Defining leadership moments rarely happen with absolute certainty.

They come from a belief in what’s possible — and the conviction to move forward before having all the answers. Whether it’s making a bold decision, pursuing a new idea, or building something bigger than yourself, great leaders close the gap between ambition and action.

These are the moments behind this year’s Member Excellence Awards, and why I’m excited to introduce the 2026 e-book: The Confidence Effect.

Vistage is proud to be just one small part of these leaders’ journeys and honored to celebrate what they’ve achieved through their own determination. Across their stories, one idea rises to the surface again and again: confidence has the power to create momentum, shape organizations, and leave a lasting impact.

The stories within these pages belong to this year’s honorees, but the questions they raise belong to all of us: how does confidence expand what we’re willing to pursue, change, or build?

I can't wait for you to meet this year's honorees and learn how they re-defined what’s possible.