MAY 29 2025
Navigating the Silence Trap: The Case for Brand Courage
In a time of rising tariffs, attacks on diversity, equity & inclusion programs and other sustainability initiatives, U.S. businesses are navigating a deeply uncertain environment. In this episode, Daniela Ballou-Aares, founder and CEO of the Leadership Now Project, joins Mary Mazzoni, VP of Content & Executive Editor at TriplePundit, to discuss how business leaders can make progress without fear of retaliation and protect their competitiveness.
Key Insights:
- Smart Advocacy, Not Silence: Businesses don’t need to go public with every issue. Instead, Daniela urges leaders to engage behind the scenes with local officials, build coalitions, and focus on core non-negotiables, especially where the rule of law or fair competition is at stake.
- Misconceptions About Business Silence: While public statements have decreased since 2016, many companies are quietly advocating through litigation, lobbying, or industry networks. Examples like Costco and Marriott show that firms with deep-rooted values can stand firm on issues like DEI and still thrive.
- Widespread Concern Across Sectors: A recent Leadership Now/Harris poll found that 80% of business leaders have a growing concern about our global competitiveness, with nearly half already seeing negative impacts from executive actions.
- Real-World Impacts on Business: Ballou-Aares highlights how industries like footwear, represented by leaders such as Tom Florsheim, have successfully pushed back against harmful tariffs through coalitions and public advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
- Advice for Business Leaders: Engage locally, identify allies, and understand where your company can’t afford to compromise. Staying silent is not risk-free, especially when political instability threatens operational stability and market fairness.
Watch the full episode here from our YouTube channel.