On August 1st, while many in the US and Europe were on summer holidays, the news broke: a +39% tariff on Swiss watches.
Having worked in the industry for nearly a decade, with many of my best clients still in it, I felt what most leaders felt — surprise, concern, and a pause. Brands had prepared after April’s warning, moving stock to US subsidiaries. But 39% was more than double what most expected, especially compared to 15% on European luxury goods.
With the tariff effective August 7th, most brands have three months of stock. Those with long waiting lists will manage. Others risk losing US buyers to overseas purchases.
In moments like this, the human instinct kicks in: freeze, flee, or fight. Great leaders distinguish themselves by moving beyond this response with clarity, courage, and deliberate action.
My belief? Courage and clarity win in adversity. Cycles and surprises are inevitable — what sets leaders apart is how they navigate turbulence with strategy, collaboration, and focus on what’s in their control.
In 2014, my Miami team lost 75% of our clientele overnight when Brazilian travelers stopped visiting. Yet we finished the year flat. How? We analyzed the numbers, uncovered opportunities, coached the team on emotional intelligence skills — empathy, relationship building, resilience — and kept morale high.
In this tariff crisis, back to basics works:
– Focus on the fundamentals that drive sales
– Engage your people, they are your best asset
– Collaborate, 1 + 1 = 3
– Make small steps toward clarity and improvement
– Stay curious, the ideas often come from the floor.
Courage can be taught. When leaders have the mindset, skills, and support to navigate adversity, they not only survive — they win, emerging stronger and more agile for the next challenge.
I work with luxury retail executives to turn uncertainty into measurable results. If your leadership team is facing challenges head-on, now is the time to equip them with the tools, confidence, and resilience to thrive — not just in calm waters, but in the middle of the storm.
Message me, and let’s start the conversation.
