New year energy can feel a little noisy. Resolutions. Reset plans. Vision boards. All great in theory, but they do not always stick once the calendar flips and the inbox fills up.
This year, a few of us at MSB Resources decided to keep it simple.
Instead of long lists, we each chose one word—a filter for how we want to show up in 2026.
Those four words happened to line up into a fun little acronym: A-PIC
- Amplify – Angela
- Power – Jennifer
- Intentional – Alyssa
- Collaborate – Tara
Together, they paint “a pic”ture of how we want to partner with our clients, candidates, industry friends and each other this year.
Amplify: Angela Irons, Director of Research
Amplify is about turning up the volume on what already works.
For Angela, that means strengthening her skills and impact so she can better support the team. In 2026, she is focused on:
- Bringing solutions forward, not just flagging problems
- Tackling challenges she has not solved before
- Using her experience to help others succeed
Amplify is not about being the loudest person in the room. It is about making sure the right ideas, people, and opportunities are heard clearly and consistently.
Power: Jennifer Branscome, Senior Director of Recruiting
Power, for Jennifer, starts from the inside out.
It is rooted in faith, healing, and getting back to her core self after a few years of big change. This year, stepping into power means:
- Walking with confidence in both life and work
- Making decisions with gratitude and responsibility
- Remembering she already has what she needs to move forward
Power is not about control or titles. It is the quiet strength to show up fully and use that strength in a positive way for candidates, clients, and colleagues.
Intentional: Alyssa Brophy, Director of Recruiting
Intentional is the opposite of running on autopilot.
For Alyssa, it means being thoughtful and purposeful about how she builds relationships and uses her time. In practice, that looks like:
- Being strategic in outreach to candidates and clients
- Focusing on meaningful, human connection rather than quick check ins
- Choosing projects that help her grow creatively and professionally
Intentional is the word that asks “why this” before every yes. It is how she keeps her energy focused on what actually matters.
Collaborate: Tara Samuels, SVP of Strategic Partnerships
Collaborate is all about refusing to operate in a silo.
For Tara, it means looking for ways to pull people in, not push work away. In 2026, collaboration shows up as:
- Partnering closely with internal recruiting teams instead of competing with them
- Co-creating search strategies with clients rather than just taking an order
- Involving Workplace Solutions when leadership, culture, or retention are part of the real story
Collaborate is the reminder that the best results do not happen alone. They happen when more voices, more perspectives, and more experience are around the same table.
What A-PIC Means For Our Partners In 2026
These four words are personal, but they are not just internal. They shape how we show up for the multifamily industry this year.
If you work with MSB Resources in 2026, here is what you can expect:
More collaboration:
Clear communication with your internal team, aligned expectations and the sense that we are in this with you, not just sending resumes into the void.
Amplified support:
Stronger follow-through, more thoughtful market insight and a team that is committed to making your life easier, not more complicated.
Powered by purpose:
Recruiters who advocate for you, stand by our recommendations and own the work we do together, especially on the tough searches.
Intentional partnerships:
Fewer generic touchpoints and more conversations that feel specific to your culture, your challenges and your goals.
We know a single word will not magically change an entire year. But as a team, A-PIC gives us a shared picture to aim at.
If you are planning your own version of a word of the year, we would love to hear it. And if 2026 includes hiring key leaders or strengthening the ones you already have, let’s talk—we are here and ready to collaborate.