C.E.O.s Grapple with Uncertainty, Politics, and AI's Impact

From trade wars to workforce disruption, corporate leaders have a long list of worries in 2026

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In the second year of President Trump's second term, chief executives are navigating a complex landscape of economic uncertainty, political tensions, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. They must balance short-term priorities like boosting revenue and profits with longer-term challenges like preparing their workforce for the impact of AI. Corporate leaders are also weighing when and how to engage with the administration's policies that affect their employees, customers, and investors.

Why it matters

As the economy sends mixed signals, C.E.O.s are under pressure to find new avenues for growth while also addressing the societal implications of technological change. Their decisions on issues like trade, immigration, and AI will have far-reaching impacts on workers, consumers, and the broader business environment.

The details

Corporate leaders are grappling with a range of pressing issues, from the unpredictable shifts in tariffs and trade restrictions to the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. They must balance short-term goals like boosting revenue and profits with longer-term challenges like preparing their workforce for the disruptive effects of AI. C.E.O.s are also navigating the political landscape, weighing when and how to engage with the Trump administration's policies that affect their employees, customers, and investors.

  • President Trump is currently serving his second term, which began in 2025.

The players

Rich Lesser

The global chair of the Boston Consulting Group, a professional services firm.

Jeremy Allaire

The chief executive of Circle, a major issuer of crypto stablecoins.

Julie Sweet

The chief executive of Accenture, a global consulting firm.

Bipul Sinha

The chief executive of Rubrik, a cybersecurity company.

Juvencio Maeztu

The chief executive of Ingka Group, the main operator of IKEA stores around the world.

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What they’re saying

“Growth is hard work. The economy's OK. On a global base, the economy is at around 3 percent growth. That's fine, but almost no company is satisfied with being at 3 percent. They all want to be meaningfully north of that. So how do you find growth right now, particularly in places where consumers are more challenged?”

— Rich Lesser, global chair of the Boston Consulting Group (dnyuz.com)

“I need to be thinking about things that are going to happen in three or four or five years, and I need to be thinking about what's happening tomorrow. Management teams tend to be more focused on the immediate. Part of my job is helping them and helping the company take permission to take on some things that have a longer burn.”

— Jeremy Allaire, chief executive of Circle (dnyuz.com)

“When there's a lot of uncertainty, we need to focus on economic growth, which you do by growing your company in a responsible manner. Almost every problem right now really comes down to growth.”

— Julie Sweet, chief executive of Accenture (dnyuz.com)

“Our job as C.E.O.s is to look at nation-state geopolitics, business, A.I. implications and risks, job displacement, job training, and we have to harmonize all of it to create a coherent strategy that lets our businesses continue to grow. That's what we get paid for.”

— Bipul Sinha, chief executive of Rubrik (dnyuz.com)

“You know what is one of the biggest mistakes that a C.E.O. makes? That the role takes over the persona. We have to be authentic, we have to genuine, and by doing that you create a culture where authenticity is a living reality. Then people will trust companies because they will trust employees.”

— Juvencio Maeztu, chief executive of Ingka Group (dnyuz.com)

The takeaway

C.E.O.s are navigating a complex web of economic, political, and technological challenges in 2026, from trade wars and policy uncertainty to the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence. Their ability to balance short-term priorities with long-term strategic planning will be crucial in determining the success and resilience of their companies and the broader business environment.