84. Business in an Uncertain World: A Candid Conversation with Karl Tabbakh

In one of the most urgent and eye-opening conversation, Dwayne sits down with Karl Tabbakh—top Canadian business strategist, international dealmaker, and former chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce—to unpack the global forces redefining the rules of business, politics, and leadership.

Together, they explore what rising geopolitical tension, fractured trade alliances, and shifting world orders mean for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and decision-makers across North America. With experience advising on multi-billion-dollar cross-border transactions and leading strategic investments in Canada and the Middle East, Karl offers a rare lens into how to stay sharp—and sane—in chaotic times.

This is part one of a two-part conversation filled with powerful insights on resilience, globalism, and the responsibilities of leadership in the modern era.

Timestamps

[00:02:45] – Why Karl was the first person Dwayne thought of for this global conversation

[00:05:20] – Karl’s career snapshot: from billion-dollar deals to chairing Invest in Canada

[00:09:45] – A five-year vision framework for career growth and avoiding professional stagnation

[00:13:00] – Why global exposure isn't just travel—it’s transformational for decision-making

[00:17:30] – The danger of only seeing the world through a North American lens

[00:21:00] – Are we ignoring the signs of World War III? The breakdown of the post-WWII order

[00:25:30] – What the markets are really saying about uncertainty and leadership

[00:33:45] – Are nations acting out of fear, or a thirst for certainty?

[00:40:00] – Why Canada must rethink its overreliance on one trade partner

[00:52:00] – The hard truth about energy, natural gas, and global climate equity

[01:03:00] – The upcoming Canadian election: What voters need to be asking

[01:11:00] – Vision, will, and resources: Three pillars for Canada’s next leader

[01:15:00] – Final thoughts: Canada’s opportunity to punch above its weight again

About Karl

Karl Tabbakh is a lawyer, a business leader and a strategic advisor with over 20 years of international business experience. Karl’s expertise is sought after to advise corporations, directors and business executives on a range of strategic issues and transactions both domestically and globally. He is a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP with a focus on M&A and private equity and serves on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team as National Leader, Markets and International Business. He was appointed by the Government of Canada as Chairman of Invest in Canada, Canada’s agency responsible for promoting, attracting and facilitating global foreign direct investments into Canada. He previously served as Chair of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and was on the Board of directors of the Canada Arab Business Council. Karl is a regular speaker on matters of governance, global investment and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to his career in Canada, Karl spent eight years in the Middle East and four years in London, UK, where he developed a solid international network and gained an understanding of international business and investments. An active community leader, Karl supports and leverages his network to benefit many non-profit and local community service organizations, including as member of the Centraide/United Way campaign. Born in Syria, Karl immigrated with his parents to Canada at age 10. He holds an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, a BCL from the Université de Montréal and a B.Comm from Université Laval in Québec City. Karl is fluent in French, English, and Arabic.

Notable Quotes

“If World War III starts, historians will look at this moment and say: all the signs were there.” – Karl Tabbakh

“Business is a series of relationships. The same principles that heal marriages can heal nations.” – Dwayne Kerrigan

“We’re not saying there will be war. We’re saying the rules are changing—and business can’t afford to ignore that.” – Karl Tabbakh

“The future belongs to those who can see the world through more than one lens.” – Karl Tabbakh

Key Takeaways & Resources

1. Five-Year Framework for Career Clarity

Discussions on view your professional growth in 3–5 year increments. If you're not growing or being challenged, it may be time to pivot.

2. Global Perspective is a Strategic Advantage

Living, not just traveling, in different cultures gives professionals the multi-angle lens needed for today’s complex challenges.

3. A Shifting World Order Demands Adaptation

Post-WWII rules of sovereignty and treaty-based certainty are being challenged. Businesses relying on geopolitical stability must rethink their risk.

4. Energy Policy Must Balance Morality and Realism

Karl challenges ideological energy policy, urging a globalist view that supports cleaner transitions for developing nations.

6. Voters Must Demand Vision, Not Just Opposition

As Canada approaches an election, the critical question isn’t who can stand up to Trump—but who can chart a sustainable, strategic path forward.

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Disclaimer The views, information, or opinions expressed by guests during The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Dwayne Kerrigan and his affiliates. Dwayne Kerrigan or The Dwayne Kerrigan Podcast is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of any of the information contained in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. Listeners are advised to consult with a qualified professional or specialist before making any decisions based on the content of this podcast.