year. 

 Talk Soon,  

Liz Marion

Owner & Principal, Liby Works

Quick Tips: Holiday Party Chit Chat

 Talking to people you don’t know at a party?  

Try one of these:

“What’s one highlight from your year you didn’t expect?”

“Are you traveling for the holidays or staying close to home?”

“What’s your favorite end-of-year tradition—big or small?”

Keeping Your Cool in the Holiday Rush

Tense tone in the group chat? Passive-aggressive email from a vendor? Family text chains getting out of control?

Try Box Breathing.

My Favorite Feedback This Year

“Liz helped us understand and bridge our different communication styles, which was a game-changer for our team dynamics. Her insight and tools are gold.”

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“Over the last few months, I've realized that the work we're doing on communication is just as important as the work I do in my job—and it's paying off every single day.”

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“I used to feel unsure speaking up in leadership meetings. Now I know exactly how to make my point and lead the room with confidence.”
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 “I came in needing a framework, and left with a voice I trust. I now know how to get my point across without overthinking it—and people actually listen.”

Brain Break: Worth the Watch

The Secret to Great Opportunities? The Person You Haven’t Met Yet TED Talk by Tanya Menon

Sneak Peek: Liby Works in 2026

CommsIQ™ Coaching

• Your path to becoming a confident, compelling communicator.

• For managers in the leadership pipeline with a desire to develop executive communication skills for now and the future

• Get noticed as a leader, pave a path to promotion, and career progress

CommsPulse™: Communications Combat Call

• A 90-minute private session to tackle your most urgent communication challenge

• From chaos to clarity:

  • Navigate difficult conversations, brief high-stakes moments, or prep for visibility

  • Perfect for: big presentations, pitches, board meetings, and performance reviews

🥂 See You in 2026

Whether you joined a workshop, booked a session, downloaded a toolkit, or forwarded The Chatter to a friend, thank you for being here.
I’ll be back in January with a brand-new look at how we can support your goals and your growth in 2026.