DEPT® Strategic Navigators

STRATEGIC Navigators

DEPT®’s Think Tank to help brands navigate tariffs and market uncertainty

Strategic guidance at a time of uncertainty

When policy shifts overnight, the effects on brands are immediate—from disrupted supply chains to shifting media budgets, procurement timelines, and pricing strategies.

Despite a recent announcement to pause U.S. tariff hikes for 90 days, DEPT® expects ongoing volatility, not just from trade policy but also from the broader political and economic landscape.

In a moment when the usual distance between government policy and day-to-day marketing disappeared, DEPT® has responded by assembling a 10-person “Strategic Navigators” team made up of experts in tech, marketing, commerce, CRM, and AI.

The Strategic Navigators are here to listen, scenario-plan, and work side-by-side with you to help adapt your strategies in real time—from product rollouts and messaging updates to performance marketing and content-at-scale.

Where to get started

The Strategic Navigators are helping clients to answer questions, including:

How do we talk about price increases without losing trust or market share?
DEPT® advises reframing the conversation around long-term value, quality, or smart savings—and adapting messaging to reflect where people are, right now.

How do we keep marketing effective when uncertainty is high and margins are tight?
DEPT® recommends doubling down on what’s proven: smarter targeting, modular creative, and performance-led media planning. AI also plays a role in scaling personalization without inflating costs.

What happens when supply chain issues disrupt product availability?
DEPT® is working with clients to build dynamic content frameworks linked to inventory data, ensuring paid campaigns stay aligned with what’s actually available—protecting both efficiency and brand credibility.

While the current climate poses challenges, it’s also acting as a catalyst for transformation, particularly in the application of AI across marketing and operations. We’re supporting many of our clients to use this as a moment to accelerate automation, streamline content production, and experiment with predictive analytics to stay ahead of market shifts.

Consult the Strategic Navigators

Do you need strategic advice on how to navigate the current volatility for your organization? We’re here to help. Reach out to us today to book a call with our strategists.