Navigating business in today's uncertain global landscape
From With Interest by CPA Australia
April 7, 2026 · 23 min
About this episode
The episode discusses how businesses navigate the challenges of a volatile global environment and build resilience for long-term growth.
It's a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure . In this episode of With Interest , Gavan Ord, B usiness I nvestment and I nternational lead at CPA Australia, explores how businesses are navigating an increasingly unstable global environment marked by geopolitical conflict, cost pressures and economic shocks. The conversation draws on insights from CPA Australia's Asia - Pacific Small Business Survey to unpack how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are coping, and what separates those that merely survive from those that emerge stronger. The discussion emphasises that while volatility is becoming the norm, uncertainty does not have to result in paralysis. Instead, thoughtful planning, investment in capability, and trusted advice can help businesses build resilience and position for long‑term growth, even as governments and markets remain focused on short‑term crises. Key areas covered: How global conflicts, fuel price shocks and inflation affect small businesses across Australia and the APAC region . How a risk‑averse mindset changes business decision‑making, and the risks of focusing only on cost‑cutting . What role accountants and advisors can play through scenario…
People in this episode
Host: Elinor Kasapidis
Guest: Gavan Ord
Topics covered
- business resilience
- global uncertainty
- small and medium enterprises
- economic shocks
- geopolitical conflict
- cost pressures
Keywords
- business strategy
- risk management
- technology investment
- innovation
- cost-cutting
- scenario planning
- economic volatility
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CPA Australia, Asia - Pacific Small Business Survey
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