🎙️ The Gratitude Episode: 22 Guests, 63 Countries, and a Community That Turned 2025 Into Our Most Meaningful Year Yet 🎙️

Hey Breakers,

It all started with a mic, a “record” button, and a lot of uncertainty. Some days, we weren’t sure if the next guest would join.

Other days, we wondered if a conversation would land, or if the story we were trying to tell would resonate.

There were moments when schedules fell through, tech hiccups appeared, or the team quietly questioned, “Will anyone even notice this?”

And yet, each time, the magic happened. Guests showed up, stories were shared, and the community engaged.

Every comment, every clip shared, and every LinkedIn Live attended turned uncertainty into connection, hesitation into momentum, and a simple podcast into a community that now spans 63 countries and over 600 cities.

Before 2026 begins, it’s worth pausing to reflect. 2025 wasn’t just a year of episodes, frameworks, or strategies. It grew because of the people who showed up, shared honestly, and contributed to this community, guests, participants, and listeners alike.

🎙️ The Voices That Shaped 2025

This year, 22 remarkable guests brought lessons, wins, failures, and authenticity to the mic:

Ernie Delgado, Michael Fung, Sergio Abramovich, Nick Farrenkopf, Beatrice Guillen, Paul Moch, Ashton Tate, Denise Abulafia, Anissa Bouderrari, Carlos Zapata, Robert Martellacci, Jolene Levin, Paul Vallas, Michael Golden, Jaime Palés, Michael Campbell, Karim Kuperhause, Paul King, Mitch Weisburgh, Dr. JD Mosley-Matchett, Robespierre Reyes, Dr. Tamara Minott, PhD

Every episode carried its own uncertainties. Sometimes it wasn’t clear if the story would connect or whether founders would take action. And yet, each guest brought perspective, courage, and insight that shifted thinking across the community.

Community Contributors in LinkedIn Lives

Some contributors weren’t episode guests, but they helped shape the energy and engagement in LinkedIn Lives: Rose Hastreiter, Wayne Bovier, Doug Roberts, and Ken Spiegel.

Their presence, interaction, and encouragement helped create the momentum that carried each conversation further.

And then there’s John Gamba — co-host, friend, and a true cornerstone of the season. John joined 14 LinkedIn Lives this year, bringing insight, humor, and perspective that guided each discussion.

His contributions went far beyond appearances: he shaped the tone of the show, supported guests and the community alike, and provided the steady presence that helped the season flow through uncertainty.

John’s impact is felt not just in individual episodes, but in the heart of the entire Breaking the Grade community.

Moments of Doubt, Lessons in Persistence

Not every episode was straightforward. Sometimes it wasn’t certain if the next guest would show up or if the conversation would resonate.

There were moments of hesitation, questions, and quiet uncertainty about whether the story being told would inspire anyone.

Those moments highlight an important truth for founders: growth often comes through persistence during uncertainty.

Even when the path isn’t clear, showing up, engaging, and keeping the momentum alive builds impact over time. 2025 proved that consistency, even in moments of doubt, can create a community, a movement, and real change.

Looking Back, Moving Forward

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling — it’s a lens that shows the impact of people and moments over the year. Looking back, it becomes clear how much every voice, interaction, and shared story shaped 2025.

✨ The guests who joined the show and shared their wins, challenges, and insights
✨ The participants in LinkedIn Lives who brought energy, engagement, and encouragement
✨ The moments of uncertainty — when we weren’t sure what would happen — and how the community carried the season forward
✨ The broader community of listeners, commenters, and sharers who turned conversations into connection

This season wasn’t defined by metrics, episodes, or frameworks alone. It was defined by generosity, participation, and the shared commitment to building something meaningful. Every contribution — big or small — made the year stronger and the community closer.

Ending 2025 With Gratitude

Before stepping into 2026, it’s worth reflecting on the people, experiences, and moments that made 2025 meaningful. That reflection fuels clarity, momentum, and the work ahead.

🎧 Listen to the

full Gratitude Episode → Apple | Spotify

From everyone at Breaking the Grade, thank you for showing up, sharing your stories, and building a community that makes every conversation count.

— Josh

#BreakingTheGrade #GratitudeEpisode #CommunityMatters #FounderLedGrowth #EdTechLeadership #ReflectionAndGrowth