# Beyond Resolutions: 2025 Retrospective & The 2026 Systems > A different kind of retrospective. Instead of a chronological list, I explore the themes, systems, and impact matrices that defined 2025 and architect the outlook for 2026. - Published: 2025-12-31 - Category: Personal - Tags: Retrospective, Year Review, Systems, Productivity - Reading time: 6 min read - Canonical: https://davideimola.dev/blog/2025-retrospective-2026-outlook ![Planner and laptop on a desk](https://davideimola.devhttps://images.unsplash.com/photo-1484480974693-6ca0a78fb36b?auto=format&fit=crop&q=80&w=2072) --- ## The "Word" of 2025 2025 wasn't just another year; it was a year defined by **Evolution**. > This year marked a significant shift in my career and personal life. Unlike my [2023](https://davideimola.dev/blog/2023-retrospective) and [2022](https://davideimola.dev/blog/2022-retrospective) reviews, it wasn't about learning a new framework or shipping a side project; it was about maturing. From my role as a Senior Software Engineer to stepping up as a Team Leader at [RedCarbon](https://redcarbon.ai), and realizing a lifelong dream in Japan, 2025 was the year I moved from "doing" to "leading" and from "wishing" to "experiencing". --- ## Impact Matrix (Highlights & Lowlights) Instead of a chronological list, here are the moments that mattered, categorized by their impact on my life and career. ### High Impact / High Joy (The Wins) _These are the moments I want to multiply in 2026._ - **Family Milestone:** Celebrating my girlfriend's graduation was a huge moment for us. Seeing her hard work pay off was one of the happiest days of the year. - **RedCarbon Series A & Growth:** Finally, the company is really gearing up. Closing our Series A round brought a huge wave of energy. Being part of this growth and transitioning into a Team Leader role at [RedCarbon](https://redcarbon.ai) has been incredibly rewarding. A massive shoutout to the entire team—we achieved this together (and the retreat at **Lake Viverone** was the perfect celebration!). ![Photo of the RedCarbon Team on December 2025](https://davideimola.dev/images/blog/2025-retrospective/redcarbon_team.webp) * **Linkin Park - First Live Concert:** I attended my first-ever live concert at I-Days, and it was legendary. Seeing **Linkin Park** return to the stage years after Chester Bennington's passing was emotional and powerful. The energy was indescribable. ![Photo of Linkin Park Concert at I-Days](https://davideimola.dev/images/blog/2025-retrospective/idays_lp.webp) - **Japan - The Dream Trip:** In June, I finally fulfilled my dream of visiting Japan. It was incredible—a perfect mix of history and "nerd" culture. Visiting **Sensoji**, the first temple I saw, remains a core memory, along with collecting _Goshuin_ and exploring the arcades. It wasn't just a vacation; it was an experience that left me wanting more. ![Photo of Sensoji Temple by Night](https://davideimola.dev/images/blog/2025-retrospective/sensoji.webp) - **OS Day 2025:** Organizing this year's edition of [OS Day](https://osday.dev) was a massive amount of work, but the payoff was huge. The feedback from speakers and the audience was overwhelmingly positive. The retreat in **Umbria** with the Schroedinger Hat folks was the perfect way to recharge and connect deeper with the community. ![Photo Group of Speakers and Organizers at OS Day 2025](https://davideimola.dev/images/blog/2025-retrospective/osday25.avif) ### The "Shift" (High Impact / New Challenge) _Necessary evils that moved the needle._ - **The Career Dilemma (Technical vs. Management):** This year I faced a big question: Technical Lead or Staff Engineer? I decided to step into the Team Lead role to explore the management side. The driving force isn't title, but impact: I want to support the team's growth and help my Engineering Manager by sharing the strategic load. It’s challenging, but clarifies my path between pure management and technical leadership. ### The "Lesson Learned" Moments _Failures or deviations that taught me something valuable._ - **Stepping Back from the Stage:** I participated in very few events this year and none as a speaker (shoutout to GO Lab where I attended just to enjoy the community!). I learned that it's okay to pause public speaking to focus on career growth. You can't do everything at 100% all the time. --- ## The "System" Upgrade (v2026) How my "Personal OS" evolved this year. ### Tools of the Trade - **AI-Powered Development (Antigravity & Cursor):** Towards the end of the year, I refreshed this very website using AI tools like Cursor and Google's Antigravity. It was an experiment to see what "low-code/high-ai" could do, and the results are interesting. (Expect a full technical deep dive on this in early 2026!). ### Mindset Shifts - **Exploration over Definition:** I'm not locking myself into a "Manager" or "IC" box yet. I'm using this TL role to learn skills I didn't have (delegation, project planning) while keeping my technical roots alive. ### Habits That Stuck - **Ju Jutsu (Hontai Yōshin-ryū):** I took a few trial lessons in December at [Yawara](https://www.camyawaravr.it/wp/) and was instantly hooked. It's my commitment to physical health (weight loss goals!) and mental discipline. I'm enrolling officially in Jan 2026 to start this journey for real! * **BBQ Mastery:** I’ve leveled up my cooking game significantly this year. From ribs to huge steaks and picanha, the BBQ became my weekend meditation (and the best way to feed friends). --- ## Nerd Culture & Media Diet It wouldn't be a retrospective without the "fun" stats. 2025 was a great year for stories. ### Gaming & Tabletop - **Video Games:** I verified the 100% completion of _Clair Obscur: Expedition 33_ (absolute masterpiece) and I'm currently wandering the lands of _Ghost of Tsushima_. - **Board Games:** _Pandemic Legacy_ took the crown this year. - **D&D:** Played two campaigns that I loved. First as **Silas Ramsay** (Elf Rogue), and then as **Thalion Melora** (Half-Elf Bard). ### Watchlist - **Documentaries:** _My Octopus Teacher_ and _Free Solo_ — both incredibly inspiring for different reasons. --- ## 2026 Outlook: Architecting the Future ### The North Star **Consolidation & Content** -> In 2026, I want to solidify my leadership role and share my journey more consistently with the community. ### Areas of Focus 1. **Career Clarity:** Continue navigating the TL path. By the end of 2026, I want a clearer answer to the "Manager vs. Staff Engineer" question. 2. **Content Consistency:** I want to be more present socially. More technical blog posts, LinkedIn updates, and newsletters. Sharing what I learn, as I learn it. 3. **Physical & Mental Discipline:** Consistency in Ju Jutsu. It's not just a sport; it's a lifestyle change I'm ready for. --- ## The Anti-Goals To make space for the above, I am explicitly deciding **NOT** to do the following in 2026: - **Stress-Driven Speaking:** I'd love to return to the stage, but only if it's fun and sustainable. No more speaking just for the sake of it ("nice to have", not "must have"). - **Stagnation:** I refuse to settle. Whether it's pushing for the Series A goals, exploring AI, or earning my first belt, 2026 is about forward motion. --- ## Let's Connect How are you approaching 2026? Are you setting resolutions or building systems? I’d love to hear your "Word of the Year" or any advice you have for a new Technical Leader. Let’s chat on [BlueSky](https://bsky.app/profile/davideimola.dev) or [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davideimola/)!