2026 Forecast: A Mix of Shock and Awe

Drawing on Conference Board research, this article names 'strategic execution resilience' as the singular 2026 priority and argues uncertainty is now the permanent operating environment, not an episodic risk. It urges boards to replace single forecasts with clearer scenario ranges, sharper downside stress tests, and explicit triggers for management action embedded in capital allocation and M&A timing. This gives directors a practical template for building uncertainty into decision-making.