Today’s new macro volatility
We now face a new era of macro volatility. Inflation, geopolitical conflicts and supply chain disruptions are just a few of the forces at play. But today’s volatility goes beyond external factors — it’s internal as well. Many businesses are grappling with reduced budgets, shrinking headcounts and limited IT resources, all while trying to balance cost reduction with the need to innovate and grow.
Simply investing in the latest technology is no longer enough to respond effectively. Companies must build foundational business agility and become smarter about where they invest their resources and how they measure success.
In retail, I’ve seen plenty of companies build these monolithic, “do everything” platforms that were almost impossible to change once they were live. One large European retailer I spoke to had spent years building a custom ERP commerce system that was beautifully controlled, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and they needed new digital channels, they couldn’t move. Their competitors launched marketplaces in months. They were stuck. It wasn’t the technology that failed; it was the mindset of trying to control every detail.
