E104: Tariffs, Turbulence, and Tough Calls: Operating in an Era of Economic Whiplash

What should founders and operators prioritize when the market swings 6% in a day? In this episode, Sam, Asad and AJ break down the fallout from historic tariff whiplash, trillion-dollar market swings, and the signals that separate resilient companies from risky bets. They debate:

• Defensive moves vs. offensive plays: When to cut costs, when to lean into growth, and why “profitable efficiency” is the new mantra.
• Customer psychology in chaos: Why “delay” is the word of the year—and how to combat it.
• The global ripple effect: How geopolitical instability impacts hiring, pricing, and even brand perception for U.S. companies abroad.
• AI, offshoring, and variable costs: Tactics to future-proof your team and margins.

Plus, live data from Pavilion’s pulse survey reveals how 56% of companies are already adjusting 2025 forecasts—and why the CEOs argue volatility isn’t going away. Whether you’re debating layoffs, M&A, or just how to sleep at night, this episode is your survival guide."

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Key Moments:

[01:19] – Market Volatility & Whiplash

[07:07] – Defensive Strategies for Volatile Times

[31:36] – Customer Psychology: Fighting "Delay" Mindset

[47:01] – People Strategy: Building a Resilient Team

[57:52] – Offensive Plays: When to Attack

[01:05:41] – Wins & Fails