Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares joined The Contrarian podcast with Washington Post columnist Jen Rubin for a powerful conversation on how political instability, attacks on institutions, and erosion of the rule of law are creating serious risks for the American business community.
“Markets can’t function when regulation is made on a whim… driven by cronyism and personal preferences.”
Ballou-Aares highlighted how business leaders across industries are grappling with uncertainty around tariffs, legal threats, and state interference in higher education—warning that inaction comes at a cost.
“We’re seeing paralysis across the business community because no one knows what’s coming next.”
She emphasized the urgent need for multi-sector coalitions to protect democratic norms and preserve the conditions that make economic innovation and investment possible.
“Restoring the rule of law will require coalitions—across industries, across sectors. That’s what business wants. And it’s what Americans want.”