In this dispatch, Frank Warren discusses the often-overlooked risks in trade wars, emphasizing that the most dangerous risks are those that organizations have stopped recognizing. He highlights the phenomenon of risk blindness, where companies become complacent due to stable operations, leading to margin erosion and distorted pricing decisions. Warren urges leaders to enhance visibility in their supply chains and to question their assumptions about supplier reliability, advocating for a proactive approach to risk management in a rapidly changing economic environment,

Risk doesn't announce itself—especially during the trade war. In this episode of The Unseen War, Frank Warren shows how tariffs and volatility often hide inside healthy revenue, reliable suppliers, and long-standing contracts. Learn how to identify hidden exposure, map real risk without panic, and position your company to respond with clarity, confidence, and maneuverability in a permanently changed trade environment.

Summary

In this episode of the Unseen War, Frank Warren discusses the critical issue of margin erosion faced by family-owned mid-market and lower mid-market manufacturing companies. He explains how changes in the trade environment, particularly due to tariffs, have led to increased operational risks and reduced profitability. The conversation highlights the gradual nature of margin erosion, the structural drivers behind it, and the importance of visibility and deliberate decision-making in navigating these challenges. Warren emphasizes that the decisions made during this time not only affect profits but also impact people and communities.