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'

Nicolas de Bellefonds, BCG’s global AI leader, unpacks the myths, challenges, and real potential of AI agents. They can transform how work gets done if companies stop chasing shortcuts, rethink outdated processes, and prepare for the costs and complexity that come with real change.

Learn More:

Nicolas de Bellefonds: https://on.bcg.com/4lr0Dkh

BCG’s Latest Thinking on AI: https://on.bcg.com/3Y1NHaq

The CEO’s Workout for Peak AI Performance: https://on.bcg.com/44opFtV

From Potential to Profit: Closing the AI Impact Gap: https://on.bcg.com/3XZBGSL

Chapters:

[0:25] Nico’s So What

[1:16] What Are Agents?

[3:57] What Problems Do Agents Solve?

[5:56] How Do Agents Affect Processes?

[7:50] What Should Leaders Focus On?

[9:06] How Do You Start Improving Data and Infrastructure?

[10:24] What Are the Biggest Challenges?

[13:48] What Is Next?

[14:49] How Close Are We to AGI?

[15:43] What Are the Risks?

[17:13] Now What?

By the year 2035, we will likely be able to utilize AI to crunch complex data sets and produce far more accurate predictions of the future, for everything from stock market fluctuations to consumer trends. Already, meteorologists are using AI to improve weather forecasting—for instance, by more accurately predicting when a hurricane will make landfall. But BCG’s Alan Iny says this does not mean that business leaders will be able to dispense with planning for multiple scenarios. Predictions will never be perfect—and everyone will have access to the same tools—so strategic planning will remain critical even as it evolves in new ways.

Learn More:

Imagine This: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-general-show09

Alan Iny: https://on.bcg.com/4fCNDo5

Are Leaders as Prepared for Strategic Risks as They Think They Are?: https://on.bcg.com/3AXqw8J

BCG on Corporate Finance and Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/496c3Ek

CEO Moments of Truth: https://on.bcg.com/ITMoT

Karin von Funck, BCG’s global lead for zero-based transformation, explains why great cost transformation goes beyond spreadsheets. The best companies don’t slash expenses. They have a deep understanding of what drives value, a rigorous approach to spending, and a culture that supports smart decision making. Quick cuts may deliver short-term relief but can erode long-term growth—as well as the trust of employees.

Learn More:

Karin von Funck: https://on.bcg.com/4iBZXqn

BCG Latest Thinking on Cost: https://on.bcg.com/4iU0RhB

Cost Management Remains an Executive Priority in 2025: https://on.bcg.com/41VTsYm

For years, extended reality (XR) has waited to find its place in business. New lightweight, AI-enabled headsets are bringing the power of AI to the frontline. Tibor Mérey, BCG’s global business leader in frontier tech, explains how XR can boost productivity and address labor shortages. But will workers embrace it?

Tibor Mérey: https://on.bcg.com/43l9LQI

BCG’s Latest Thinking on Technology, Media, and Telecommunications: https://on.bcg.com/4hek0JY

BCG on Augmented and Virtual Reality: https://on.bcg.com/4hcx0zu

Seeing the World Through AI Glasses: https://lnk.to/imagine-this-Woolsey-smartglasses09

HR is no longer just about managing people—it’s about shaping the future of work. Jens Baier, BCG’s HR transformation expert, discusses how AI and shifting employee expectations are forcing companies to rethink talent strategies. From re-recruiting to upskilling employees, HR must adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.

Learn More:

Jens Baier: https://on.bcg.com/41ca7Gv

BCG on People Strategy: https://on.bcg.com/3QtAjro

Decoding Global Talent: https://on.bcg.com/4gUC4IT