The Future of Trade: How Will Multinational CEOs Succeed?

The Future of Trade: How Will Multinational CEOs Succeed?

From Imagine This... by Boston Consulting Group BCG

November 12, 2025 · 29 min · Episode 39

About this episode

Marc Gilbert discusses how multinational CEOs can navigate the evolving landscape of global trade amidst emerging regional trading blocs.

As regional trading blocs emerge, today’s multinational playbooks will become increasingly obsolete. Marc Gilbert, BCG’s Global Lead for its Center for Geopolitics, unpacks what every CEO needs to know to master the multi-polar world, from what winning looks like to navigating local rules, preferences and politics without losing the global edge.    Learn More:  Marc Gilbert: https://on.bcg.com/4p2KjqP   What’s in Your Tariff Response Toolkit?: https://on.bcg.com/47z0M03   Services Are the New Fault Lines in Global Trade: https://on.bcg.com/43hUsaM   BCG on International Trade: https://on.bcg.com/3JBZoAB   Bonus Content on Trade and Tariffs: https://youtu.be/08RH9rSjH5Y Chapters  00:00-01:38 The scenario: The multinational has become regional  01:39-02:57 The current state of trade and tariffs  02:58-04:25 How are CEOs navigating geopolitical risk?  04:26-06:59 What are command centers and how are leaders using them?  7:00-08:11 How do CEOs focus on long-term value during turbulence?  08:12-10:18 What major trade blocs could emerge in the future?  10:19-11:54 Will companies need to restructure to thrive?&nbsp…

People in this episode

Guest: Marc Gilbert

Topics covered

  • multinational trade
  • geopolitical risk
  • CEO strategies
  • regional trading blocs
  • global economy

Keywords

  • multinational
  • trade
  • CEOs
  • geopolitics
  • tariffs
  • global economy
  • regional blocs

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Boston Consulting Group, BCG

More episodes of Imagine This...

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Imagine This... podcast page.