16 Insights to Wrap Your 2025

“Deepen your observational skills and trust what you discover, especially in Washington where the norms have slipped out the back door and precedent is off trying a new hobby. Patterns have emerged. Notice them. Steer your strategy toward them. Then go ahead and start a new pattern of your own.”
— Stacey Alexander 

“It’s always better to listen first, be kind and defer. Your knowledge will shine through when the moment is right. Hard work, follow through and attention to detail are more important than being right.”
— Barry LaSala

“If you need to persuade someone, try asking genuine questions. People love to explain their views, and if you listen long enough sometimes they talk themselves into agreeing with you.”
— Lindsey Seidman  

“When working with Congress, remember that clarity often beats cleverness. If you can explain your point concisely to a very busy staffer, you are already ahead. And if you do it with humility, trying to make their job easier rather than harder, you will make an impression that lasts longer than the meeting.”
— Natalie Farr Harrison 

“If you want to go somewhere fast, go alone. If you want to go somewhere far, go as a team. If you want to go somewhere fast, far and with more fun along the way, go with Team Avoq!”
— Jimmy Ryan 

“Clients earn real influence in Washington when they show how their success expands public value. Integrating positive externalities into a government affairs strategy is not about optics. It’s about credibility, coalition building and securing outcomes that last beyond any news cycle or administration.”
— Cedric Grant 

“Integrity in our business is the coin of the realm. A lot has changed in Washington but that remains true. Work hard. Follow your words with actions. Do not pretend to know what is outside your grasp. The more we listen and learn the more common ground becomes visible and the more achievable our goals become.”
— Bryce Harlow 

“Keep your eye on the ball. In this Congress, perfect pitches are rare. You will see more curveballs, wild pitches and unexpected opportunities. The wins go to those who stay ready, adjust their stance and swing when they see their pitch.”
— Joseph Orlando

“As a mother of three young children, I am always teaching kindness at home. As an adult working in a highly political and often tense environment, I make that same intentional choice to lead with kindness in my advocacy. Relationships are at the heart of this work, so be kind.”
— Caitlin Canter 

“As we Cleveland sports fans learn early, there is always next year. In a congressional climate where few bills get signed into law and many strategies build on themselves over time, you do not need a home run to win the game. Well-timed singles and doubles can still get you across the home plate.”
— Rebecca Shaw 

“If you do the right things for the right reasons, good things tend to happen. Do the foundational work needed to execute a plan that ties directly to your business imperative. Do not get distracted by things that pull you away from that pursuit. Be willing to lean in and show your value proposition for policymakers with consistency and clarity.”
— Whit Askew 

“My playbook is simple. Be there, be helpful and be open. Being present still matters. Saying yes to people is always worth it. And change? It is the only thing that does not take a recess, so you might as well lean into it.”
— Steve Elmendorf  

“I once heard a story about pediatric heart surgeons who invited a Ferrari pit crew to help improve transitions from surgery to the ICU. The fatality rate was unacceptably high. A fresh perspective cut problems by more than half. My advice is to stay open to perspective. We get comfortable in our own rhythms and sometimes the most helpful thing we can do is invite someone we trust to take a look with us. ”
— Keith Castaldo  

“Tax policy is always a balance. It must fund government, keep people and businesses competitive and still feel fair. In advocacy, who you know matters, but you will miss the mark unless you understand the bigger picture and who else is making their case. Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. said taxes are what we pay for a civilized society. It is a reminder that tax policy is hard and getting what you want is harder.”
— Jeff Levey

“If you want to get real about messaging, talk to people who do not live in the Beltway echo chamber. The best advice often comes from parents, relatives and friends who are not doomscrolling on X or listening to the same partisan talking heads. Call people and listen to what they have to say. The strongest campaigns are shaped by the people who send us here not by the needs of Washington.”
— Bill Ghent  

“Sincerity, humility and honesty are such fundamental qualities, and are, at times, difficult attributes to generally find in DC. Foundationally, if you bring these virtues to your approach, whether it be in networking, lobbying or just getting to know new people, those same folks will naturally gravitate to you, and trust and authenticity can be built much more quickly.”
— Sandra Alcala