The Tariff Tangle: What Political Moves Mean for Business Owners
Tuesday’s election results revealed more than just political winners and losers, they exposed how deeply intertwined our government decisions are with the realities of business.
It’s a few days after Election Day, and while the headlines are still unfolding, I can’t help but reflect on what’s happening in real time: the Supreme Court is reviewing whether the current tariff strategy is constitutional, a new anti-establishment mayor just took over New York City, and women across the country swept major leadership roles.
On the surface, these stories may seem disconnected. But from where I sit, in the world of business growth, leadership, and operations, they share one powerful theme: leadership without due diligence leads to costly consequences.
The Tariff Question: A Case Study in Snap Judgments
For the past few months, the U.S. has leaned heavily on tariffs as an economic weapon, a way to “bring business back home.” The intent may have been noble, but the execution? Painfully shortsighted.
The rational used to approve tariff increases are being evaluated by the Supreme Court because they may not even pass constitutional muster. Meanwhile, their economic impact is clear: higher costs, lower margins, and shuttered small businesses.
The bigger issue isn’t just whether tariffs work. It’s the way they were implemented: quickly, reactively, and without a clear plan. In business, that’s the equivalent of announcing a major restructuring without financial models, risk assessments, or stakeholder buy-in. It’s chaos disguised as decisiveness.
When I think about this, I’m reminded of a corporate story from years ago, one where global leadership demanded an impossible three-month turnaround on a data migration project. The team was paralyzed until we stopped and asked one simple question: why?
That pause changed everything. It gave us time to explore alternatives, present real data, and design multiple scenarios. The board ultimately abandoned the impossible plan once they saw the risks laid bare.
That experience taught me something timeless: leaders don’t just declare; they investigate. They don’t react; they architect.
From Campaign Trail to City Hall: The Mandani Lesson
In New York City, newly elected Mayor Mandani has a bold vision, one that champions small businesses, living wages, and the working class. I respect that mission deeply. And there’s a lesson here for every new leader: what gets you elected won’t make you effective.
Mobilizing people with ideas is one thing. Implementing systemic change is another. Mandani’s energy and ideals are admirable, and influence in politics (and in business) doesn’t come from slogans, it comes from relationships.
Years ago, when I was a rising executive, I learned this the hard way. I had the results, the data, the performance track record, but no relationships. It took a seasoned COO to show me that results open doors, but relationships keep them open.
Leadership isn’t about demanding change. It’s about earning cooperation. That’s where real progress happens.
The Power Shift: Women Rising Everywhere
Amid the noise of policy debates and economic headlines, something else extraordinary happened this week: women won — big.
Two female governors, both seasoned professionals in male-dominated fields, are stepping into power. Countless women, and especially women of color, claimed first-time political victories across the country.
This matters more than we realize. Because when women step into power, they don’t just change the conversation, they change the systems that determine who gets to be in the room.
These wins remind me that collaboration, confidence, and clarity are not “soft skills.” They are strategic advantages. And the business world can take notes: when women support one another, claim their space, and lead unapologetically, the landscape shifts for everyone.
Slow Down to Lead Smarter
From tariffs to city politics to the rise of women in leadership, the message is clear: speed without strategy is dangerous.
Good leadership, whether in a government office or a boardroom, isn’t about being first or loudest. It’s about being right. It’s about taking the time to understand the ripple effects before you make the wave.
Because leadership is not about declaring “we’re doing this.” It’s about having the courage to ask, “Is this the best way?”
Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or just trying to navigate an unpredictable economy, take a page from this week’s headlines: Pause before you push. Build relationships before you demand change. And remember, real power isn’t in speed, it’s in strategy.
