For 80 years, the US anchored the global system. Now, uncertainty reigns. Will America turn inward, fuelling division and instability, or recalibrate and remain a key—if less dominant—global player? For business leaders, preparing for both futures is essential as geopolitics becomes a central concern. Which path will rise, and how will you navigate the complexity ahead?

The pace and pattern of change today demands more than traditional leadership instincts. In a world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, clarity is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic asset. This short piece explores the structural shifts I believe every senior leader should understand—from fracturing global trust and economic headwinds, to demographic divergence and the strategic implications of the energy transition.

Wickett Advisory May 2025 Insights This month I’ve been focused on what I am trying to achieve, for myself and my business. My behaviour...

It’s time to talk about optimism. Not the fluffy kind. Not delusion or denial. But serious, grounded, strategic optimism. The kind that helps us see possibility amidst uncertainty. The kind that fuels bold decisions and creative action. The kind that helps you lead. Because here’s the truth: optimism is not the opposite of realism. It’s part of it.

We’re living through a new kind of uncertainty. Not the occasional shock or unexpected shift—but a persistent, ambient instability. Markets are jittery. Geopolitical tensions simmer. Generative AI, climate risk, culture wars—none of these pressures are new, but they’re now combining in ways that feel relentless. For business leaders, the challenge isn’t just to respond. It’s to lead through the fog. This is a conversation I’ve been having recently with quite a lot of CEOs.

Xenia Wickett - Wickett Advisory April 2025 Insights Something shifted in September last year that has put my business on a new...

What is President Trump trying to achieve with his tariffs? Until we answer that, it’s hard for governments or businesses to know how to respond—or how to get the tariffs lifted. Here's what I’m hearing - there are four rationales...

When you’re stuck-looping through the same problem overthinking decisions, one of the most effective strategies is change your perspective

I am not an apologist for Donald Trump. Much of what he’s doing—and how he’s doing it—is reprehensible and damaging, not just for the U.S.

I’ve just returned from a week on the East Coast—New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C. Here are my first impressions.

Xenia Wickett - Wickett Advisory Welcome to January 2025 Insights. I hope the year has started well for you. A couple of weeks ago, I...

In my work, I often talk about the importance of distinguishing signal from noise. Trump is a master at creating a noisy environment

Despite growing geopolitical tensions, 2025 is poised to be a favourable year for the ‘haves,’ particularly in the United States.

An independent perspective on the 2024 US election prediction 30 days before the polls. What you need to know.

The world today is more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous than ever before. The term VUCA, borrowed from the military, encapsulate

When moderating I strive to identify the thread in my speaker’s dialogue which, when pulled, will move the conversation forward in the...

2024 is a perfect storm which could redefine the global geopolitical landscape – for good or bad.

The most consequential geopolitical driver today concerns the US-China relationship. Where does Europe sit in this and what are the...

Here are 7 key insights I’ve learned from 25 years as a senior geopolitical advisor that are great guides to frame leadership...

Last week, I discussed the fundamental trends (as opposed to events) that would require businesses and individuals to plan for over the...