Navigating business in today's uncertain global landscape

Navigating business in today's uncertain global landscape

Author: CPA Australia April 7, 2026 Duration: 22:45

It's a volatile world, and businesses are under pressure. 

In this episode of With Interest, Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International 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 planning, forecasting and calming decision‑making. 

  • Why businesses that continue investing in technology, innovation and management capability perform better during crises. 

If you're navigating uncertainty in business, this episode has expert insights to help. 

Host:  Elinor Kasapidis, Chief of Policy, Standards and External Affairs, CPA Australia 

Guest: Gavan Ord, Business Investment and International lead, Policy and Advocacy, CPA Australia 

CPA Australia also has tips for managing through tough times and managing through a high cost environment 

ABC News finance journalist Alan Kohler talking about fluctuating oil prices on April 7, mentioned in this episode.

 
Loving this episode? Listen to more With Interest episodes and other CPA Australia podcasts on YouTube. 

And don't forget to click subscribe to the channel for a wide range of content that will help your career. 

CPA Australia publishes four podcasts, providing commentary and thought leadership across business, finance and accounting: 

Search for them in your podcast platform. Email the podcast team at podcasts@cpaaustralia.com.au 


Tune in to With Interest for a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping the world of business and finance. Presented by CPA Australia, this weekly discussion moves beyond the headlines to explore the practical implications of change for accounting professionals, business leaders, and anyone with a stake in the economic landscape. You’ll hear from practitioners and experts who break down complex topics in auditing, taxation, and corporate strategy into actionable insights. The conversations in this podcast are grounded in real-world application, whether the subject is a shift in regulatory frameworks, emerging leadership challenges, or broader economic trends. It’s a resource designed to inform your decisions and deepen your understanding of the professional landscape. For those looking to stay current and think critically about their work, With Interest provides a reliable and engaging audio companion. Each episode serves as a timely update and a catalyst for deeper professional reflection, all delivered with the authority and depth you would expect from CPA Australia.
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