The world feels especially turbulent right now. Enormous political pressures, economic uncertainty, rapid advances in AI, and ongoing societal shifts around equity and inclusion are putting extraordinary strain on leaders. The stakes are high. The speed of change is relentless. And the demand for clarity—both inside organizations, in the marketplace, and across communities—has never been greater.
In these moments, when it feels like the winds are shifting daily, leadership requires more than agility. It requires anchoring.
At Tunheim, we’ve seen that the most effective leaders don’t simply react to what’s happening around them, they respond from a place of knowing who they are and what they stand for.
That sense of identity is more than a mission statement. It’s a framework for decision-making and communication. In a time when every action can be amplified or misinterpreted, core values become the compass for how, when, and where an organization chooses to show up or speak out. They inform how leaders engage employees, reassure stakeholders, and maintain credibility through change.
As fellow Minnesotan Bob Dylan once wrote, “May you have a strong foundation when the winds of change shift.” That foundation isn’t just about weathering the storm; it’s about making the right choices in the midst of it. When leaders are grounded in a clear identity and values, they’re better equipped to make decisions that align with their organization’s long-term vision and communicate those choices with confidence, even when the pressure to react quickly is high.
Looking ahead to 2026, one thing is certain: the pressure on leaders to communicate with transparency, consistency, and conviction will only grow. Employees want to believe in the organizations they’re part of. Customers want to know what brands stand for. Stakeholders want evidence of accountability.
At Tunheim, we help leaders meet that moment. Our consulting and communications work centers on helping organizations clarify who they are, define what they stand for, and communicate those truths effectively to the audiences who matter most to their success. Whether through positioning, messaging, internal alignment, or external engagement, we help leadership teams translate values into clear, credible action.
There are no perfect playbooks for this era. But there are guiding principles. And it starts with asking the right questions:
- Who are we?
- What do we stand for?
- How do those answers show up in how we lead and communicate?
For those willing to do that work, even in the most uncertain moments, they can stand firm—and be understood—even as they navigate the most challenging circumstances.
What’s one message your most important stakeholders need to hear from you right now? Are they hearing it? If you’re not sure, let’s talk.
