The CEO Radar Q3 2025: 'No Regret' Moves for CEOs Facing Uncertainty
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Jul 21, 2025 
Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares his expertise on navigating economic uncertainty as CEOs face rising tariffs and a potential downturn. He discusses the historical increase in CEO concerns about market stability and the evolving role of leadership in today’s complex environment. Lesser emphasizes the importance of supply chain resilience and the use of AI as a strategic advantage. The conversation also highlights how personalization can be a key differentiator in building stronger customer relationships during turbulent times.
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Tariffs Mask Broader Economic Anxiety
- Tariffs dominated Q2 earnings calls while mentions of uncertainty hit a decade high.
- Analysts' references to economic slowdown rose ~450% quarter-on-quarter, signaling market worry.
Consumers Trade Down Amid Caution
- Consumers in Europe and the U.S. are more cautious and trading down toward private labels.
- Travel and technology spend remain resilient while household purchases soften.
Three Horizon Playbook For CEOs
- Set up a tariff command center to run scenarios and take no-regret actions now.
- Invest in productivity and deep customer relationships using AI over 1–2 years, then scale AI initiatives across the business.