221: Tariffs, wars, inflation & money | Tom Stevenson

The Leadership Enigma

In this episode, I am joined by Tom Stevenson – Investment Director at Fidelity, respected columnist, and broadcaster – for a wide-ranging and brutally honest look at the global economic storm we’re all trying to navigate. From tariffs and Trump to inflation, war, and AI-driven disruption, Tom unpacks why we’re entering a new era of unpredictability – one where the calm of the past few decades has well and truly ended. For leaders and organisations, the message is clear: adapt fast or risk irrelevance. Tom shares three critical strategies every leader should focus on: 1. Plan for every scenario – hope is not a strategy. 2. Diversify everything – from supply chains to markets. 3. Maintain financial flexibility – cash is still king. We also explore: • The true cost of tariffs (spoiler: growth and inflation take a hit). • The dual nature of AI – a once-in-a-generation opportunity and a massive systemic risk. • Why ESG, infrastructure, and tangible assets like gold and land are gaining renewed attention. • What a second Trump term might really mean for global trade and China. • The growing concern over digital currencies in a fragile, outage-prone world. Above all, Tom reminds us that in a world out of our control, humility, emotional intelligence, and long-term thinking are more valuable than ever. "Where The Evidence Takes Us" is available from Amazon Connect with Kevin O'Leary (Red Leadership) https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevoleary/ https://www.redleadership.co.uk/