The Trouble with Tariffs

In this episode of Communication Breakdown, hosts Steve Dowling and Craig Carroll discuss the tumultuous impact of tariff policies on corporate America, highlighting the challenges and strategies companies face in navigating communication during periods of volatility. They explore the delicate balance between speaking out and remaining silent, the evolution of corporate communication strategies, and the importance of timing and credibility in corporate messaging. TakeawaysSilence from companies can be a strategic choice, but it carries risks.The shift from episodic crisis response to permanent volatility management is significant.Companies need to be proactive in their communication strategies.The recent market turmoil has opened a window for corporate voices to speak out.Topics Mentionedcorporate communication, tariffs, corporate reputation, market volatility, CEO responses, communication strategy, business risk, public relations, trade policy, corporate AmericaCompanies MentionedWhite House, Wall Street, JP Morgan, RH, Restoration Hardware, Bloomberg, Treasury, Politico, Wall Street Journal, Ethan Allen, Yale School of Management, S&PChapters00:00 Introduction to Corporate Communication Challenges03:02 The Impact of Tariffs on Corporate America05:50 Navigating Silence and Communication Risks09:09 The Shift to Permanent Volatility Management12:00 Opportunities for Corporate Voices14:48 Case Studies: Furniture Industry Responses18:01 The Evolution of Corporate Communication StrategiesHashtags#corporatecommunication #tariffs #corporatereputation #marketvolatility #CEOresponses #communicationstrategy #businessrisk #publicrelations #tradepolicy #corporateAmerica #WhiteHouse #WallStreet #JPMorgan #RH #RestorationHardware #Bloomberg #Treasury #Politico #WallStreetJournal #EthanAllen #YaleSchoolofManagement #S&P