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C-Suite Barometer: Executive Leadership Insights in the US
Adaptability The New Competitive Advantage for US Companies
Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, intensifying competition, and shifting global trade dynamics, U.S. executives are entering 2026 not with caution, but with confidence. The Forvis Mazars C-Suite Barometer reveals that adaptability—powered by aggressive technology investment and disciplined execution—has become the new, defining competitive advantage for U.S. business leaders.
Optimism in the Face of Uncertainty
Despite economic headwinds, 97% of U.S. executives are optimistic about growth in 2026.
Our sixth annual survey of more than 3,000 global leaders, including 600 in the U.S., shows executives are no longer waiting for clarity; they’re acting.
The top strategic priority across nearly every industry and company size is transformation through technology, with artificial intelligence (AI) at its core.
This focus on internal transformation shows how leaders are proactively shaping their own growth trajectories, turning challenges like tariff increases and supply chain disruptions into opportunities for innovation and efficiency. This report details how U.S. executives are approaching growth, investment, and risk as they head into 2026 with decisive optimism.
The message is clear: adaptability is now a defining leadership capability. Organizations best positioned for success in 2026 and beyond are those aligning innovation with disciplined execution, strong controls, and strategic clarity.
Rob Pruitt
Chief Innovation Officer
Key Leadership Priorities Shaping 2026
Investment is flowing toward three critical areas: technology, talent, and operational resilience. These priorities highlight a strategic shift toward building more agile and robust organizations.
Transforming Company IT & Technology
Across industries and company sizes, technology transformation is the top strategic priority.
Reviewing Supply Chains & Operations
Leaders are focused on creating efficiency and resilience in their supply chains to manage global disruption.
Revising Talent Strategy
Attracting and retaining the right talent remains a significant focus, especially as new technologies like AI reshape the workforce.
AI Moves From Experimentation to Execution
Transforming company IT and technology ranks number one in strategic priority. U.S. C-suite executives say their top area for increased financial investment is in AI implementation.
90% of companies are restructuring teams to implement AI, shifting the focus from experimentation to tangible execution.
Navigating Global Trade With Confidence
C-suite confidence is generally very high regarding their ability to absorb tariff-driven costs. Rather than constraining growth, tariffs are prompting efficiency gains, new offerings, and technology-enabled supply chain investments.
95% of executives believe they can effectively manage tariff‑driven costs.
Dive Deeper in US C-Suite Findings
Explore the strategies shaping the future of business, from AI-driven growth to flexible international expansion. Download the full report to access exclusive data and insights that can help your organization thrive in a changing landscape.
Download the ReportAdaptability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s the defining competitive advantage for thriving in today’s market. To explore these findings further and engage with industry leaders, register for our upcoming webinar where we will unpack the critical findings from our 2026 outlook report.
Register for WebinarAbout the Survey
The C-suite Barometer is a flagship thought leadership initiative designed to capture the pulse of global business.
Methodology
More than 3,000 C-suite executives from companies with annual revenues exceeding $1million were surveyed from 40 countries. The U.S. had 600 respondents with 267 from companies exceeding $1 billion in revenue.
US Demographics
- Respondents: Senior executives (CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, and other C-suite roles).
- Company Size: Ranging from midmarket enterprises to large corporations with revenues exceeding $1 billion.
- Sectors Represented: Financial Services, Technology, Media, & Telecommunications, Energy & Natural Resources, Consumer, Manufacturing, and more.
Adaptability The New Competitive Advantage for U.S. Companies
