Winning in Turbulent Times:

The NACD Three Rivers Chapter welcomed directors and business leaders for the second installment of its "Tariffs & Tensions" series, Winning in Turbulent Times: Geopolitical Risk, Tariffs and Enterprise Strategy. The timely discussion explored how today's rapidly evolving geopolitical environment is reshaping corporate strategy, governance, and risk oversight.

Moderator Amy Pandit was joined by Jim Sullivan, President and Chief Transformation Officer at Koppers, and Erin Ickes, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Human Resources at American Textile Company, who shared practical perspectives on navigating ongoing trade policy uncertainty, supply chain disruption, and geopolitical volatility.

Panelists examined the business implications of recent tariff developments, including the Supreme Court's ruling on IEEPA tariffs, evolving global trade relationships, and the increasing role of government in private enterprise. The discussion highlighted how organizations are strengthening supply chain resilience, diversifying sourcing strategies, employing scenario planning, and balancing cost pressures while remaining competitive in an increasingly unpredictable environment.

The conversation also explored broader boardroom considerations, including the effects of global conflicts on energy and raw material costs, the importance of advocacy and engagement with policymakers, risk management strategies such as hedging and value engineering, and the need for directors to encourage agile decision-making rather than reactive responses.

Attendees left with practical insights into how boards and executive teams can strengthen resilience, evaluate strategic risks, and position their organizations to adapt amid continued geopolitical and economic uncertainty.

The discussion emphasized the following themes:

• Geopolitical risk is now a core business and boardroom priority.
• Tariffs continue to reshape global business strategy.
• Supply chain diversification builds resilience.
• Scenario planning improves preparedness.
• Agile decision-making is critical in uncertain markets.
• Risk management goes beyond compliance.
• Boards should proactively oversee strategic risk.
• Cost pressures require flexible business strategies.
• Government policy increasingly influences business decisions.
• Long-term resilience creates competitive advantage.

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