C.E.O.s face worries over growth, politics and A.I.

Executives interviewed at Davos said their main concerns are finding meaningful growth, navigating political and trade uncertainty under the current administration, and managing the risks and workforce effects of artificial intelligence.

Chief executives interviewed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos described several recurring concerns that are shaping their agendas. The article reports that leaders must balance near-term performance with longer-term investments while coping with shifting trade rules and heightened political engagement in Washington. Artificial intelligence was highlighted both for its potential to boost productivity and for the workforce displacement it may cause. Executives from a range of firms — including consulting, technology, finance and retail — framed these themes as priorities for strategy and government engagement. What executives said: - Growth: Several C.E.O.s said global economic growth is modest and finding higher growth is a central challenge, requiring both short-term focus and longer-term investments. - Political and trade uncertainty: Leaders noted unpredictable tariffs and trade restrictions and described more active engagement with government as part of corporate strategy. - A.I. opportunities and risks: Executives discussed investing in A.I., deploying tools across workforces, and the question of how much A.I. will change staffing needs. - Workforce and culture: Many leaders emphasized attention to people and culture while planning technology adoption and possible workforce changes. Summary: These concerns are influencing how companies allocate resources, engage with policymakers, and plan talent strategies. How investments in A.I. will translate into returns and how workforce impacts will be managed remain undetermined at this time.