May 7, 2025
12:00 PM ET | 11:00 AM CT | 9:00 AM PT | 5:00 PM GMT
Duration: 60 minutes
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Summary
Global trade conditions are changing by the day and even by the hour as U.S. President Donald Trump enacts tariffs—and allies, adversaries and target nations enact counter-tariffs. The economic order of the past four decades is being reshaped as we watch, driving confusion and speculation about what’s next.
The time for watching and waiting appears to be over. Businesses need to take concrete steps now to manage how they make things, manage material flows and maintain their equipment, or risk massive losses from rising costs that customers and suppliers may not be willing to absorb.
Join us as we conduct a series of high-level panel discussions with leading trade and manufacturing experts to offer concrete advise on surviving and thriving in this radically changing economic environment.
This session: Global events are making long-term planning more difficult than ever. But, there are strategies to cut through the noise and identify ways to improve your operations, despite surprise economic decisions from Washington, China, and elsewhere around the world.
Speakers
Dr. Rebecca Homkes | Lecturer - London Business School Executive Education / Author of Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times
Rebecca Homkes is a high-growth strategy specialist, CEO and executive advisor. She is a lecturer at the London Business School Executive Education, Faculty at Duke Corporate Executive Education, and an advisor and faculty for Boston Consulting Group U (BCGU). She was a previous Fellow at the London School of Economics (LSE)’s Centre for Economic Performance and is the author of Survive Reset Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times.
Chuck Orzechowski | CEO | Chief Operating Officer Business Forum® - COO Forum®
Chuck Orzechowski serves as CEO of the Chief Operating Officer Business Forum® (COO Forum®.) Since 2004, the COO Forum’s mission has been to support operations executives in achieving more in their business and professional lives. As a peer-based professional development organization, the COO Forum has helped 1000’s of executives navigate the challenges of their roles and improve business outcomes. Over the past 30 years, Chuck has spent most of his career leading operations in a wide variety of industries and company sizes, ranging from start-up through Fortune 500s. Chuck has a passion for improving operations, scaling businesses, and the professional development of others. It’s what gets him out of bed each morning…that and coffee!
Chuck resides on High Mountain near Davis, West Virginia. He and his wife Shawneen are building their dream (empty nester) log home. They have two children, Nick (24) and Caroline (21). When not working on the house, Chuck supports veteran non-profits and is an avid long-distance trail runner. He has completed many 50-mile races and competes in GoRuck and Tough Mudder challenges for added fun.
Chuck graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Youngstown State University. He holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma, negotiating labor contracts, change and innovation management.
Chris Azur | President | Warwood Tool
Chris Azur is the President of Warwood Tool, a historic American hand tool manufacturer based in Wheeling, West Virginia. Assuming leadership in 2020, Azur, has adeptly navigated the company through a challenging period for American manufacturing.
Recognizing the pressures from overseas competition, Azur prioritized revitalizing Warwood's product offerings by reintroducing classic tools like the Pulaski axe, ball pein hammer, Perfect Axe, Trenching Mattock and more, all steeped in the company's rich history. He also focused on modernizing manufacturing processes, updating equipment dating back to the 1940s to enhance efficiency and safety. Under his leadership, Warwood Tool achieved ISO 9001 certification in 2022, reflecting a commitment to quality management systems.
Azur's strategic emphasis on American-made quality and his dedication to honoring the company's 170-year legacy have been pivotal in positioning Warwood Tool as a resilient force in the industry.