Hi friend,

December hit me like a freight train.

My car was stolen. I canceled five PTO days I swore I’d take. I blew up at my boss. I complained about the school activities for the kids. I juggled seven doctor’s appointments, hired two people, renewed eight clients, almost fired one, and worked 172 hours. I didn’t decorate my Christmas tree until December 22nd.

My specialist said, “It’s amazing you’re still standing,” and my husband asked, “Are you happier this year than last?”

With tears in my eyes and the weight of the world on my shoulders, I made a choice.

I canceled every meeting the week of Christmas. I had blocked the time off for a reason—to be present, to enjoy the holidays, not just to survive the season but to savor it. In these final days, I've been a shell of myself, not because of one single thing but because of the accumulation of everything.

As I reflected on the last day of the year, I realized how much 2024 has taught me—not just about work but about life. Each lesson has shaped the way I see the world and how I want to move forward in it.

2024 taught me that life is about progress, not perfection. It’s about learning from the moments that stretched us and carrying forward the ones that brought us joy. As we move into 2025, let’s commit to making the choices that reflect who we are and who we want to become.

Here’s to a year of clarity, courage, and the power to choose. Thank you for sharing this journey with me, and Happy New Year.

Best, 

Kara 

Kara Rudy

COO, MarketDesign

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IN THE NEWS:

The CIO World: Kara Rudy, A CMO Whose Career Has Been Marked by Leadership, Mentorship, and Making a Difference

MarketDesign Founder + COO, Kara Rudy’s, career is a study in thoughtful leadership and meaningful mentorship. As Chief Marketing Officer for Compugen Systems Inc., Kara's professional journey was recently featured in The CIO World Magazine.

A 2024 Women of the Channel Power 100 Solution Provider, Kara shares insights into her leadership philosophy: “The best leaders aren’t just decision-makers; they’re connectors. They bring out the best in people by understanding their unique strengths and aligning them with shared goals.” Her impact goes beyond corporate achievements, as she’s committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and growth. “It’s not just about hitting targets. It’s about making sure the people around you feel supported, challenged, and valued.”

You can read more about how Kara is driving meaningful change in the tech world by checking out the full article, here.