Corporate Boards Embrace Agility to Navigate Chaotic Times

The new year looks like it’ll bring more of the chaos and uncertainty business was grappling with in 2025—ramping up pressure on corporate boards to move faster to stay prepared.

“The risk of being blindsided on an issue is significant these days,” said Brian Campbell, general counsel at The Conference Board.

Companies spent the last year reacting to change. Federal policy swings scrambled DEI programs. Frequently changing global tariffs upended supply chains. It’s harder for companies to navigate areas like diversity programs and avert any policy retribution. And many companies are still trying to figure out how to reap ...