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What CEOs Do Differently in Economic Uncertainty—And How You Can Too
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: economic uncertainty.
Whether it’s a government shutdown, inflation fears, or just that persistent “what’s happening now?” anxiety, these moments can trigger a fight-or-flight response. It’s tempting to freeze or hide until the storm passes.
But here’s the reality: waiting it out isn’t a strategy. In my decade as an executive assistant supporting C-Suite leaders—especially CEOs—I witnessed firsthand how these high performers approach uncertainty. One thing always stood out:CEOs are wired differently.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a CEO to adopt a CEO mindset.
CEOs Know When to Pivot—And So Can You
While most people doom-scroll, CEOs activate their strategic thinking. The same skills used to grow a business, manage a household, and develop future leaders are exactly what will help you—and your community—navigate tough times.
Five CEO Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty
1. Audit Your Financial Foundation
Treat your household like the business it is. Re-examine your budget. What subscriptions or services can you pause? Where can you redirect funds for the next 30, 60, or 90 days? Create a simple cash flow plan—just like a CEO would.
2. Diversify Your Income Streams
Now is the moment to activate that side hustle idea or explore new revenue channels in your current business. Economic uncertainty doesn’t erase opportunity—it just shifts where it lives. Could you offer digital products, consulting, or a course? I’m currently exploring these options myself and will share my process along the way.
3. Build Your Community Safety Net
CEOs know the power of networks. Start a resource-sharing group with local parents or like-minded folks. Trade services, buy from each other’s businesses, share homegrown veggies. When we lift each other, everyone rises.
4. Invest in Skills, Not More Stuff
Downturns are when the most resilient entrepreneurs double down on learning. That course you’ve been eyeing? That skill that could boost your earning power? Now’s the time. Education pays dividends, and there are plenty of free/low-cost options (I share my favorites regularly). The key: just start.
5. Create Your Own Security
Systems may fail us, but you won’t fail your family. Generational wealth is built, not handed down. Start small—put systems in place that create security in the areas you need most.
This Is What Effective CEOs Do
When things get shaky, CEOs get strategic: they assess, adapt, and act. Even in tough times, you’re not just protecting your family and community—you’re modeling resilience for your kids and peers. Uncertainty isn’t something to fear; it’s just another challenge to navigate. And this, too, shall pass.
What’s one way you’re building resilience right now? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response, and I might spotlight you in an upcoming newsletter!
I hope this empowers you and challenges you to reimagine how you design your life—even in uncertain times.
Stay Productive AF,
Jenn Fast
Former Corporate Warrior | Life Reinvention Specialist | MBA | Mensa Member | Productivity Expert | Foodie | Mother | Proud Career Pivoter
P.S. Know someone who needs this nudge? Forward this. It might be the permission they’ve been waiting for.
Free Resources:
* The Executive Functioning Self-Assessment
* The ALLY Framework & Checklist
* The Miracle Month Planner
Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction: Facing Economic Uncertainty00:23 Welcome to the Productive AF Podcast00:48 Adopting a CEO Mindset01:13 CEO Strategy 1: Audit Your Financial Foundation01:34 CEO Strategy 2: Diversify Your Income Streams01:53 CEO Strategy 3: Build Your Community Safety Net02:09 CEO Strategy 4: Invest in Skills, Not More Stuff02:31 CEO Strategy 5: Create Your Own Security02:45 Conclusion: Embracing Resilience03:08 Engage and Stay Connected
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itsjennfast.substack.com
View all episodes
By Jennifer Friedman Fast, MBALet’s talk about the elephant in the room: economic uncertainty.
Whether it’s a government shutdown, inflation fears, or just that persistent “what’s happening now?” anxiety, these moments can trigger a fight-or-flight response. It’s tempting to freeze or hide until the storm passes.
But here’s the reality: waiting it out isn’t a strategy. In my decade as an executive assistant supporting C-Suite leaders—especially CEOs—I witnessed firsthand how these high performers approach uncertainty. One thing always stood out:CEOs are wired differently.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a CEO to adopt a CEO mindset.
CEOs Know When to Pivot—And So Can You
While most people doom-scroll, CEOs activate their strategic thinking. The same skills used to grow a business, manage a household, and develop future leaders are exactly what will help you—and your community—navigate tough times.
Five CEO Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty
1. Audit Your Financial Foundation
Treat your household like the business it is. Re-examine your budget. What subscriptions or services can you pause? Where can you redirect funds for the next 30, 60, or 90 days? Create a simple cash flow plan—just like a CEO would.
2. Diversify Your Income Streams
Now is the moment to activate that side hustle idea or explore new revenue channels in your current business. Economic uncertainty doesn’t erase opportunity—it just shifts where it lives. Could you offer digital products, consulting, or a course? I’m currently exploring these options myself and will share my process along the way.
3. Build Your Community Safety Net
CEOs know the power of networks. Start a resource-sharing group with local parents or like-minded folks. Trade services, buy from each other’s businesses, share homegrown veggies. When we lift each other, everyone rises.
4. Invest in Skills, Not More Stuff
Downturns are when the most resilient entrepreneurs double down on learning. That course you’ve been eyeing? That skill that could boost your earning power? Now’s the time. Education pays dividends, and there are plenty of free/low-cost options (I share my favorites regularly). The key: just start.
5. Create Your Own Security
Systems may fail us, but you won’t fail your family. Generational wealth is built, not handed down. Start small—put systems in place that create security in the areas you need most.
This Is What Effective CEOs Do
When things get shaky, CEOs get strategic: they assess, adapt, and act. Even in tough times, you’re not just protecting your family and community—you’re modeling resilience for your kids and peers. Uncertainty isn’t something to fear; it’s just another challenge to navigate. And this, too, shall pass.
What’s one way you’re building resilience right now? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response, and I might spotlight you in an upcoming newsletter!
I hope this empowers you and challenges you to reimagine how you design your life—even in uncertain times.
Stay Productive AF,
Jenn Fast
Former Corporate Warrior | Life Reinvention Specialist | MBA | Mensa Member | Productivity Expert | Foodie | Mother | Proud Career Pivoter
P.S. Know someone who needs this nudge? Forward this. It might be the permission they’ve been waiting for.
Free Resources:
* The Executive Functioning Self-Assessment
* The ALLY Framework & Checklist
* The Miracle Month Planner
Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction: Facing Economic Uncertainty00:23 Welcome to the Productive AF Podcast00:48 Adopting a CEO Mindset01:13 CEO Strategy 1: Audit Your Financial Foundation01:34 CEO Strategy 2: Diversify Your Income Streams01:53 CEO Strategy 3: Build Your Community Safety Net02:09 CEO Strategy 4: Invest in Skills, Not More Stuff02:31 CEO Strategy 5: Create Your Own Security02:45 Conclusion: Embracing Resilience03:08 Engage and Stay Connected
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itsjennfast.substack.com