Leaving Las Vegas—Friday Recap

How to Build a Growth Plan for Your AE Firm in These Uncertain Times

The economy is practically impossible to pin down, civil unrest is beyond palpable, and global conflicts dominate the news. Welcome to 2025: the golden age of uncertainty.

And it’s having an effect on your outlook.

When looking at our last three M&A and Business Symposiums, optimism about 2025 has declined sharply. Just 61% of attendees now believe this year will be better than 2024—down from 87% only three months ago:

But here’s the thing: If you’re waiting for a perfectly clear day to grow your firm, you’ll lose. Sitting on your hands is still a decision—but likely a costly one.

The question is: How do you build a smart growth plan when the ground under your feet won’t stop shifting? It’s not a question of guesswork, blind optimism, or hoarding cash. It’s about balance—threading the needle between caution and boldness. Here’s how to do it…Read more