Boggled by radically increased uncertainty You are not alone

RITA MCGRAHT THOUGT SPARKS

BOGGLED BY RADICALLY INCREASED UNCERTAINTY? YOU ARE NOT ALONE

EVENTS AT COLUMBIA, WE KICKED OFF THE TEACHING YEAR WITH A GREAT CUSTOM EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT BANK OF JAPAN. I ALWAYS APPRECIATE CONNECTING WITH PRACTITIONERS WHO ARE IN THE THICK OF STRATEGIC CHALLENGES, AND OUR PARTICIPANTS SAY THEY APPRECIATE THE TIME AWAY FROM THEIR DAY-TO-DAY TO SORT THROUGH THOSE CHALLENGES.

IN THE NEWS TikTok’s future in the United States remains unclear. I spoke with Kat Tenbarge at NBC about the early leanings of the Supreme Court. Also of note are the knock-on effects that small businesses could face, who otherwise rely on TikTok and in-app features like TikTok Shop as a stream of revenue. a larger ban on small businesses. (I even took to the app itself to discuss it!)

THOUGHT SPARKS Here are five business trends that I’m watching as we bear down on the uncertainty that 2025 is sure to bring.

The “retail apocalypse” has come for Party City after falling into the trap of emphasizing financial engineering rather than business reinvention. In contrast, Build-A-Bear Workshop pulled off a remarkable strategic transformation, led

by CEO Sharon Price John.

TOOLS – VALIZE ADVISORY About that disruption and uncertainty mentioned above – is your organization strategically equipped to handle this kind of change? Over at Valize, we’ve recently reinvigorated our Advisory offerings to help navigate this kind of constant uncertainty.

Between Early Warnings Systems that set up the infrastructure to help you see around corners, and Scenario Exploration Labs that foster complex problem-solving, there’s a solution for you. Get in touch with our Advisory team to learn more.

UPCOMING EVENTS If you’re looking to get back in the classroom, I’ll be teaching two sessions of Leading Strategic Growth and Change from March 1721 and June 23-27 at Columbia Business School. Leaders will gain the skills to drive real organizational transformation amid the uncertainty that 2025 is sure to bring -- be sure to save your spot in the course!

WANT TO SPARK SOME THINKING IN YOUR OWN ORGANIZATION? Book Now

THANK YOU https://thoughtsparks.substack.com/