The Power of Building Together

Strength in Reflection

Reflections on Collaboration 2026

For the past six years, I've chosen a word to live into—not just learn about, but embody. Congruence. Intentional. Graciousness. Synchronicity. Each year, one word becomes my focus, shaping my habits and transforming how I show up in the world.

This year, the word chose me: Collaboration.

Looking back, I realize collaboration has been woven through my entire life—I've lived it without naming it. But recently, it's taken on new significance. An epiphany, if you will. I'm seeing both its transformative power and how often we miss the opportunity to practice it.

What Real Collaboration Looks Like

Thirty years ago, I registered my business as Kairos Projects. A branding specialist suggested changing it to Kairos Connect—it better captured who I am and what I do. The name stuck because my entire business model revolves around collaboration.

True collaboration means choosing to build with others rather than for ourselves. It's sharing both the labor and the discovery of what becomes possible together. Multiple people bringing their distinct strengths, perspectives, and efforts to create something none could have created alone. The whole genuinely exceeds the sum of its parts.

I've experienced magic at times. I've also seen the dark side.

The Collaboration Paradox

Here's something fascinating: when you approach relationships asking "How can I contribute?" rather than "What can I get?", you often receive far more than the opportunist ever does.

But—and this is crucial—that can't be your motive. People sense the difference between genuine generosity and strategic niceness. I've experienced significant loss in business transactions where people only focused on what they could extract. The word "collaboration" can also describe traitorous cooperation. Not good.

Yet after 30 years, I'm pleased to report that the positives far outweigh the negatives. I've asked myself why collaboration suddenly feels more important now. The answer stares me in the face every day.

2025 was a particularly strong year—new partnerships formed, long-term relationships deepened. Especially in our work with schools and young people, we saw what becomes possible when people truly work together. Whether consulting, working with nonprofits, educators, business leaders, or youth, collaboration became tangibly real in ways that renewed my belief in its power.

Gratitude and Looking Forward

To be honest, I couldn't achieve much at all without the people and organizations I collaborate with daily. This isn't just about collaboration—it's about gratitude. Gratitude for those who live and understand collaboration, even if they call it something else.

Collaboration has enriched my life, my calling, and my purpose tenfold. I am truly blessed.

Thanks to all of you who've collaborated with me for years. Thanks to the new partnerships born in 2025. You are significant. Together, I believe we can do something transformative—something that makes a real difference in people's lives.

I'm excited to work alongside you in 2026.

I am grateful.

— Paul Jones