Hudson Valley Women in Business Lunch and Learn: Relationship-Powered Strategy for 2026 Goal Achievement

Hudson Valley Women in Business hosted a virtual Lunch and Learn focused on real talk, practical tools, and real support for women building businesses in the Hudson Valley and beyond. This monthly series is designed to help women in business connect, learn, and grow together through timely topics, expert speakers, and takeaways you can apply immediately.

In this session, members and guests explored how relationships shape business results and how to bring strategic clarity to 2026 goal planning using a simple, visual systems approach.

Featured Speaker: Mary Rood, Founder of Unrestricted Humans

Mary Rood is the founder of Unrestricted Humans, where she partners with small businesses and teams to engage people, solve problems together, and unlock opportunities. She is a U.S. Army veteran with 25+ years of corporate business and technology leadership experience, plus 10+ years supporting individuals, teams, and leaders in co-creating solutions to complex challenges.

Session Topic

Relationship-Powered Strategy: A Systems Approach to 2026 Goal Achievement

Strategic planning can easily become a document exercise that overlooks the human side of growth. This Lunch and Learn invited participants to bring relationships and situational awareness back into the process, so goals are not just written down, but actually supported by the people, connections, and resources needed to achieve them.

What We Covered

A practical view of strategic planning

Participants reviewed key elements that strengthen goal setting, including:

• Vision and direction

• Metrics and indicators of progress

• Priorities and where to start

• Resources and capacity

• Risks and roadblocks

• Milestones and momentum builders

• Strategic relationships and support systems

The Relationship Landscape Mapping Exercise

Attendees completed a guided visual exercise using simple shapes to map:

• Their current business context

• A key 2026 goal or area of focus

• Up to five people connected to that goal (clients, partners, vendors, collaborators, family, support network)

• The strength of relationships (strong, average, weak)

• Any areas of conflict or friction

Then participants created a second version: an “Imagine” map showing what they want their relationship landscape to look like in 2026, revealing what needs to shift to support growth.

Key Insights From the Discussion

This session sparked honest, useful reflection, especially for solopreneurs balancing business, family, and limited time.

Common takeaways included:

• If your goal feels far away, look at where it sits in your “map.” Many participants noticed their goal was outside their current system, then moved it to the center in their imagined future.

• Solopreneur does not mean alone. Your triangles can include vendors, accountability partners, clients, mentors, peers, family, and community support.

• Growth often requires releasing control. Several attendees reflected on the relationship and communication needed to delegate successfully.

• Monetize your time. If your time is worth more than the task, outsourcing can remove the roadblock that keeps you stuck in the same revenue loop.

• Strong relationships are a strategy. Capacity, sales, prospecting, and visibility are easier when your support system and partnerships are intentionally built.

Who This Lunch and Learn Was For

This session was especially helpful for:

• Women entrepreneurs and solopreneurs planning 2026 goals

• Business owners refining strategy, priorities, and capacity

• Leaders who want better systems, stronger partnerships, and more support

• Anyone feeling stuck doing “all the things” and needing a clearer path forward

About HVWiB Lunch and Learn

Hudson Valley Women in Business hosts a monthly virtual Lunch and Learn on the first Wednesday of every month, welcoming members and non-members who want to experience the community. Each session centers on learning, connection, and actionable support for women in business.

Want to join the next one? Check our events calendar and come learn with us.