Social purpose leaders feeling the weight of 2026 are not alone. With rising public accountability, major reforms landing, and global signals that social service issues are becoming topical in the political landscape, leadership is getting harder - but also more important than ever. In this piece we offer a grounded, optimistic lens that explores what 2026 demands - the “inside work” that makes reform survivable. Plus we offer three questions to help you focus, prioritise and lead with confidence when accountability is high.