Experts Urge Values-Driven Cross-Border Leadership Amid Global Challenges

Leaders and organizations are facing a unique and intense pressure termed "The Great Squeeze," characterized by the conflicting demands of speed and productivity against the need for creativity, deliberation, and human connection, particularly evident in Q4 2025. Successful leadership in both crisis and transformation contexts hinges on clarity about the situation, response, and communication to stakeholders, a lesson reinforced by Athalie Williams' experience managing crises and transformations across industries. Governments also need to be agile and relational, using technology, partnerships, and innovative tools like real-time dashboards and pilot programs to adapt effectively in uncertain environments. Communication leaders are encouraged to invest in self-care and embrace new feedback systems, such as the "24-hour rule" and circular feedback, to manage constant change and crisis effectively. Additionally, global business leaders emphasize the importance of cross-border collaboration and values-based leadership to navigate technological, geopolitical, and ethical challenges. Together, these insights suggest a leadership landscape that demands adaptability, clear communication, and a balance between efficiency and empathy to thrive amid complex pressures.