Photos: Massive Winter Storm Sweeps Across the U.S., Including Chicago

©2026 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.  (Chicago, 1/25/26)

An extreme winter storm is underway impacting two-thirds of the U.S. Starting Friday, 1/23/26 and expected to last through Monday, freezing rain, ice, and dangerously low temperatures will stretch from New Mexico to the Northeast.

Thousands of flights have been cancelled and power outages are of catastrophic concern especially for the southern states.

Take a look. 

Do What Works

This might not be the first piece of advice you’d expect from a wildly successful business coach who helps entrepreneurs expand their businesses. But you don’t hire Amy Porterfield to help you throw spaghetti against a wall and figure out what to try next. You hire her to tell you what works. 

Learn more about how this works and Amy's tips for transformation in 2026.

How to Rethink Leadership in 2026

The World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Leadership is setting out to initiate a global leadership lab to facilitate dialogue, collaboration and action with the aim of opening up new leadership futures that will create better outcomes for people and the planet. 

In its latest report, Next generation leadership for a world in transformation: Driving dialogue and action, the council outlines a holistic approach to addressing what appears to be a systemic rather than a purely human failure: The structures and institutions, the assumptions and traits that have long shaped how leadership is defined and exerted, are under unprecedented pressure. 

The report emphasizes four interlinked, but independent variables that shape the leadership cycle regardless of sector or region:

1. How leaders are selected
2. How they are trained
3. How they take decisions and action
4. How they are incentivized to manage their succession and long-term legacy.

Read on to learn more.

The Case For the Curious Leader in 2026

Leading others is difficult. Whether managing a team of five or hundreds of thousands of employees, leadership at any organization comes with demands and burdens that can buckle superiors. 

Discover how curiosity helps leaders thrive through uncertainty, spark creativity and build resilient teams in a rapidly changing world.

Make 2026 be the year you have an edge from being a curious leader.

Own Your Destiny in 2026

©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Here's hoping your business funds your dreams (reflects who you really are) and enables you to own your destiny in 2026.  Happy New Year! – Laurel J. Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair

Happy Holidays 2025 from WPO Chicago!

©2025 WPO Chicago.  All rights reserved.

"On behalf of the Women Presidents Organization Chicago chapter members, may the gift of happiness be yours this holiday season!" – Laurel J. Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair

Rest In Peace Dear Dr. Marsha Firestone

Founder of the Women Presidents Organization, Dr. Marsha Firestone, passed away peacefully in her home on December 7, 2025.  On behalf of all WPO members, especially in Chicago, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her son Daren, daughter-in-law Nicole, her two grandkids and other extended family members.

She was a fearless leader, visionary, trailblazer, tireless worker, and passionate advocate for women business owners.  Her legacy will live on in all of us.