The Crash of 2008

Perspectives on what lies ahead and what you can do to position your business

Companies are facing unprecedented volatility and grave uncertainty. For many, long-term planning has given way to strategic triage. While immediate fixes are necessary, such quick action can lead to a slippery slope of diminishing returns unless it also supports broader solutions for future growth.

Finding opportunity in crisis has become a trite phrase these days, but the need remains compelling. We can be certain that even in these extraordinary times, the fundamental prerequisites for success are more critical than ever: Companies must be smart, nimble, quick, flexible and capable of continuous innovation and change. There is no room for missteps.

The Crash of 2008: Managing Through Volatility to Success

In late October, A.T. Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council held its annual CEO retreat, just days ahead of the U.S. presidential election and amid an ever worsening global financial crisis. Top business executives, economists, policy makers and thought leaders from around the world gathered to discuss these issues, and their insights could not have been more prescient. This document summarizes the macroeconomic consensus that emerged from the CEO retreat, along with our perspective on the strategies that executives should consider to help navigate effectively during these times of disruptive change.

The Crash of 2008 European Edition

This special edition of the Crash of 2008 paper includes an appendix that discusses the impact of the crash on Europe.

After the Crash of 2008. Now What?

This is a pre-print version of the lead story in the forthcoming issue of Executive Agenda, our premier thought-leadership publication. In this article we look beyond the crash and identify continuing threats and opportunities for the global economy.