Over the past six months, business leaders have felt the economic, and emotional, ups and downs that have characterized 2025. They are looking for a way forward in the second half of 2025 and deciding which goals can be achieved now, which should be postponed, and which should be planned for further down the road.
While we don’t know what the economy will look like the rest of the year, businesses should focus on their vision for their companies and identify the support needed to achieve it.
As a commercial banker for over 15 years, I have seen many economic ebbs and flows and believe that the best way to prepare for the future is by acting in the present. From this banker’s perspective, the second half of 2025 should be focused on leveling up in two areas: investing in relationships and in growth.
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Invest in Relationships
I believe 2025 is the time to invest in relationships. While it may seem natural to respond to disturbances by switching your business partners and vendors, instead, remember that relationships provide access—not just to products, but to networks, influencers, mentors, consumers, skills, institutional knowledge, and ultimately trust and growth.
Economic uncertainty can lead to fear, but it also offers chances to strengthen employee and customer relationships. Kara Dennison from Forbes[1] noted that transparency during tough times can enhance customer loyalty. When organizations openly address challenges and remain committed to quality, they often build stronger customer relationships.
Relationships are critical to success and often determine a company’s fate. Businesses should use the second half of the year to deepen connections, increase awareness of partners, and expand industry knowledge. Encourage employees to do the same. By committing to developing and expanding their relationships, companies can establish themselves as industry leaders and fixtures.
Investing in Growth
Consider using the second half of 2025 to identify strategic improvements or decisions that boost financial stability or enhance employee capabilities. Such discoveries should be seen as significant opportunities for company growth.
Increasing financial stability amid interest rate, and supply chain uncertainties may seem impossible. However, solutions that don’t require significant financial outlay can help improve efficiency and trajectory. Interest rate swaps could offer immediate relief and structure, while efficient payment networks may reduce float, mitigate fraud, and provide operational consistency.
Operational efficiencies should be viewed as tools to enhance employee capabilities, not threats to the labor force. For example, investing in AI fluency can augment individual performance and expand your team’s resources.
The age-old adage “we are only as strong as our weakest link” reminds us that in 2025, being strategic means investing in your company’s abilities.
Conclusion
The current economic environment is unpredictable and unprecedented. Despite unknowns around interest rates, tariffs, and economic growth, businesses should act from a place of strength. Making the decision to invest in, and prioritize, relationships, and to be thoughtful about growth opportunities, can help provide stability, efficiency, and resiliency.
Author: Megan Ackaert is Wells Fargo‘s Market Executive for Arizona and Nevada Commercial Banking.
[1] Kara Dennison, Why Leadership Transparency Will Define Organizational Success In 2025, Forbes January 15, 2025
