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The End of Fire Season


business and nature graphic

The recent destruction in Los Angeles has been heartbreaking, a visceral reminder of how our world is changing in unpredictable and sometimes devastating ways. For those of us in Northern California, it also brings back memories of the Tubbs Fire in 2017, which brought immense challenges to the Napa and Sonoma regions. Governor Newsom’s recent words, “There’s no more fire season,” resonate deeply, not just in the context of our physical environment but in how we prepare for and navigate the unexpected in every part of our lives.


I primarily write about tech and business, and it’s hard for me not to see parallels between the unpredictability of our physical environment and the uncertainty businesses now face. With Trump’s incoming administration, deregulation and a focus on short-term growth are setting the stage for a volatile landscape. While some businesses may find immediate opportunities, others face heightened risks in a world where uncertainty is no longer seasonal, it’s constant.



The Double-Edged Sword of Short-Termism


Deregulation often sparks initial excitement, fewer restrictions mean lower costs and faster opportunities to grow. But history shows us that these benefits come at a cost. Policies focused on short-term wins often create ripple effects, economic instability, reduced consumer trust, and challenges for businesses reliant on long-term planning.


For leaders, this creates a complex challenge. The pressure to seize short-term opportunities is real, but those who fail to balance this with sustainable, long-term thinking risk falling into traps that undermine future growth.


Rethinking Business Strategy in an Unstable World


Much like California’s disappearing fire season, businesses must adapt to this new reality by replacing rigid plans with dynamic, ongoing strategies. The old playbook, focused on steady cycles of growth and stability, no longer applies. Instead, success in 2025 and beyond will require flexibility, foresight, and a willingness to prioritize resilience over rapid wins. Here are some guidelines that could help businesses succeed in this new landscape:


  1. Embrace Strategic Partnerships:

    • In uncertain times, partnerships provide more than just a growth opportunity, they create shared stability and an ecosystem. By aligning with companies that also value long-term outcomes, leaders can buffer themselves against external shocks and create a stronger foundation.

  2. Agility is Your Advantage:

    • Businesses that succeed in this new environment will focus less on perfection and more on adaptability. Whether it’s pivoting quickly to respond to regulatory changes or experimenting with new strategies, agility will define the winners.

  3. Invest in Resilience:

    • Just as California communities are rebuilding with an eye toward preventing future devastation, businesses must make investments that ensure they can weather uncertainty. This includes robust contingency planning, diversified revenue streams, and prioritizing employee well-being to foster a strong internal foundation.


Walking the Line Between Opportunity and Risk


The incoming policies of 2025 will create undeniable opportunities for businesses to grow, streamline, and innovate, but they also present risks that shouldn’t be ignored. Leaders who lean entirely into short-term gains may find themselves unprepared for the ripple effects of deregulation, while those who balance immediate opportunities with sustainable planning will be better positioned to thrive.


The end of fire “season” reminds us that the old cycles of preparation and response are gone. In business, just as in nature, we must create new ways of thinking to meet the challenges of a constantly shifting environment.


This isn’t about resisting change, it’s about navigating it thoughtfully. Businesses that focus on adaptability, collaboration, and resilience won’t just survive in this new era, they’ll lead the way forward.




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