It's a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure.

In this episode of With Interest, Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead at CPA Australia, explores how businesses are navigating an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical conflict, cost pressures and economic shocks.

The conversation draws on insights from CPA Australia's Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey to unpack how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are coping, and what separates those that merely survive from those that emerge stronger.

The discussion emphasises that while volatility is becoming the norm, uncertainty does not have to result in paralysis.

Instead, thoughtful planning, investment in capability, and trusted advice can help businesses build resilience and position for long‑term growth, even as governments and markets remain focused on short‑term crises.

Key areas covered:

• How global conflicts, fuel price shocks and inflation affect small businesses across Australia and the APAC region.

• How a risk‑averse mindset changes business decision‑making, and the risks of focusing only on cost‑cutting.

• What role accountants and advisors can play through scenario planning, forecasting and calming decision‑making.

• Why businesses that continue investing in technology, innovation and management capability perform better during crises.

If you're navigating uncertainty in business, this episode has expert insights to help.

Host: Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia

Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia

For more, head online for CPA Australia's 17th Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey.

CPA Australia also has tips for managing through tough times and managing through a high cost environment ABC News finance journalist Alan Kohler talking about fluctuating oil prices on April 7, mentioned in this episode. Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube.

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CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting:

With Interest https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/with-interest

INTHEBLACK https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack

INTHEBLACK Out Loud https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/intheblack-outloud

Excel Tips https://www.cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/podcasts/excel-tips

Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at [email protected]