Introduction
The 2025 C-Suite Barometer paints a detailed picture of today’s business landscape, capturing insights from over 1,700 executives globally, including a targeted analysis of 282 U.S. executives, between September 28 and October 23, 2024. The report provides an optimistic outlook for growth while highlighting critical challenges and emerging trends. However, it’s important to contextualize these findings against a backdrop of newly emerging concerns, including geopolitical tensions, inflation-linked uncertainties, and regulatory shifts following the 2024 U.S. elections, which may shape the business climate in unforeseen ways.
Contextual Adjustments for 2025
Several factors could reshape these findings as CEOs confront new priorities since the data collection phase:
- Trade Policies & Tariffs
Potential trade disputes or tariffs may introduce fresh pressure on supply chains and operating costs, impacting international expansion plans and logistical strategies.
- Geopolitical Tensions
Increased focus on geopolitical risks, such as global instability and regulatory discrepancies, could present expansion challenges or compel businesses to regionalize operations.
- Regulatory Overhauls & Deregulation
Changes introduced by the new U.S. administration, including deregulation efforts or carbon reduction mandates, could shift ESG priorities and heighten compliance complexities.
Key Takeaways
Striking Optimism Despite Challenges
While the global C-suite maintains a positive growth outlook (93%), U.S. executives are even more optimistic, with 97% expressing confidence in their organizations’ growth prospects for 2025. However, anticipated revenue growth shows signs of caution, reflecting concerns over economic uncertainty and increased competition.
Strategic Priorities – U.S. vs. Global
- U.S. executives highlight IT transformation as the dominant priority (51%), aligning with global trends (43%).
- Supply chain optimization emerges as the second-highest priority in the U.S. (25%), influenced by logistical vulnerabilities and evolving trade policies. Global executives have high ambitions for international expansion, rating it their second strategic priority (25%).
- Talent attraction and retention ranks third for both global (25%) and the U.S. (24%), underscoring the increasing pressure to secure experienced professionals amid labor market shifts.
Technology Transformation & AI Dominance
The U.S. leads the way in digital agility, with 91% of executives reporting active strategies for generative AI adoption, compared to 82% globally. While ethical concerns over AI usage have declined by 14 points in the U.S. in the past year, 80% of leaders still advocate for increased regulation to maintain trust and mitigate risks.
U.S. organizations also are reaping operational benefits from AI, with key applications directed toward driving efficiency and growth initiatives, and improving collaboration. Notably, internal AI deployment for process efficiency (88%) outpaces its use in commercial applications (83%).
Workforce Adaptability & Hybrid Models
Hybrid work policies are more prevalent in the U.S. than globally, with 48% of organizations prioritizing flexible working arrangements. Among those adopting hybrid models, 60% aim for full flexibility to foster employee retention and engagement.
Despite a lower overall struggle to attract talent, U.S. leaders emphasize recruitment strategies focused on senior executives (16%) and delivering a competitive candidate experience through robust employer branding.
Global vs. U.S. Markets
Consistent with the global trend, 85% of U.S. businesses plan international expansion, with Canada and Mexico leading as priorities. However, U.S. companies face notable hurdles, including local workforce availability (49%) and navigating region-specific regulations (53%).
Concluding Insights
The 2025 C-Suite Barometer highlights a U.S. business landscape that balances resilience and ambition. While the outlook for growth remains overwhelmingly positive, CEOs must remain vigilant, adapting to challenges such as economic pressures, intensifying competition, and dynamic regulatory landscapes.
U.S. executives are particularly poised for success with a decisive focus on AI adoption, hybrid work, supply chain optimization, and sustainability. These priorities set the stage for enterprises to maintain adaptability, secure competitive advantages, and unlock future growth.
To capitalize on these trends, leaders are encouraged to prioritize continual innovation, data-powered transformation, and workforce engagement strategies.
