Today’s heightened political risk environment creates challenges – but also opportunities for companies that understand and proactively manage these risks.

Courtney Rickert McCaffrey

EY Global Geostrategy Insights Leader; Director, Business and CXO Insights, Ernst & Young LLP

Geopolitical analyst and strategist. Creative methodologist. Proud feminist. Passionate about generating insights to help executives make better-informed decisions.

Courtney is a recognized thought leader in political risk and global macro trends, with an emphasis on analyzing the strategic implications for companies. Courtney drives market-leading insight around geopolitics, political risk management and geostrategy. She is co-author of ‘Geostrategy by Design’, a book that explores how to manage geopolitical risk in the new era of globalization.

Courtney also leads a team of Business & CXO Insights analysts that deliver actionable perspectives and strategic foresight on cross-cutting themes and macro trends.

In her previous role, Courtney managed a thought leadership program dedicated to helping business leaders better anticipate and plan for the future. She has also managed projects and advisory services at a leading political risk consultancy, priced political risk insurance, and worked on political campaigns.

Courtney earned a BA from Drake University and an MA from The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).

How Courtney is building a better working world

“We live in an era of geopolitical volatility and uncertainty. I help companies to understand the political risks that they face today and to anticipate the risks that are coming around the corner.

I also help leaders develop more strategic approaches to managing political risk. With the right geostrategy systems in place, companies will be better equipped to navigate geopolitical volatility – no matter what specific events occur in the coming years.

This contributes to a better working world by improving business resilience and generating long-term value for all stakeholders.”
 

Courtney's latest thinking

Beyond the Trump Administration’s First 100 Days: What’s Next for Businesses?

In this webcast, panelists discuss strategies for executives to proactively navigate and thrive during President Trump’s second term.

30 Apr 2025 | 16:00 your local time

Three ways to transform board oversight of geostrategic risk

Find out three key shifts that leading boards are making to transform the way they oversee geostrategic risk.

22 Apr 2025 Robyn Bew +2

The five habits of successful Geostrategists

All companies are shifting strategies to adapt to geopolitical risk. Here is how to invest more efficiently and strategically than your competitors. Read more.

How entrepreneurs can manage geopolitical risks to enable growth

By managing geopolitical risks, entrepreneurs can drive growth. Discover four steps to thrive amid uncertainty and volatility.

Building geopolitical resilience in aerospace, defense and mobility

Companies will face challenges in managing the uncertainties created by new geopolitical realities. Learn how to succeed in this volatile environment.

Geostrategic Analysis: March 2025 edition

Read the March 2025 Geostrategic Analysis for our take on geopolitical developments and the impact of these political risks on international business.

14 Mar 2025 Oliver Jones +1

Americas board priorities 2025

Find out what board members in the Americas are focused on in 2025.

13 Jan 2025 Robyn Bew +2

Top 10 geopolitical risks in 2025 Geostrategic Outlook

Geopolitical risk will remain elevated due to economic sovereignty and global rivalries. Learn how to manage the uncertainty to grow your business.

Middle East conflict: economic and geopolitical impact

Discover how potential Middle East conflict scenarios could affect businesses in the next two years. Read more.

05 Dec 2024 Gregory Daco +1

How to manage geopolitical risk in the new era of globalization

Geostrategy by Design: Managing Geopolitical Risk is a new book from EY-Parthenon team that explores the topic. Learn more.

Government Insights Podcast: Governing in a Changing World

Listen to our Government Insights podcast series as we explore how government executives rethink their strategies for economic resilience.

16 Jul 2024

Why government leaders need a robust geostrategy

In this episode, speakers discuss key geopolitical developments and what they mean for government leaders. Learn more.

09 Jul 2024 16m 46s

Prepare now for the new era of selective globalization

Exploring scenarios for the world in five years reveals divergent paths for geopolitics, economic policies and company strategies. Learn more.

27 Mar 2024 Oliver Jones +2

2024 Geostrategic Outlook

In this webcast, panelists discuss the top 10 geopolitical risks for 2024 and the associated business opportunities and challenges. Learn more.

23 Jan 2024 | 15:00 your local time

EY 2024 global economic outlook for business leaders

In this webcast, panelists will discuss the outlook for the 2024 economy and how that is likely to shape business investment decisions.

19 Jan 2024 | 09:30 your local time

Top 10 geopolitical risks for 2024

An even more complex geopolitical environment is on the horizon. Learn how businesses need to innovate and adapt their strategies to stay ahead.

Navigating the shift in supply chains

Supply chain transformation in the logistics sector. Learn more.

19 Oct 2023 Brian Lynch +2

Embracing the automation revolution in trucking

Automation transformation in the logistics sector. Learn more.

18 Oct 2023 Brian Lynch +2

Why a level head is needed to deal with geopolitical risk

Understanding your company’s political risk profile is necessary to set global strategy. It’s time to shore up any gaps in political risk exposure. Learn more.

Case study: How geopolitical insights build resiliency

EY teams helped a financial services firm analyze the financial consequences of regional political tensions. Learn more in this case study.

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