📈 How to Accelerate Growth Through the Remainder of 2025: A Playbook for Leaders

As we move into the last stretch of 2025, many U.S. companies are facing a mixed economic environment with modest growth, policy & trade uncertainties, slowing demand in certain sectors, yet compelling opportunities in others. The gap between firms that stagnate and those that grow will increasingly come down to strategic choices made now.

There are five key levers every executive should pull, along with data-backed rationale, to grow smart in the months ahead.

1. Lean Into AI & Technology as Productivity Amplifiers

• Generative AI, automation, data analytics and new tech infrastructure (e.g. edge/cloud, data centers) are becoming core drivers of productivity, not just “nice to haves.”

• According to Quantive, AI integration is among the top trends for 2025, firms investing early are seeing gains in efficiency, speed, and value innovation.

• Specifically, J.P. Morgan estimates that expanding investment in data centers (to support AI / cloud demand) could contribute an incremental boost to U.S. GDP (10-20 basis points) through 2025-26.

Action Items:

• Audit where AI / automation could replace manual or low-leverage work in operations.

• Re-skilling/reskilling teams so tech becomes leverage, not obstacle.

• Prioritize tech investments that improve time to decision & speed of execution.

2. Navigate a Slower Macro Backdrop with Agility

• U.S. growth forecasts for 2025 are moderating. For example, the OECD expects U.S. GDP growth to drop to ~1.6% in 2025, down from higher rates in 2024.

• Tariffs, trade policy uncertainty, and elevated input costs are squeezing margins and consumer purchasing power.

• Labor market is cooling: hiring is slowing, wage growth is moderating.

Action Items:

• Build flexibility into your cost base (variable costs, lean staffing, supply chain options).

• Stress test scenarios: what happens if inflation remains sticky, interest rates stay higher, tariffs increase.

• Keep a close eye on consumer sentiment & demand signals; adjust product / service portfolios accordingly.

3. Customer & Experience-Led Growth

• Personalization is no longer optional. Consumers expect brands to understand generational preferences, anticipate needs, and deliver relevant experiences.

• Digital & hybrid channels (online, social commerce, immersive/digital experiences) will continue to capture more of the consumer wallet.

• Trust, privacy, and responsible AI are becoming differentiators, especially among younger, digitally native consumers.

Action Items:

• Refocus marketing spend toward personalized, data-driven campaigns.

• Integrate experience across physical/digital channels (omnichannel).

• Use customer feedback loops aggressively, and iterate fast.

4. Sustainability, ESG & Regulatory Readiness

• Environmental, social, and governance factors are increasingly material — both from policy/regulation (e.g. emissions, supply chain transparency) and from consumer / investor expectations.

• Sustainability technologies (e.g., clean energy, circular economy) are receiving more equity investment, which opens possibilities for companies to differentiate.

Action Items:

• Audit ESG risk & compliance gaps now (before new regulations catch up).

• Explore operational efficiencies (energy, waste, materials) that reduce cost + carbon.

• Partner / plan for sustainable innovation — e.g. packaging, materials, logistics.

5. Expand Geographies & Partnerships Strategically

• With slower domestic growth in many sectors, new geographic markets (either domestically underserved regions or international) can offer incremental growth. The 2025 Business Leaders Outlook Report from JPMorgan shows many companies planning geographic expansion or seeking M&A.

• Partnerships, joint ventures, or alliances can help share risk in uncertain regulatory or trade environments.

Action Items:

• Identify adjacent markets or channels where your core capabilities can play.

• Use alliances to accelerate entry, reduce regulatory/trade exposure.

• Monitor trade policy closely (tariffs, supply chain risk), and localize supply where feasible.

Final Thought: Lead with Clarity, Culture & Discipline

In times of uncertainty, leadership clarity on strategy, priorities, trade-offs makes all the difference. But so does culture: empowerment, speed, adaptability. And finally, discipline in execution: spending, investment, metrics.

If your team knows what to lock in, what to defer, and why, you’ll own the remainder of 2025, not just survive it.

Katie McCravy

Consultant

Thrive Management Consultants