Financial analysts were far more prepared than most CEOs for the US tariffs announced on April 2. Analysts, who serve as a proxy for the financial markets, anticipated tariffs would soon be an enormous issue, mentioning the topic 62% more often than did CEOs during Q1 earnings calls. That’s the conclusion of the second edition of the CEO Radar—a tool to help CEOs determine which issues truly deserve their time and attention. It unpacks the leading topics discussed on almost 4,900 earnings calls worldwide in Q1 2025, enabling chief executives to compare their agendas to those of their peers, and to the market’s expectations. On this episode of the CEO Radar Podcast, Edward Adams of Bloomberg Media Studios is joined by BCG Global Chair Rich Lesser and Michael Brigl, Head of BCG’s Central European practice, to discuss how tariffs are likely to have a long-term effect on corporate operations.

Listen to CEO Radar: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/immersive-story/the-ceo-radar-q2-2025

Global trade is entering a new phase marked by unpredictability. Marc Gilbert and Michael McAdoo discuss how companies can respond by building supply chain flexibility, strengthening scenario planning, and enhancing their understanding of geopolitical developments.

Learn More:

Marc Gilbert: https://on.bcg.com/3SpNytS

Michael McAdoo: https://on.bcg.com/4iQA6Ku

BCG’s Center on Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.com/3EA5A9A

There’s Nowhere to Hide as Tariffs Reshape Global Trade: https://on.bcg.com/44RLO47

How Tariffs Are Shaping Investor Expectations: https://on.bcg.com/4iQA5pU

The Global South isn’t standing still as tariffs and uncertainty roil financial markets and business plans. Aparna Bharadwaj, leader of BCG’s Global Advantage practice, explains how these nations are forming smart partnerships and moving from low-cost production to innovation-powered impact.

Learn More:

Aparna Bharadwaj: https://on.bcg.com/4cIKW3V

In a Multipolar World, the Global South Finds Its Moment: https://on.bcg.com/42UhQLn

BCG on Emerging Markets: https://on.bcg.com/4cMJ9e4

BCG's Center for Geopolitics: https://on.bcg.com/3EA5A9A

[00:00] Aparna's 'So What'

[02:18] The Global South From Its Own Perspective

[04:12] Common Themes In The Global South

[07:43] Climate And Sustainability

[08:47] How Countries Are Navigating Their Own Paths

[11:08] China's Role In The Global South

[13:28] How Leaders In The Global North Can Flip The Narrative

[14:53] Emerging Industries In The Global South

[17:15] The Global South Is A Positive Story

[18:31] The Future Of Global Commerce

[20:21] Advice To Leaders In The Global South

[21:26] The 'Now What'