The Bottom Line Hypotheticals: How Would You React If You Were Boss?
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Nov 6, 2025 Margaret Heffernan, a former CEO and leadership expert, joins Ben Branson, founder of Seedlip, and Sophie Mermin, retail entrepreneur, to tackle tough business hypotheticals. They explore scenarios like unexpected tariffs and giant competitors, emphasizing the importance of customer focus and strategic flexibility. Margaret suggests unique survival tactics, while Sophie advises trusting instincts. They debate whether to absorb costs or lobby against tariffs and discuss the significance of brand coherence in marketing. Their candid insights make for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
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De-Risk Export Concentration
- Double down on safe markets and aggressively pursue rerouting to reduce exposure to a hostile tariff.
- Explore manufacturing in-country, joint ventures, or pivoting to a software/service model to avoid import tariffs.
Turn Hardware Into A Service
- Turning a hardware product into a software-as-a-service can sidestep tariffs and create recurring revenue.
- Shifting from manufacturing to a service reframes the business and reduces location-based trade vulnerability.
Build Geographic Resilience
- Don't put all your eggs in one market or location; build production resilience across geographies.
- Consider opening a second facility closer to raw materials or key customers to hedge risk.