2026 Economic Outlook: From Global Volatility to Boardroom Decisions

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This program offers directors a forward-looking and governance-focused examination of the economic, technological, and workforce disruptions expected to shape board decision-making in 2026. The opening keynote will establish the macroeconomic context by exploring inflation volatility, shifting capital markets, geopolitical instability, and the sector-specific shocks that will define organizational risk in the year ahead.

Building on that foundation, the panel will translate macro-level disruptions into the operational and strategic implications boards must oversee. The discussion will concentrate on three areas where economic volatility is creating immediate governance pressure:

• Supply-Chain Resilience and Operational Continuity
Directors will examine oversight of global sourcing risk, vendor concentration, logistics constraints, and enterprise continuity in an environment where supply-chain instability remains a persistent strategic threat. The session will connect macroeconomic turbulence directly to organizational resilience and long-term design decisions.

• AI, Automation, and Technology Governance
The conversation will explore how boards should evaluate AI-related investments, digital transformation priorities, and the governance implications of accelerating automation. This discussion extends beyond economic forecasting to address the strategic risks, opportunities, and oversight expectations associated with emerging technologies.

• Human Capital, Workforce Stability, and CEO-Pipeline Readiness
Directors will assess how workforce volatility, leadership capability gaps, and evolving labor-market dynamics affect organizational stability and succession planning. The panel will outline the governance responsibilities associated with maintaining leadership continuity and workforce adaptability during periods of economic stress.

By integrating economic insight with practical governance application, this program equips directors to sharpen oversight of capital allocation, liquidity posture, talent strategy, and long-term resilience planning amid sustained uncertainty.

After participating in this program, directors will be able to:

1. Interpret the macroeconomic trends expected to influence board decision-making in 2026, including inflation volatility, shifting capital markets, geopolitical pressures, and sector-specific disruptions.

2. Strengthen oversight of capital allocation, liquidity posture, and long-term investment discipline in an environment where economic signals are uncertain and financial conditions remain fluid.

3. Evaluate supply-chain resilience and operational continuity risks by understanding global sourcing exposure, vendor concentration issues, and logistics constraints linked to ongoing economic instability.

4. Assess the governance implications of AI, automation, and digital transformation, and apply appropriate board-level frameworks for overseeing emerging technologies and enterprise digital strategy.

5. Anticipate workforce and leadership disruptions tied to labor-market volatility, including succession durability, executive capability gaps, and organizational readiness for evolving talent demands.

6. Apply integrated resilience and scenario-planning frameworks to strengthen preparedness for unpredictable economic shocks and reinforce organizational stability during periods of volatility.

An NACD RTC Director Imperatives Program