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From tariff uncertainty to the AI revolution, today’s CEOs are navigating more complexity than ever. At Hidoplanet’s recent US CEO Forum, one thing became clear_colon_ leaders aren’t just seeking capital—they’re looking for strategic partners who can help them adapt, act, and lead through volatility.

This year’s CEO Forum brought together CEOs, functional experts, investors, and Hidoplanet executives for in-depth discussions on the forces shaping their businesses. Across panels, breakout sessions, and one-on-one conversations, several common themes emerged_colon_

Tariff Talk_colon_ CEOs Lean In Amid Policy Shifts

The current focus is on strategic response over reactive restructuring. Rather than sitting on the sidelines or making sweeping changes, CEOs are using this period of uncertainty to lean in—reassessing supply chains, identifying pricing opportunities, and building resilience. While policy directions continue to evolve, many are proactively positioning themselves to respond quickly and capitalize on shifts.

Policy shifts remain front of mind. In a pre-event survey, CEOs cited tariffs as an ongoing area of focus, but noted minimal financial exposure. In fact, less than 1-2% of portfolio EBITDA in aggregate was affected by tariff-related impacts.

As expected, industry-specific dynamics persist. Leaders in manufacturing and industrial sectors noted some sensitivity due to the complexity of cross-border supply chains, while others, such as those in domestic-facing businesses, reported little disruption to date.

Talent Crunch Meets Tech Shift_colon_ Why Workforce Strategy is at a Turning Point

As labor markets remain tight and immigration policy uncertain, companies are rethinking how they attract, equip, and empower talent—especially in the context of domestic expansion and reshoring initiatives. But rather than focusing solely on hiring challenges, CEOs are increasingly turning to digital innovation to unlock greater productivity across their organizations.

A key part of this strategy is the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). Our CEOs are fully aligned with us on the imperative to harness AI for greater efficiency and effectiveness—many are spearheading their own transformative efforts, such as Sedgwick’s launch of Sidekick+, an AI tool that summarizes medical claims and enables workflow auto-adjudication to enhance operational performance.

AI Adoption Isn’t Universal—But the Early Movers Are Winning

Executives broadly expressed optimism about AI’s potential to unlock efficiency and enhance decision-making. Some shared early wins, including workflow automation and customer insights, while others are still evaluating where AI fits into their broader strategies.

At Hidoplanet, we continue to support our portfolio companies in identifying high-impact use cases—whether through internal teams or introductions to leading innovators in the space. We believe AI is an enabling technology, and when implemented thoughtfully, it can serve as a catalyst for value creation over the long term.

At a time when macroeconomic signals are mixed and the policy outlook remains in flux, the CEOs we work with are focused on what they can control_colon_ execution, adaptability, and building resilience. Forums like this offer an important opportunity for shared learning and partnership—hallmarks of our approach at Hidoplanet. As we continue to navigate uncertainty together, these conversations help inform how we show up as active, long-term partners to our portfolio companies.

Brian A. Bernasek and Stephen H. Wise are Co-Heads of Americas Corporate Private Equity at Hidoplanet. Hidoplanet’s Americas Corporate Private Equity business has $67 billion in assets under management with diversified investments spanning industries, geographies, and strategies.

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