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CEOs Shift from Uncertainty to Growth Opportunities

Amid a transforming global economic landscape, chief executives express growing optimism regarding their capacity to confront new risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. The latest findings from the Fall 2025 Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey reveal a stark contrast to the pessimism noted earlier this year. While the Spring survey highlighted concerns about economic stability, the Fall results show an increased confidence among CEOs, with optimism regarding the global economy doubling from 14% to 28%.

Key Findings and Insights

The survey illustrates that a significant segment of CEOs is re-evaluating their operational strategies in response to external pressures, such as economic and trade policy uncertainties.

• - Cost Management and Pricing Strategies: In preparation for potential challenges, 80% of leaders plan to implement cost-cutting measures, and 64% anticipate raising prices for their products and services. This proactive approach highlights the need for businesses to remain agile in a fluctuating market.
• - Balancing Risks with Opportunities: Half of the CEOs surveyed perceive that the effects of tariffs present a mixture of both risks and benefits for their organizations. Interestingly, 78% predict that the overall impact on the U.S. economy will lean more towards risks than benefits, indicating a cautious outlook.

Implications of AI and Emerging Technologies

The survey also spotlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping future enterprise strategies. Approximately 68% of CEOs foresee a moderate to significant influence of AI on their organizational outlook. To gauge the effect of AI on their business, 84% are actively monitoring cost savings and operational efficiencies, while 64% are assessing how employees are adopting AI technologies. Moreover, CEOs are aware that fostering a technological culture starts with leadership. Consequently, 69% are crafting AI usage policies, and 56% are striving to create an ethical AI culture within their companies.

The View Ahead: Strategies for Sustainable Growth

With the reintroduction of reciprocal tariffs earlier this year, executives are adopting a more favorable viewpoint regarding the global economy and their own corporate health. For those leading influential global firms, recalibrating strategies is imperative for positioning their organizations for sustainable growth.

• - Supply Chain Resilience: To drive efficiency and enhance agility, CEOs are focusing on reinforcing their supply chains. This adaptive strategy is critical, especially amidst continuous disruptions in global supply networks.
• - Leadership and Ethical Practices: As the global business environment evolves, promoting stability and growth is paramount. CEOs acknowledge this reality—prompting them to prioritize risk management and ethical considerations, particularly surrounding emerging technologies.

Quotes from CEOs

Jason Girzadas, CEO of Deloitte US, commented, "With renewed optimism this fall, CEOs are focused on stability and growth. After months of uncertainty around policy and economic shifts, they're recalibrating to cut costs where needed, strengthen supply chains, and apply AI to boost efficiency and resilience." Similarly, Diane Brady, Executive Editorial Director of Fortune Live Media, emphasized the importance of recognizing the evolving global business landscape: "This survey is a reminder that global leaders are focused on the international market, where new opportunities are rising even amid challenges."

Challenges and Workforces

Despite the positive outlook, the survey does spotlight some significant challenges. CEOs identified ongoing workforce issues as top concerns, including talent shortages, skill gaps, and the adaptability of employees to rapid changes in market demands. Addressing these challenges becomes essential to fully harnessing the potential of AI and other technological advancements to drive sustainable growth.

Conclusion

The Fall 2025 Fortune/Deloitte CEO Survey serves as a crucial barometer for business leaders navigating a complex economic landscape. The insights from this survey underscore a vital transition from uncertainty towards informed, strategic optimism, emphasizing the need for resilience, technological adaptability, and a renewed focus on ethical leadership practices.