Leslie Rohonczy, IMC™, PCC, Executive Coach, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Author
In a move driven by short-term political interests, Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and China has thrown our economic landscape into turmoil. As markets react, Canadian businesses are bracing for uncertainty and rethinking their strategies for resilience.
But Donald Trump’s trade war isn’t just a policy decision – it’s a disruption sending shockwaves through global markets. Canadian leaders now face an era where economic and political uncertainty isn’t just a possibility; it’s a daily reality. Supply chains are disrupted, key industries face instability, and businesses are left wondering how to adapt in a climate of unpredictability.
This fundamental shift in the way global trade and leadership operate is creating ripple effects of protectionist policies, retaliatory tariffs, and market instability that not only impacts corporate strategy, but also the livelihoods of Canadian families (Canada announces robust tariff package in response to unjustified US tariffs, 2025.
As an executive leader, you may find yourself wondering: How do I navigate this turmoil while maintaining stability for my organization and my team? The good news? You’re not alone. And you have more choices than you may realize.
THE NEW REALITY: CHALLENGES FACING CANADIAN EXECUTIVES
Change isn’t just coming – it’s already here. Many Canadian leaders find themselves:
Grappling with career transitions and shifting roles as industries restructure in response to new tariffs and market instability, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, and natural resources (Canadian factory PMI tumbles as tariff uncertainty hits sentiment, 2025.)
Struggling to keep employees engaged amid uncertainty, as fear of job losses and financial strain grows – especially in trade-dependent regions like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Managing organizational change with limited clarity on the path forward due to fluctuating trade agreements and unpredictable policy shifts, including Canada’s ongoing negotiations within USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).
Facing decision fatigue, making high-stakes choices daily about cost-cutting, diversifying markets, supply chain adjustments, and workforce management in response to the impact of tariffs on steel, aluminum, and automotive exports.
At the same time, leaders must balance financial sustainability, regulatory changes, and technological advancements that are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. The ability to stay grounded, agile, and forward-thinking will determine who thrives in this new reality (PwC Canada CEO Survey: Adapting to economic uncertainty, 2025.)
STAYING GROUNDED AS THE GROUND SHIFTS
1. NAVIGATE WITH A STRONG INTERNAL COMPASS
Your past experiences – both successes and failures – are invaluable. Reflect on what worked, and what didn’t. Honest self-assessment allows you to see where your strengths lie and where growth is needed. Leadership resilience starts with self-awareness.
In the face of shifting trade policies, having a clear set of leadership principles can serve as your anchor AND your compass. Take time to revisit your core values. What principles have guided your best decisions in the past? Aligning your leadership with these values fosters consistency, even in turbulent times (see my previous article that covers key leadership strategies in Leading Through Economic Uncertainty.)
2. RETHINK GOALS: FROM SURVIVAL TO STRATEGY
The brain craves direction. Neuroscience tells us that goals tied to clear rewards become habits more easily. Whether you’re leading a transformation or stabilizing your company, frame objectives in a way that motivates both yourself and your team: are you moving toward opportunity (growth mindset) or away from risk (fixed mindset)? The distinction matters.
For example, instead of reacting to trade restrictions with fear-driven cuts, reframe your approach: How can we reposition our business to capitalize on new markets or emerging trade agreements? Set three levels of goals with this question in mind: 1) short-term (adjusting strategy for immediate shifts); 2) mid-term (exploring alternative suppliers or partnerships, particularly within Canada and Europe through CETA, and especially as Provincial trade barriers fall); and 3) long-term (future-proofing your business against similar disruptions by diversifying exports beyond the U.S.). This structure ensures that no matter how unstable the present feels, you always have a guiding vision.
3. COLLABORATE OR COLLAPSE: WHY TEAMWORK MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
Many organizations are still structured around outdated competitive silos. But high-performing leaders know that success is collective. Redefine success within your teams by rewarding collaboration. Shared goals breed stronger, more adaptable teams.
And think beyond your own structure and resources: in the wake of supply chain disruptions, many Canadian companies have turned to industry alliances and local partnerships to navigate the challenges. Consider implementing cross-functional teams that bring together diverse perspectives from operations, finance, and strategy, with external partners and industry advisors, to create solutions that benefit your organization and the whole industry. Look to government-supported initiatives such as Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) and expertise from Canadian crown corporation Export Development Canada (EDC) for insights and funding options that can support businesses through this transition (Canada's big banks push for reforms in Ottawa to confront tariff risks - Reuters).
4. THE EMPATHY ADVANTAGE: LEADING WITH HUMANITY IN TURBULENT TIMES
People don’t just follow plans; they follow people. Employees are experiencing economic anxiety and are worried about job stability, rising costs, and business viability. Acknowledge their concerns. Adapt your communication to show that you understand their challenges. Trust is built in conversations, not in directives.
Regularly check in with your team – not just about work, but about their well-being. A simple “How are you managing these changes?” can open up valuable insights and strengthen trust. Transparency about company decisions in response to the trade war can also help alleviate uncertainty and prevent misinformation (See how Canadians are adapting in: Economic uncertainty has 83% of Canadians changing their financial habits, 2025.
HOW EXECUTIVE COACHING CAN FUTURE-PROOF YOUR LEADERSHIP
Even the best leaders need a space to step back, reflect, and refine their strategies. Executive coaching provides that, offering tailored guidance, accountability, and fresh perspectives. Through deep conversations, structured frameworks, and actionable strategies, executive coaching helps leaders:
Gain clarity in decision-making amid economic and trade instability.
Build confidence in leading through uncertainty and market shifts.
Strengthen their leadership EQ ‘super-power’: developing your emotional intelligence can guide employees through financial and operational stress.
Identify blind spots that may be limiting strategic thinking in crisis management.
Coaching isn’t about fixing what’s broken – it’s about elevating what already exists. Leaders who invest in their own development create stronger, more resilient organizations that can withstand geopolitical turbulence. (Discover how strong leadership is shaping the future in Celebrating visionary leadership at a critical moment for Canada, 2025).
THE CONVERSATION THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING
You don’t have to navigate this alone. The strongest leaders are not those who stand alone – they are the ones who know when to seek support, challenge their perspectives, and adapt to change with purpose. If you’re ready to explore how executive coaching can help you lead with clarity, confidence, and resilience, let’s talk. Schedule a free discovery consultation to see how you can turn today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s strength. Powerful coaching conversations can make all the difference.