Pivot & Pace co-founder Kendall Langston says businesses need to be agile if they want to thrive in this new era. Photo: Supplied
A business consultant says United States President Donald Trump's promised sweeping economic changes are going to make 2025 a tough year for businesses.
Expect the unexpected," strategy and implementation company Pivot & Pace co-founder Kendall Langston said.
"With international markets on edge as we wait for Trump's next move, businesses need to be more agile than ever if they're going to thrive in this new era.
"If Trump actions his economic agenda with the pace he has started his presidency we could be in for a rocky ride, and most Kiwi businesses aren't prepared."
To be prepared, Langston said boards needed to challenge their leaders.
"Leaders must be connected to their people, their organisation, and the markets they're in and have the skills to identify change early and adapt quickly."
Langston said communication was critical.
"Make sure you know your customer better than anyone else and have a laser-sharp focus on building strong relationships and growing your customer base."
He said businesses must see United States as a key customer, with latest Stats NZ data indicating it overtook Australia as the second largest export destination in last year, with a total value of $9 billion.
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