By Lisa Taylor

In past crises, like the COVID-19 pandemic and 2008 financial meltdown, business leaders focused on immediate survival. They tightened operations, preserved cash flow, and sought a competitive edge, believing that if they could just get through it, all would be well and innovation or business opportunity might even come from the upheaval.

But today’s challenges aren’t temporary disruptions. What Canadian organizations face now aren’t just business challenges—they’re systemic shifts and realignments that demand a broader, deeper perspective. No amount of optimizing business operations will secure long-term success if leaders fail to grasp the changing domestic and international landscapes in which they operate.

Rethinking how we read the moment

If you’re only looking inside your organization for solutions, you’re looking in the wrong place. Instead of another business book promising quick fixes, I recommend three rigorously researched works—written by a political scientist, a historian, and an economist—that provide frameworks leaders need to navigate the road ahead.

These aren’t quick reads. They are dense and detailed. But together, they help us see the long game, where Canadian organizations don’t just react to change, but strategically position themselves to compete and lead on the global stage.

What I’m reading

Canada Alone: Navigating the Post-American World

By Kim Richard Nossal

Why it matters: Canada’s economic and geopolitical assumptions are outdated. Amidst shifting global power dynamics, businesses that rely on traditional trade and economic policies are at risk. To succeed, Canadian leaders must develop agility in navigating a world where alliances, markets, and political dynamics are in flux.

The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy – What the Cycles of History Tell Us About America’s Next Rendezvous with Destiny

By William Strauss and Neil Howe

Why it matters: History moves in cycles, and we’re in a period of crisis-driven transformations. Ignoring these cycles, including intergenerational dynamics, leaves businesses vulnerable. Leaders who recognize the patterns can anticipate disruption, adapt, and position themselves for resilience in the rebuilding phase.

Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America’s Future

By Jean M. Twenge

Why it matters: Workforces are shifting, and intergenerational expectations are reshaping leadership. The Silent Generation, shaped by wartime scarcity and rapid geopolitical change, offers lessons in pragmatic leadership and adaptability. Businesses that apply these lessons will be better equipped to thrive in an era of instability and changing consumer and workforce expectations.

Leading beyond business strategy

Focusing only on operations alone won’t future-proof your business. Leaders need a clear understanding of the economic, political, and generational forces at play. What we once assumed about markets, partnerships, and growth no longer applies. This is where Challenge Factory helps leaders make sense of the shifting terrain and identify new opportunities.

3 actions for leaders today

1. Zoom out.

The world is changing. The biggest opportunities may lie in markets or partnerships you’ve never considered. If you look only to contain risks, you’ll be limited by ”wait and see” leadership that stalls your growth and have too few levers to pull that make a real difference. Thinking bigger unlocks new possibilities.

2. Keep your team focused while new patterns emerge.

While leaders rethink strategy, employees need stability. Encourage strong, consistent performance while allowing space for innovation. A growth mindset at every level prepares organizations to seize new opportunities.

3. Find your people.

If you’re intrigued by what’s possible but unsure where to start, connect with others who also see possibility. Very few Canadian small- to medium-sized businesses export globally. Challenge Factory is one of them. If you’d like to hear more about our story or need a partner to rethink what’s possible in today’s shifting economy, reach out.

The real leadership challenge

We talk to a lot of leaders across industries who are exhausted by years of instability and uncertainty. If you’re questioning whether you still want to do what you’re doing, but don’t know where to go next, let’s talk. Your future isn’t about holding on. It’s about stepping forward.

Ready to think bigger? Let’s talk.

The business world is shifting, and leaders who see the long game will thrive. If you want to explore how your organization can adapt and lead in this changing environment, let’s have a conversation. Book a call with Challenge Factory today.