Amputate to Elevate Success

In partnership with

As we close out the second half of the year, I want to invite you into reflection, not resolution.

In our latest Amputate to Elevate Success recap episode, 13 CEOs, presidents, and senior leaders answered one courageous question:

Their answers were honest, grounded, and deeply human.
No performance. No polish.
Just clarity earned through release.

Let’s bring that reflection to you.

The Tech newsletter for Engineers who want to stay ahead

Tech moves fast, but you're still playing catch-up?

That's exactly why 100K+ engineers working at Google, Meta, and Apple read The Code twice a week.

Here's what you get:

• Curated tech news that shapes your career - Filtered from thousands of sources so you know what's coming 6 months early.

• Practical resources you can use immediately - Real tutorials and tools that solve actual engineering problems.

• Research papers and insights decoded - We break down complex tech so you understand what matters.

All delivered twice a week in just 2 short emails.

Join 100K+ engineers

3 Things Many Leaders Chose to Amputate This Year

1. Mental and Emotional Weight

   Leaders Shared how letting go internally changed everything externally.

2. Physical and Digital Clutter
   Not everything heavy is emotional.

3. Playing Small

   This one came up more than expected. Leaders recognized they had been shrinking themselves out of habit, comfort, or old expectations.

2 Questions Worth Sitting With

In the poll below, tell us what resonates most with your experience:

What are you still carrying that you know is costing you clarity, energy, or peace?
Sometimes naming it is the first act of leadership.

A Small Gift. A Big Reminder.

As the Year comes to a close, choose a reminder you can carry forward.

Explore John’s merchandise, designed to inspire long after Christmas Eve.

1 Insight I’m Carrying Forward

Here’s mine, plainly and truthfully:

I release playing small.

Not because I lacked ability, but because I underestimated the responsibility of showing up fully.

When leaders shrink, others stay stuck.
When we step fully into who we are called to be, we give others permissions to do the same.

Looking Ahead to 2026

We have incredible conversations lined up for the year ahead, and I want them shaped by you.

What would you like us to explore in 2026?

Leadership?
Transition?
Identity?
Letting go?
Reinvention?
Communication under pressure?

Reply, Comment, or message me.
Your voice matters here.

Go forth and inspire your world,

JR