A New Season: Reflections and New Beginnings

Happy New Year!

As we step into 2026, I'm filled with gratitude and a sense of renewed purpose. This feels like the right moment to share some significant news and reflections with you. In the past, I’ve talked about a season of waiting, a season of change, a season of dreams delayed, a season of dreams coming true and in one of my next newsletters, I will be getting into a season of surrender (dying to self) and how this season can be identified and what to not be afraid of from someone who has gone through it.

December was filled with seasonal joy…from selecting the perfect Christmas tree to an unforgettable visit to Black Rock Farm, home to the most adorable Highland cows. My husband is completely obsessed with them (and honestly, who could blame him?). Their shaggy coats and gentle demeanor made for the sweetest winter outing.

I would love to hear about your travels, reply to this newsletter and do share!

A New Chapter in Board Service

I'm honored to announce that I've joined the board of a private investor club representing over $900B (if you are an investor and would like more info, please get in touch). We host a series of events focusing on off-the-record non-partisan policy discussions that inform portfolio decisions.

This opportunity represents more than a professional milestone, it's the culmination of a long season of growth, patience, and transformation especially through learning about how to receive and utterly transforming one’s way of being through receiving (God). For more on receiving theory and practice check out the originator of receiving Dr. Jeannie Kahwajy’s (MS, MBA and PhD from Stanford) substack which I will link in my next newsletter.

Some seasons take a long time to come around. The waiting can feel endless (still waiting, but in waiting there is also action), and the process of becoming who you need to be for the next chapter requires that the old self truly be gone. I've learned that metamorphosis isn't comfortable, but it's necessary. If you feel like you’re stuck and have been waiting forever for “what’s next” message me on instagram @thisinvestorlife and let’s chat.

Why Board Service Matters

Board service is something I'm extremely passionate about, not for the prestige, but for the true service component of it. Being in a position to make decisions that impact organizational culture in a positive way is both a privilege and a responsibility I take seriously.

In this day and age, we have way too many bad actors in positions of influence. That's one of the many reasons why I believe more people should pursue board service with the right intentions. Good governance matters. Culture matters. The decisions made in boardrooms ripple out and affect real people. If you are in your 20s and 30s, start looking into serving on (company) boards to get a head start on those looking for their second careers.

Family Business Recs: A new series on Instagram

I started a monthly series on Instagram that highlights family-owned businesses. First up: winter outerwear, featuring renowned family brands like Herno (I own a great jacket from this brand), Brunello Cucinelli, and others who have built their legacies on craftsmanship, quality, and generational expertise passed down through the years.

In our culture, there's an unfortunate stigma around family business ownership—so pervasive that even The Lego Movie cast "Mr. Business" as its villain. But this narrative misses something essential: family businesses are far from soulless corporations. They represent legacy, continuity, and deeply personal commitments that span generations.

Family businesses are companies owned and operated by members of the same family, often across multiple generations. They range from beloved neighborhood establishments to some of the world's most respected luxury houses—brands built as living testaments to family vision, craftsmanship, and values.

Through this series, I hope to celebrate these enterprises for what they truly are: sources of pride, passion, and enduring excellence. They deserve recognition not skepticism, admiration not caricature.

Stay Connected: This Investor Life

Speaking of staying connected, our podcast has been renamed! Tune in to This Investor Life with Abi and Elena where we'll be diving deep into SPACs, neuroscience (Abi is a neuroscientist studying at an Ivy League university), and the intersection of investing, decision-making, and leadership. There's so much more of my story I'll be sharing there, so please subscribe and stay tuned. https://open.spotify.com/show/2LImRWUWOkwiLcedQBK411?si=cd7ccc0bfa0440d3

Did You Miss Giving Tuesday?

The start of a new year is the perfect time to commit to making a difference. If you missed Giving Tuesday or you're looking for a meaningful organization to support, I want to introduce you to www.b-relyt.org

You can check out all of their amazing programs and hear directly from their students and mentors on their website. I also encourage you to read about BMC and their incredible director, Kimlin Johnson, in a recent issue of the LA Sentinel newspaper.

(to be clear this isn’t a client, one of my mentors is on the board).

Learn more and get involved:

• Website: www.b-relyt.org

• LA Sentinel feature: BMC Empowers Math Students

They are always looking to expand their scope and team. If you know of any individuals, corporations, or foundations who might be interested in brainstorming, collaborating, teaming with them, joining their leadership team, or providing financial support, please help spread the word. Every connection and contribution makes a real difference in the lives of the students they serve.

Let us live each day as if we are going on a marvelous adventure.

Ciao,

Elena

p.s. As always I love hearing from you, feel free to reach out