Tariffs are still squeezing margins—but most companies aren’t making major strategic changes.

Why?

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we break down new data on how business leaders are responding to ongoing tariff pressure—and why many are choosing to wait rather than act.

You’ll learn:

Episode Resources 

Tariffs One Year On: Leaders Are ‘Absorbing More Than Adapting, Waiting More Than Acting’

Executive confidence was climbing in early 2026—but new global shocks are putting that optimism to the test.

In this episode, we break down fresh data from executive sentiment surveys and explore how CEOs and CFOs are responding to rising geopolitical tension, inflation concerns, and supply chain risk.

Episode Resources 

Confident C-Suites Face Up to a ‘Multidimensional Disruption’

Growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from doing less, better.

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we explore why companies are trimming business lines, simplifying supply chains, and sharpening focus to improve margins in an increasingly volatile environment.

From geopolitical pressures to persistent supply chain disruption, leaders are rethinking complexity—and discovering that simplification can be a powerful strategic advantage.

Making The Case For Slimming Down

https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55365342/making-the-case-for-slimming-down?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260401236&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Abby White and Geert De Lombaerde break down the five most-read stories of the past month—and what they reveal about how executives are thinking right now.

Rather than chasing quick wins, leaders are navigating uncertainty, recalibration, and risk management across tariffs, workforce engagement, AI adoption, and economic outlook. The throughline? Thoughtful decision-making is outweighing speed.

Why Businesses Aren’t Rushing for Tariff Refunds: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/market-outlook/article/55363103/why-businesses-arent-rushing-for-tariff-refunds  

Roughly Half of Employees Are Quietly Checked Out. Here's What to Do About It: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55359683/roughly-half-of-employees-are-quietly-checked-out-heres-what-to-do-about-it 

Ask the COO: How to Find and Sustain Alignment with Your CEO: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55358261/ask-the-coo-how-to-find-and-sustain-alignment-with-your-ceo  

Transforming Supply Chain Forecasting with AI: Strategies for Leaders: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/technology/article/55361551/transforming-supply-chain-forecasting-with-ai-strategies-for-leaders  

A Data Disconnect? Caution Aplenty on Earnings Calls as Some Indicators Turn Up: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55356950/a-data-disconnect-caution-aplenty-on-earnings-calls-as-some-indicators-turn-up  

Efficiency is back at the center of the executive playbook—and not just because of AI.

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we examine why many companies are still driving productivity gains the old-fashioned way. While artificial intelligence dominates headlines, leadership teams across industries continue to rely on tighter staffing, stricter spending, and more disciplined operations to improve performance.

As geopolitical tensions rise and energy costs remain volatile, the pressure to do more with less is only intensifying—making efficiency not just a tactic, but a strategic necessity.

More With Less Still Reigns Supreme

Taxes don’t just affect what you owe each year—they influence major financial decisions.

In this sponsored episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt, chats with Geert De Lombaerde about how proactive tax planning can shape investment decisions, cash flow management, and long-term wealth strategies.

This episode continues The Executive Tax Advantage, a two-part series exploring how leaders can turn tax planning into a strategic advantage. If you missed part 1, listen here.

This episode is sponsored by Gelt. To learn more about Gelt, please visit www.joingelt.com

Most executives think about taxes once a year and that may be the problem.

In this sponsored episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt, chats with Geert De Lombaerde about why tax planning should be proactive—not reactive—and how executives can avoid costly surprises by integrating tax strategy into their broader financial planning.

This conversation kicks off The Executive Tax Advantage, a two-part series exploring how leaders can turn tax planning into a strategic advantage.

This episode is sponsored by Gelt. To learn more about Gelt, please visit www.joingelt.com

Quiet quitting never really left—it just became harder to spot.

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we take a closer look at why employee engagement remains stubbornly low and what leaders can actually do to reverse it. As uncertainty, inflation, and AI continue to reshape work, organizations need employees who are invested, energized, and willing to contribute beyond the minimum.

This conversation moves past surface-level engagement tactics and focuses on the leadership systems, trust dynamics, and accountability structures that determine whether engagement improves—or continues to erode.

Roughly Half of Employees Are Quietly Checked Out. Here's What to Do About It.

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we examine the growing disconnect between what executives are saying on earnings calls and what investors and economic indicators appear to be betting on. While many companies are striking a cautious tone, select data points suggest momentum may be building beneath the surface.

A Data Disconnect? Caution Aplenty on Earnings Calls as Some Indicators Turn Up

The alarm bells around workforce readiness are getting louder—but are leaders truly responding, or just reacting?

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we take a high-level look at the growing disconnect between workforce development rhetoric and real-world outcomes. As investment pours into infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing, the availability of skilled labor is emerging as a defining constraint on growth.

Rather than revisiting familiar talking points, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink how workforce development is framed, funded, and prioritized—particularly at scale.

The Alarm Bell is Ringing When it Comes to Talent. But Is More Pain Required?