A Year of Gratitude, Growth, and Renewal

As I reflect on 2025, I’m filled with a deep and genuine sense of gratitude for a year that challenged me, strengthened me, and reminded me how fortunate I am, personally, professionally, and profoundly as a human being.

At the beginning of the year, I was honoured to be named Co-Chair of the national Board of Directors for nabs Canada (the National Benevolent Society of Canada). To help lead an organization so deeply committed to supporting mental health and well-being across our industry is both humbling and motivating. Chairing the board alongside my friend Perry McDonald, someone I have admired since my earliest days working in media, has made this experience even more meaningful. His leadership, generosity, and integrity continue to inspire me, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in us to help steward such an important national organization.

Early in the year, I also completed a course that held deep personal meaning for me, becoming a certified art therapy practitioner. As a lifelong learner with a genuine interest in psychology, therapy, and art history, this was a significant accomplishment, one that felt both intellectually fulfilling and emotionally resonant. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of creativity as a tool for healing, expression, and connection, and it deepened my appreciation for learning as a lifelong practice rather than a destination.

This year also marked a deeply personal milestone: my publisher released my book for pre-sale on my birthday. Seeing something I carried quietly for so long begin its journey into the world was incredibly emotional and affirming. Knowing the book will be available in bookstores on February 20, 2026 feels both surreal and exciting. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who has supported this journey, and I hope it finds its way into the hands of many more readers; perhaps even as a meaningful holiday gift for someone special.

Professionally, 2025 brought a new and energizing chapter as I stepped into my role as Vice President, Growth at ChangeMakers (a PR, Marketing, and Social Impact Consulting firm) whose values and purpose strongly align with my own. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help contribute to positive growth, earn the trust of new clients, and collaborate with an exceptional group of smart, thoughtful, and values-driven people. Every day, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to do work that feels purposeful, collaborative, and forward-looking.

One of the most meaningful reflections of this year has been my significant improvement in health, both physically and mentally. After navigating years of health challenges, 2025 marked a true turning point. I feel stronger, clearer, and more grounded than I have in a long time. Rebuilding my health required patience, discipline, humility, and support, and it reshaped how I see myself and the world around me. I’m incredibly grateful for my body’s resilience, for the care and encouragement I received along the way, and for the renewed sense of balance, energy, and hope I now carry forward. This progress has not only improved how I feel; it has also changed how I live and show up every day.

Beyond milestones and titles, this year has been rich with connection. I met many people who contributed to my happiness, expanded my perspective, and supported my growth. Through these relationships, I continued to learn more about myself, emotionally, spiritually, professionally, and personally. I’m grateful for conversations that brought clarity, moments that invited reflection, and friendships that reminded me of the importance of empathy, presence, and kindness.

One of my greatest sources of gratitude this year has been my daughter, who turned 10 years old. Watching her grow into such a smart, compassionate, empathetic, and hilarious young woman is the greatest privilege of my life. She inspires me to be more thoughtful, more patient, and more intentional in how I show up for her and for the world. Everything I strive for, as a person and as a father, is shaped by the example I hope to set for her. I couldn't be more proud of the person she is blossoming into.

As I look ahead to 2026, I feel excited, hopeful, and deeply grounded. I’m energized by what’s to come, the opportunities to grow as a friend, to lead with purpose as a professional, to share my voice as a new author, and to continue learning every day as a father to the most beautiful daughter. If 2025 has taught me anything, it’s that gratitude, resilience, and connection create momentum, and I’m beyond thankful for all that this year has given me, and for all that lies ahead.

— Sincerely, Boris