ExecutiveEDGE Podcast

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Abby White and Geert De Lombaerde break down the five most-read stories of the past month—and what they reveal about how executives are thinking right now. Leaders are weighing action against complexity across tariff refunds, supply chain resilience, geopolitical risk, cybersecurity during organizational change and proactive tax planning. The throughline? In a volatile environment, discipline, control and optionality matter as much as speed. Episode Resources Why Businesses Aren’t Rushing for Tariff Refunds: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/market-outlook/article/55363103/why-businesses-arent-rushing-for-tariff-refunds  Case Study: Building a Resilient Supply Chain in a Volatile World: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55368190/case-study-building-a-resilient-supply-chain-in-a-volatile-world  The Supply Chain Impacts of the Iran War: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/insights/whitepaper/55364170/the-supply-chain-impacts-of-the-iran-war  Protecting Data and Systems in Organizational Transitions: A Guide for Leaders: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/risk/article/55363110/protecting-data-and-systems-in-organizational-transitions-a-guide-for-leaders  Your Guide to Proactive Tax Planning: The Executive Tax Advantage: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/podcast/55362215/your-guide-to-proactive-tax-planning-the-executive-tax-advantage  Subscribe to ExecutiveEDGE https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe  Follow ExecutiveEDGE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566  X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B 

Tariffs are still squeezing margins—but most companies aren’t making major strategic changes. Why? In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we break down new data on how business leaders are responding to ongoing tariff pressure—and why many are choosing to wait rather than act. You’ll learn: How tariffs are impacting pricing, margins, and customers Why most companies are relying on short-term fixes The risks of delaying long-term strategy changes Where leaders can regain control through smarter cost management  Episode Resources  Tariffs One Year On: Leaders Are ‘Absorbing More Than Adapting, Waiting More Than Acting’ https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55369833/tariffs-one-year-on-leaders-are-absorbing-more-than-adapting-waiting-more-than-acting?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260415188&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

Executive confidence was climbing in early 2026—but new global shocks are putting that optimism to the test. In this episode, we break down fresh data from executive sentiment surveys and explore how CEOs and CFOs are responding to rising geopolitical tension, inflation concerns, and supply chain risk. Episode Resources  Confident C-Suites Face Up to a ‘Multidimensional Disruption’ https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55368652/confident-c-suites-face-up-to-a-multidimensional-disruption  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

Growth doesn’t always come from doing more—it often comes from doing less, better. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we explore why companies are trimming business lines, simplifying supply chains, and sharpening focus to improve margins in an increasingly volatile environment. From geopolitical pressures to persistent supply chain disruption, leaders are rethinking complexity—and discovering that simplification can be a powerful strategic advantage. Episode Resources  Making The Case For Slimming Down https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55365342/making-the-case-for-slimming-down?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260401236&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Abby White and Geert De Lombaerde break down the five most-read stories of the past month—and what they reveal about how executives are thinking right now. Rather than chasing quick wins, leaders are navigating uncertainty, recalibration, and risk management across tariffs, workforce engagement, AI adoption, and economic outlook. The throughline? Thoughtful decision-making is outweighing speed. Episode Resources  Why Businesses Aren’t Rushing for Tariff Refunds: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/market-outlook/article/55363103/why-businesses-arent-rushing-for-tariff-refunds   Roughly Half of Employees Are Quietly Checked Out. Here's What to Do About It: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55359683/roughly-half-of-employees-are-quietly-checked-out-heres-what-to-do-about-it  Ask the COO: How to Find and Sustain Alignment with Your CEO: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55358261/ask-the-coo-how-to-find-and-sustain-alignment-with-your-ceo   Transforming Supply Chain Forecasting with AI: Strategies for Leaders: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/technology/article/55361551/transforming-supply-chain-forecasting-with-ai-strategies-for-leaders   A Data Disconnect? Caution Aplenty on Earnings Calls as Some Indicators Turn Up: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55356950/a-data-disconnect-caution-aplenty-on-earnings-calls-as-some-indicators-turn-up   Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

Efficiency is back at the center of the executive playbook—and not just because of AI. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we examine why many companies are still driving productivity gains the old-fashioned way. While artificial intelligence dominates headlines, leadership teams across industries continue to rely on tighter staffing, stricter spending, and more disciplined operations to improve performance. As geopolitical tensions rise and energy costs remain volatile, the pressure to do more with less is only intensifying—making efficiency not just a tactic, but a strategic necessity. Episode Resources  More With Less Still Reigns Supreme https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55364021/more-with-less-still-reigns-supreme?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260317123&o_eid=&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|&oly_enc_id= Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

Taxes don’t just affect what you owe each year—they influence major financial decisions. In this sponsored episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt, chats with Geert De Lombaerde about how proactive tax planning can shape investment decisions, cash flow management, and long-term wealth strategies. This episode continues The Executive Tax Advantage, a two-part series exploring how leaders can turn tax planning into a strategic advantage. If you missed part 1, listen here. This episode is sponsored by Gelt. To learn more about Gelt, please visit www.joingelt.com

Most executives think about taxes once a year and that may be the problem. In this sponsored episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Rachel Richards, CPA of Gelt, chats with Geert De Lombaerde about why tax planning should be proactive—not reactive—and how executives can avoid costly surprises by integrating tax strategy into their broader financial planning. This conversation kicks off The Executive Tax Advantage, a two-part series exploring how leaders can turn tax planning into a strategic advantage. This episode is sponsored by Gelt. To learn more about Gelt, please visit www.joingelt.com

Quiet quitting never really left—it just became harder to spot. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we take a closer look at why employee engagement remains stubbornly low and what leaders can actually do to reverse it. As uncertainty, inflation, and AI continue to reshape work, organizations need employees who are invested, energized, and willing to contribute beyond the minimum. This conversation moves past surface-level engagement tactics and focuses on the leadership systems, trust dynamics, and accountability structures that determine whether engagement improves—or continues to erode. Episode Resources  Roughly Half of Employees Are Quietly Checked Out. Here's What to Do About It. https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55359683/roughly-half-of-employees-are-quietly-checked-out-heres-what-to-do-about-it?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260224124&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we examine the growing disconnect between what executives are saying on earnings calls and what investors and economic indicators appear to be betting on. While many companies are striking a cautious tone, select data points suggest momentum may be building beneath the surface. Episode Resources  A Data Disconnect? Caution Aplenty on Earnings Calls as Some Indicators Turn Up https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55356950/a-data-disconnect-caution-aplenty-on-earnings-calls-as-some-indicators-turn-up  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

The alarm bells around workforce readiness are getting louder—but are leaders truly responding, or just reacting? In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we take a high-level look at the growing disconnect between workforce development rhetoric and real-world outcomes. As investment pours into infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing, the availability of skilled labor is emerging as a defining constraint on growth. Rather than revisiting familiar talking points, this conversation challenges listeners to rethink how workforce development is framed, funded, and prioritized—particularly at scale. Episode Resources The Alarm Bell is Ringing When it Comes to Talent. But Is More Pain Required? https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55354467/the-alarm-bell-is-ringing-when-it-comes-to-talent-but-is-more-pain-required?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260210122&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

After years of constant disruption, supply chain leaders finally have an opportunity to move from crisis response to engineered resilience. In this episode of the ExecutiveEDGE Podcast, we explore what supply chain success in 2026 really looks like—and why it depends as much on relationships as it does on technology. Industry experts share why transparency, trust, and collaboration are replacing gatekeeping and transactional thinking. From balancing AI-powered tools with old-fashioned phone calls to rewarding suppliers for resilience and innovation—not just price—this episode reframes how leaders can build stability in an unpredictable world. Episode Resouces  Supply-Chain Success in ’26 Calls For ‘Intimacy’ and a Little of the Old-Fashioned Way https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/risk/article/55343592/supply-chain-success-in-26-calls-for-intimacy-and-a-little-of-the-old-fashioned-way Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B https://www.tech.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337030/balancing-legacy-and-innovation-the-bud… 

Scaling is where startups either grow—or blow up. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, LegalZoom co-founder Eddie Hartman shares key lessons leaders need to avoid growth traps and build scalable momentum beyond early traction. We also explore the human side of AI adoption at work—why uncertainty is rising for many employees and how leadership can build trust, communication, and training pathways that drive engagement instead of anxiety. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why scaling requires more than one growth strategy What leaders miss when early momentum starts to stall How AI adoption is impacting employee confidence What leadership can do to build trust and readiness Subscribe to ExecutiveEDGE for strategic insights that help leaders move first—and move right Balancing Growth Strategies: How Startups Can Avoid the Single-Engine Trap https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55352133/scaling-your-startup-heres-how-to-do-it-while-avoiding-the-traps?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260121175&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Survey: AI Has 20% of Workers Feeling Anxious or Disengaged From Their Jobs https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55343064/survey-ai-has-20-of-workers-feeling-anxious-or-disengaged-from-their-jobs?utm_source=ExcEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260121175&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B https://www.tech.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337030/balancing-legacy-and-innovation-the-bud… 

AI isn’t just accelerating work—it’s reshaping leadership. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, Jess Mann speaks with AI futurist Lucas Root, PhD about the rise of the “Super Manager” and why executives must evolve from decision-makers to systems architects in an AI-powered world. We also share practical resilience strategies to help leaders start 2026 strong, avoid burnout, and protect their energy, focus, and performance in a high-pressure environment. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the “Super Manager” is and why leadership is shifting How AI changes authority, expertise, and decision-making speed Why curiosity and collaboration are emerging leadership advantages Simple resilience tactics to prevent burnout and sustain momentum Episode Resources The Rise of the Supermanager: Redefining Leadership in the AI Era https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55343292/executive-role-recalibration-in-the-ai-era-the-rise-of-the-supermanager?utm_source=ExecutiveEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260113136&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Building Resilience: How Leaders Can Overcome Burnout and Achieve Goals in 2026 https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55343287/how-to-avoid-feeling-shot-out-of-a-cannon-in-the-new-year?utm_source=ExecutiveEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260113136&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B https://www.tech.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337030/balancing-legacy-and-innovation-the-budget-battleground-in-it-planning 

As leaders kick off 2026, return-to-office mandates are back in the spotlight—but the real issue isn’t location. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we explore what workplace policies reveal about trust, transparency, and company culture. We also break down how Avnet is scaling AI responsibly through a governance-first approach—improving supply chain visibility, forecasting accuracy, and resilience while keeping people at the center of transformation. In this episode, you’ll learn: What workforce data says about remote and hybrid work Why return-to-office mandates often test culture more than productivity How governance enables AI to scale beyond pilots Why training and change management drive AI ROI Resources:  Hybrid, Remote and RTO: Framing the Workspace Debate for ’26 https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/workforce/article/55339163/hybrid-remote-and-rto-framing-the-workspace-debate-for-26?utm_source=ExecutiveEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS260107189&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Case Study: Inside Avnet’s AI Playbook — Governance-First Innovation in a Global Supply Chain https://www.tech.endeavoredge.com/innovation/article/55339788/case-study-inside-avnets-ai-playbook-governance-first-innovation-in-a-global-supply-chain?utm_source=TechEDGE+NL&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CPS251230122&o_eid=1789B5875812D4V&rdx.ident[pull]=omeda|1789B5875812D4V&oly_enc_id=1789B5875812D4V  Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a measurable driver of profitability. In this episode of ExecutiveEDGE, we explore why leaders must elevate resilience from reactive cost-cutting to a core strategic capability tied directly to performance. We also examine the growing budget battleground in IT, breaking down how executives can modernize legacy systems, scale AI responsibly, and prioritize investments without expanding budgets. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why resilience should be treated as a profit-linked strategy How cross-training and preparedness improve performance Where leaders are investing to strengthen resilience How to balance legacy systems with innovation A clearer framework for prioritizing IT spend Episode Resources Ramping Resilience Into a Strategic Pillar https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55338181/ramping-resilience-into-a-strategic-pillar Balancing Legacy and Innovation: The Budget Battleground in IT Planning https://www.tech.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337030/balancing-legacy-and-innovation-the-budget-battleground-in-it-planning Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B Website: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/

With M&A activity picking up, this episode of ExecutiveEDGE explores how business owners can prepare for a smoother exit and avoid common pitfalls in the sale process. We also break down why customer loyalty has become a board-level growth signal—and how leaders should track it alongside revenue, risk, and performance. Subscribe to ExecutiveEDGE for insights that help you move first and move right.   Episode Resources Looking to Exit? How to Smooth Out the Sale Process https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337532/looking-to-exit-how-to-smooth-out-… Customer Loyalty Just Got a Board Seat https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55338832/customer-loyalty-just-got-a-board-… Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B Website: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/

Mergers and acquisitions are officially heating up again—and the playbook has changed. In this episode of The Executive Edge, we break down why U.S. deal value is on track to surpass $2 trillion in 2025, what’s driving fierce buyer competition, and how leaders can position their businesses as top-tier acquisition targets. We also explore the renewed relevance of case studies in a fast-moving, AI-driven business landscape, revealing why this classic storytelling tool is becoming a strategic advantage for executives. Episode Resources  M&A is Back. What to Know About Joining the Hunt https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55336517/ma-is-back-what-to-know-about-join… Are Case Studies Worth the Effort? https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55337371/are-case-studies-worth-the-effort?… Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B Website: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/

On this episode of the ExecutiveEdge we unpack the latest ExecutiveEdge Newsletter, diving into how many organizations have started booking real gains from their work with the technology, sharing how a few critical priorities can help your team book similar successes. We also cover how revenue operations aligns marketing, sales, and customer success around a single, measurable system to turn scattered data into coordinated actions that drive revenue growth and retention.   Episode Resource (Breaking Down Silos: RevOps Reinvents Marketing/Sales Dynamic to Accelerate Growth) https://www.marketing.endeavoredge.com/strategy/article/55329996/breaking-down-silos-revops-reinven…   Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B Website: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/

On this episode of the ExecutiveEdge we unpack the latest ExecutiveEdge Newsletter, highlighting insights from Lauren Saidel-Baker of ITR for 2026 planning through an economic lens. We also dive into how amid inflation, tech shifts and global tension, scenario planning can help leaders navigate uncertainty, sharing tips on how to scenario plan to make an impact in your company!    Subscribe to the ExecutiveEdge https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/subscribe   Follow the ExecutiveEdge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/executive-edge-endeavorb2b/?viewAsMember=true Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581825235566 X: https://x.com/ExecEdgeB2B Website: https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/

Welcome to The ExecutiveEDGE Podcast — your inside track to the intelligence that powers strategic business decisions. Backed by North America’s largest B2B newsroom, we deliver precision-crafted analysis to help you see around corners and lead with confidence. Each episode cuts through the noise with actionable insights in Strategy, Market Outlook, Technology, Workforce, and Risk — giving you the clarity to move first and move right. Subscribe today and join the ranks of executives shaping the future of business with clarity and confidence. https://www.executive.endeavoredge.com/