John Ganem is the CEO of Kloeckner Metals Corporation.
Change is nothing new in business, but its pace and complexity seem to increase each year. New political leadership, shifting economic conditions and evolving global dynamics all contribute to an environment of instability. As an organization, how do you manage through that type of uncertainty?
Areas Of Uncertainty
While speculation is inevitable, leaders can take practical steps to position themselves to benefit from—or mitigate—the questions that lie ahead. Here are three areas that are top of mind that I think every leader should be thinking about right now:
Supply Chains
Many are anticipating a resurgence in American manufacturing in 2025 and beyond. Much of our economy is outsourced internationally, often to strong economic and political competitors. Tensions are likely to arise with key trading partners, especially those who enjoy a trade surplus with the U.S. These types of changes in policies will have an uncertain impact on industries that rely on global supply chains, requiring more solution-oriented conversations.
As domestic manufacturing expands, I believe demand for materials and resources will likely increase, but this shift could also cause disruptions to long-standing and well-established supply chains that many industries rely on. Supply chains will need to be rebuilt carefully to prevent these disruptions, but going through this type of transformation creates an inevitable uncertainty because it’s difficult to assess the speed and veracity at which these changes will occur.
Takeaway: Recognize the importance of staying ahead of rapidly changing market dynamics. Trade and regulatory policy changes can quickly impact supply chains, so it’s important to anticipate and proactively adapt internal strategies to meet evolving customer needs.
Renewable Energy
While supply chain transformations present one layer of uncertainty, companies and leaders must also be ready to adapt to other industry trends, such as sustainability and renewable energy. The transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewable energy has been accelerating, with policy incentives helping to shape its trajectory. At the same time, there have been concerns about how fast we’re moving toward renewable energies. The renewable energy-centric sectors—spanning wind, solar, energy storage, electric vehicles and EV charging infrastructure—are in flux, driven by changing regulations and economic policies that will determine how quickly adoption expands.
For example, while EVs are gaining popularity, their practicality varies depending on individual needs and the availability of charging stations. As an EV owner, I can personally say the driving experience is exceptional. However, it’s not necessarily the most cost-effective or convenient choice yet. Investments in battery technology and charging networks continue, but we are still years away from a fully integrated, universally accessible EV ecosystem. Beyond EVs, renewable energy segments will remain a critical priority, but their development depends on investments, permitting processes and grid modernization.
Takeaway: Policy changes have the potential to influence how these industry segments develop in the coming years. While the long-term outcome may remain the same, the speed and veracity of transformation could shift, requiring you to adjust your strategies accordingly. Ask yourself: How do we stay ahead of these trends while remaining adaptable to new demands? How do we make smart, strategic investments amid constantly shifting priorities?
Emerging Technologies
Future approaches to business regulations may include more flexibility around artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, which can be transformative for legacy industries like mine. For metals manufacturing, next-gen technologies such as predictive analytics, AI, machine learning and advanced automation can play a role in optimizing operations, improving efficiency and reducing waste. For leaders willing to embrace these technologies, the benefits could be substantial.
Looking forward, I expect to see a meaningful increase in demand for steel and aluminum, which means businesses will need to react dynamically when it comes to trade and regulatory policy shifts, adapt strategically and reposition themselves appropriately.
Takeaway: We need to avoid overreacting or making major decisions based on speculation or emotion. We also must stay rooted in foundational strategies and prepare proactively for challenges we can foresee by:
• Developing teams that embrace and thrive in the face of volatility and complexity.
• Leveraging transformative technologies, including AI, machine learning and automation.
• Staying realistic and transparent about risks and challenges while remaining flexible to adapt.
• Focusing on long-term strategic goals rather than chasing short-term trends.
Organizations that foster resilience and embrace technological innovation will be better equipped to succeed in both stable and turbulent markets.
How To Prepare For The Future
Periods of transition bring both promise and uncertainty. For industries like metals, this period offers a chance to refine and reinforce strategies for short- and long-term growth. The next few years could see a resurgence of domestic manufacturing and an increase in local investments, but those predictions are purely speculative. So how do you manage that uncertainty? By building resilience into everything you do. Our job as business leaders is to build a business model that is flexible, resilient and can move quickly when change happens.
Successful leaders strike a balance between seizing new opportunities and remaining grounded in proven, adaptable strategies. Commitment, passion and perseverance—the essence of grit—will define how we meet and overcome any challenges that lie ahead. The only certainty is that change is coming, and by staying dynamic and focused, we can guide our companies to success in an evolving landscape.
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