Social Change Under Trump: A Playbook for CEOs Navigating the New Era
The election of Donald Trump marked a turning point for many industries, and business leaders are now at a crossroads. As the country braces for changes in regulations and shifts in policy, CEOs are forced to reassess how they balance profit with purpose. With President Trump pushing for policies on issues ranging from climate change and abortion rights to immigration and social justice, business leaders must consider how they will navigate these societal shifts.
The rise of voices like J.D. Vance, who has questioned big philanthropy and openly criticized corporate social responsibility (CSR), signals that business leaders will face increased pressure to either double down on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments or scale them back in response to a changing political landscape. For many, the question is: Will businesses remain committed to ESG goals? Or, will they retreat to a more profit-driven mindset?
I’ve asked eight thought leaders for their perspectives on how business leaders should move forward in this uncharted political territory. Their advice reveals nine key priorities that can help CEOs manage the intersection of social change and business success under the Trump administration. Here’s a playbook for CEOs navigating this evolving environment.
1. “No Margin, No Mission” – Prioritise Profit for Purpose
In times of political uncertainty, it’s easy for leaders to lose sight of what keeps the business running: profitability. Brent Chrite, President of Bentley University, stresses that the health of the organisation must remain the primary focus. “The centre of gravity for leaders must be the long-term vitality of the organisation,” Chrite explains. It’s crucial for business leaders to harness external pressures, such as political changes, and channel them towards growth. Profitability is not just a by-product; it’s foundational to the business’s ability to deliver on its mission.
This ties into Sona Khosla‘s advice: “Corporate social responsibility is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business issue.” As external pressures mount, CEOs will need to ensure that their social responsibility strategies align with business goals to foster sustainable growth.
2. Live Your Purpose – Authentic Leadership Matters
With increased scrutiny on businesses to live their values, it’s important for CEOs to act as authentic leaders, especially in the face of challenges like the overturning of Roe v. Wade or the Hamas attack on Israel. Khosla suggests CEOs must anchor their decisions in the core purpose of their organisation. “It’s critical to stay true to your mission,” she says. If businesses claim to support social justice, inclusivity, or environmental sustainability, they must prove it through concrete actions.
At Brompton North America, Juliet Scott-Croxford, President, reiterates the importance of walking the talk. “Sustainability is at our core, and we are just as beholden to the planet as we are to our shareholders,” she says. In today’s landscape, consumers, employees, and investors are holding businesses accountable for the promises they make, particularly around corporate values and sustainability.
3. Listen to Your Stakeholders – Engage Meaningfully
The political landscape is shifting, and with Gen Z accounting for 27% of the workforce, their expectations for companies to take a stand on social issues are higher than ever. Jon Packer, Founder of Packer & Co., suggests that CEOs must prioritise social impact and truly listen to their stakeholders. “Gen Z values purpose over paychecks,” Khosla adds. “If businesses don’t meet their expectations, employees, customers, and investors may lose trust.”
The key here is not just listening, but acting on feedback. By incorporating stakeholder input, businesses can ensure they are addressing real concerns and not simply chasing trends. This will help build a stronger connection with customers and a more loyal workforce.
4. Don’t Abandon ESG – Stay Committed to Sustainable Goals
While the political climate may seem hostile to ESG goals, the underlying issues of climate change and social inequality remain pressing. Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, argues that abandoning ESG goals now could exacerbate existing problems. “The conditions that led to the rise of ESG haven’t changed,” she says. The world still faces climate instability, economic inequality, and political polarization—issues that are not going away. CEOs must continue to invest in sustainable practices, even if they are facing political headwinds.
Ratliff also suggests that CEOs double down on investments that foster systemic change. It’s about focusing on long-term impact, not performative actions that fade away. Investments in areas like workforce development, healthcare, and climate resilience will have a lasting impact on both businesses and communities.
5. Invest in Impact – Focus on Long-Term Solutions
Berkowitz stresses that CEOs must make strategic investments in their CSR initiatives. “Investing in your company’s social responsibility efforts should be viewed the same way as any other business function,” she advises. CEOs who invest financially and operationally in CSR are likely to see measurable returns in community engagement, brand loyalty, and employee satisfaction.
This also means moving away from short-term, headline-grabbing initiatives and focusing on projects that drive real change. Berkowitz notes that those who make a long-term investment in their CSR strategies will benefit in the form of stronger public support and market differentiation.
6. Walk The Talk – Be Transparent and Accountable
In the age of social media and public scrutiny, marketing can no longer pass for genuine action. Khosla stresses that CEOs should ensure their companies’ social impact is transparent and measurable. “More than ever, CEOs should allocate resources to activate on issues like coalition building and policy change,” she says. Consumers, employees, and even regulators will expect businesses to back up their rhetoric with tangible results.
7. Harness Storytelling – Share Your Impact
Juliet Scott-Croxford encourages CEOs to tell compelling stories about their company’s social and environmental work. “People connect with stories, not stats,” she says. Businesses that effectively communicate their impact through storytelling can inspire greater loyalty and trust from customers and employees alike. Sharing personal stories from the community or highlighting customer voices can amplify the company’s commitment to its values and mission.
8. Leverage Partnerships – Collective Action for Greater Impact
In times of uncertainty, collaborative action is key. Scott-Croxford suggests that businesses form partnerships with like-minded organisations to create more significant change. “Change works better in numbers,” she says. By partnering with both public and private entities, businesses can mobilize for greater impact on societal issues, from climate change to education and social justice.
9. Practice Tolerance – Adapt to a Shifting Political Landscape
Finally, Devon Wright, Co-Founder of Lumo, stresses that tolerance must become a central value for businesses in the new political environment. As business leaders navigate the shifting political terrain, embracing a culture of inclusivity—without getting bogged down in political dogma—is crucial. “Tolerance is not just a political stance, it’s a business necessity,” Wright says. By remaining open-minded, businesses can broaden their appeal and maintain strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
Conclusion: A Playbook for Thriving Under a Trump Administration
The new political environment will undoubtedly create challenges, but it also offers businesses an opportunity to strengthen their commitment to social change and corporate responsibility. CEOs must stay true to their values, listen to their stakeholders, and remain authentic in their actions. By focusing on long-term impact, investing in CSR, and leveraging the power of collaboration, businesses can thrive while addressing the critical social and environmental issues of our time.
