Back in October 2014, I released The Leader’s Guide to Turbulent Times. In retrospect, what seemed like turbulence then looks like a gentle breeze today. As a colleague often says: “The slowest pace of change you’ll experience going forward is today.”
There are many ways to describe the current business environment:
- Fast-paced
- Confusing
- Uncertain
It may be that uncertainty is what trips up leaders the most.
When things are predictable, we can plan—and execute against that plan. But when uncertainty dominates, we feel disoriented, unsure of what direction to take. It’s like walking into a completely dark room—nothing to guide you, nothing to anchor you, nothing to prevent missteps.
For leaders, this creates real pressure. It’s not just you stepping into that darkness—it’s everyone who looks to you for direction. And regardless of the ambiguity, doing nothing is not a safe option.
You’ve likely felt this before—waiting for medical results, a job offer, or financial news. In that limbo, the imagination runs wild. And when the answer finally comes, even bad news can feel like relief. Knowing often feels better than not knowing.
With that in mind, Apeiron partnered with Valory Myers of InAct to conduct market research on how CEOs of mid-market companies are navigating the ambiguity of the 2026 business environment.
Mid-market companies account for one-third of private-sector GDP and employ over 48 million people in the U.S. They remain the backbone of economic stability—even in uncertain times.
Below are key insights from the research. These findings point to a deeper question: how do leaders respond effectively in this environment?
That’s exactly what we’ll explore together on May 13 – and I’m inviting senior leaders in mid-market companies to join as my guest.
8 Key Takeaways from the InAct Research
- Growth Is Slowing—but Not Stopping
Revenue is still increasing, but growth rates are declining and workforce expansion is slowing. Fewer companies are pursuing aggressive expansion or new debt. CEO’s are moving from hyper-growth to disciplined growth.
2. Economic Uncertainty Is Driving Defensive Strategies
There are many concerns CEOS are facing: inflation, interest rates, trade policy, economic slowdown, and potential recession. With that, 72% are delaying capital investments, 75% are evaluating workforce reductions, 66% are exploring alternative suppliers, and 62% are planning to raise prices into 2026.
3. There is a Shift from Expansion to Efficiency & Resilience
For many, the strategic focus is moving from scaling to operational discipline. Priorities can include cost control, supply chain flexibility, and risk mitigation.Bottom line is how to do more with what you already have.
4. Talent Challenges Are Forcing New Workforce Strategies
Talent availability remains a top constraint. Companies are responding with increased compensation, investment in training & development, a focus on culture and engagement, and selective outsourcing (especially cybersecurity). Hiring might be stalled, yet 68% still expect workforce growth over 1–2 years.
5. Technology & AI Are No Longer Optional
Every company is now a tech company – and ignoring AI comes with a huge cost. 87% of mid-market CEOs plan to invest in technology, with AI, automation, and cybersecurity as top priorities. AI is bringing benefits to some, with 60% already seeing financial ROI from AI, and it is also introducing risks.
6. Cybersecurity Is Becoming a Frontline Business Risk
No surprise here, a growing digital footprint results in increased exposure and higher risk. Skills in cybersecurity and AI are top workforce priorities – and as these skills are in short supply, cybersecurity is the most outsourced function.
7. Global & Regulatory Volatility Is Reshaping Strategy
This is an area of great uncertainty for CEO’s – and the approach appears to be a mix of delaying big plans until more clarity emerges with planning for agility and more options.
8. Pricing Power Is Returning (With Risks)
This is a tightrope situation, with 67% report rising input costs and 62% expect to raise prices. The question becomes one of what supply increases to absorb and how much to pass along.
The Big Takeaway: Cautious Optimism
CEOs are not pessimistic—but more cautious and strategic. 58% still expect revenue growth, and 50% expected economic improvement in the next 6 months.
An Invitation for Senior Leaders in Mid-Market Companies
We’re convening a focused, in-person gathering designed specifically for mid-market executives navigating these dynamics.
This half-day experience centers on the most pressing challenges leaders are facing today:
- Attracting and retaining talent
- Strengthening culture
- Cybersecurity readiness
- Continuous improvement
- Strategic outsourcing
If you’d like a space to think clearly, to step out of reactive mode and to compare notes with peers facing the same pressure, come join us!
Why this may be valuable for you:
- Peer-level conversations with other C-suite leaders
- Practical, immediately applicable insights
- Interactive breakout discussions
- A grounded look at real economic and operational pressures
Event Details
📍 Embassy Suites, Vincennes Road – Indianapolis
🗓 May 13
🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Breakfast included)
The morning includes a keynote on the top challenges facing mid-market leaders, followed by interactive breakout sessions and open dialogue. Expect meaningful conversations and actionable insights—not just theory.
This isn’t a typical event—it’s a curated, peer-level working session grounded in systems thinking.
If this resonates, I’d genuinely value having you in the room. Just email me at kris@evergreenleadership.com, and I’ll register you as my guest. Seats are limited – so an early reply will ensure you a seat.
Interested in Learning more? Simply submit the contact form below and we’ll find a time to learn more about your situation and how we might work together.
About the Author: Kris Taylor
Fueled by their shared passion for people-centric organizations that achieve business results, Kris Taylor joined Joe Indiano to found Apeiron, where professionals join together in an abundant, entrepreneurial community to grow sustainable businesses by collaborating together. Bringing together highly skilled consultants across functions, Apeiron is creating the “workplace of the future”, where talented professionals come together to service clients with an agile, collaborative approach to tough business problems.
Kris is also the founder of Evergreen Leadership in 2004 and has worked with over 80 companies across the US to develop customized leadership development programs focused on 21st-century skills. Evergreen Leadership is known for its high-impact retreats, coaching, and learning programs, specializing in fostering agility, collaboration, relationship building, accountability, creativity, and innovation.
Kris writes, speaks, teaches, and coaches leaders at all levels, from the C-suite to high-potential emerging leaders. She is committed to giving back in meaningful ways, most visibly with Evergreen’s Annual Community Builder Award. Since 2015, fifteen leaders across the mid-west have come together for the Connect and Create Retreat.
Her many years of work experience are rich in variety – beginning in education and non-profit for ten years before making a career change with RR Donnelley. In this Fortune 200 company, she fulfilled many roles from Human Resources to Operations to a corporate role in Learning and Development over fourteen years.
On the faculty of Purdue’s Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship and Innovation for seven years, Kris developed and taught a course on consulting, as well as a course entitled Your Entrepreneurial Career. Kris is also the author of author of Owning It: Take Control of Your Life, Work and Career and The Leader’s Guide to Turbulent Times: a practical, easy-to-use guide to leading in today’s times. She holds a Master’s Degree from Krannert Business School at Purdue University and did her undergraduate work at West Virginia University.
