PERSPECTIVES IN FOCUS
Courtney Michener Miller
Here’s the power of alignment in 2026: I am writing this column for February 2026 in December 2025. As I get older, with my intense overanalyzing, I find it harder to put myself in the future like this. So much happens in such a short amount of time in our businesses and lives. I’m certain by the time you read this, something will be far more relevant than what I write on this page.
But, these final weeks of December are filled with reflection, contemplating and planning. So, as you read this in February, I’m hoping that I’ll be following the contents of this message wholeheartedly and welcome you to do the same.
In November 2025, I had the opportunity to give a speech at the TLC Lions Human Awards Americas Gala in New York City. The moment still hits me right in the middle of my heart and I’ve been carrying it around as a gift.
It was so special for me, and I really wanted to do the right soul searching to figure out exactly why. There are moments, people or spaces in time that let you know things are right. But life keeps moving and we don’t often explore why. The time thief pushes us along down the river of life and we lose ourselves in the grind.
We are creatures of habit, not of disruption. Sometimes the things that are clearest and have the hardest pull are the things we resist the most. Do you know what I mean?
So, out of the deep introspection that transpired post the event, I’m sharing with you my raw honesty, my perspective in focus, my internal dialogue. This column may read more like a journal entry for you, dear reader. I share it hoping it helps you move one step closer to something you need, to something you want, to something that feels beautiful in your life.
The feeling I had was alignment. Alignment is defined as the physical manifestation of what it feels like to be connected with yourself and living in harmony with your deepest truths. It’s like lightning in a bottle.
Here’s the dissection of my why.
First, it was an honor to be asked by the CEO of TLC Lions, Dr. Gian Power, OBE, to speak at the awards gala. To be in service of another human I deeply respect and honor is joy for me.
Second, I was surrounded by my team, colleagues who have worked by my side to create impact in a culture of love and high standards, and they make every moment meaningful. My message was for them too.
Third, the room was filled with individuals and companies that invest in and value humancentered leadership and cultures, and the mission of TLC Lions is to make the world of work more human. This is an intense passion for me personally. The values of the people I was surrounded by matched mine.
Finally, I was afforded the opportunity to write and then speak out loud powerful words that meant the world to me. As it turned out, this brings me incredible joy. I learned the joy of this moment came from connection, when other humans heard my words and told me my words reached their souls in some way.
I was absolutely blown away that a message from my heart had the power to meet another human just where they needed it the most and that it would help them, connect to them and bring them hope, encouragement and inspiration.
In studying positive psychology, I learned the power of strengths and values. I bring this to my work daily. I know what it means to be in flow, to find the space where time stands still, where you lose yourself so deeply, being so invested in what you’re doing, that you get spectacularly lost. Where, in the sea of the thousands of things you could be doing, you are doing exactly what you want to, and it cuts out all the noise of the outside world.
I feel like this when I write. I’ve known this for a long time and still continually push it to the end of the list. Showing up here for you in this column is one way I was moving writing up the list, with intention. It was one way I wanted to share my love for writing about life, career, learning and most things, as a commitment to me and to you.
In my speech on human-centered leadership, I asked the audience a powerful question, “Why would you sacrifice your gift and give anything less than your best, when you only live once?”
Why would we? Why would I? I found a new gift that I can give, that feels like joy to me, that feels worthwhile and that makes time stand still. I love to write, speak and share it. I love to do this about many things, I’m certain. Human-centered leadership had me feeling like I was floating. Alignment achieved.
A personal goal for me in 2026 is to find more places and spaces for alignment. To pay close attention to the feelings that transcend me and to follow them.
We are all equipped with different values, strengths, talents, gifts and passions. Together, let’s make a commitment to not sacrifice them. In this #OneBeautifulLife, we owe ourselves, our businesses and our patients, to set an example for living our best lives.
As learning practitioners, we set up experiences for people each day where we ask them to bring their best selves. Here’s your beginning-of-the-year reminder to be your best self and to get out there and chase your wildest dreams while paying close attention to your own feelings of alignment.
They may show up in the most unexpected places, but wherever they appear, listen to them. They’re pulling you somewhere. I can’t wait to hear about it so please share your stories with me.
Until I see you again, let’s find alignment in our lives. After all, we only live once.
Courtney Michener Miller is head of commercial learning for AstraZeneca and a member of the LTEN Board of Directors. Email her at courtney.michener@astrazeneca.com or connect through linkedin.com/in/courtneymichenermiller.