As organizations enter 2026, senior executives face an environment characterized by economic volatility, rapid technological advancement, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Operational resilience and strategic agility are no longer optional; they are essential for sustaining growth and competitiveness. For the middle market, this means right-sized, commercially grounded technology and process changes – not Big Tech-style transformations. Below is an overview of the priorities shaping the C-suite agenda and how leading advisory firms are addressing these imperatives.

Economic uncertainty and financial resilience

Persistent macroeconomic fluctuations and regulatory complexity are compelling executives to reassess capital allocation and cost structures. Financial resilience now requires more than cost containment; it demands strategic frameworks that enable confident decision-making while funding innovation. Advisory teams are increasingly supporting leadership with scenario planning, M&A readiness, and restructuring strategies to help organizations remain agile and well-positioned for growth.

Solutions must be pragmatic – automating nonvalue‑add work, improving margins, and accelerating decision-making without overwhelming limited resources.

Digital transformation and technology enablement

The adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced digital platforms is moving beyond experimentation toward measurable business impact. Boards expect technology investments to deliver operational efficiency and customer value. This necessitates comprehensive technology assessments, remediation of legacy systems, and the development of digital strategies that enable scalability and readiness for AI-driven transformation.

Middle market firms are experimenting on the edges; what they need now are tools and processes that eliminate and automate inefficient legacy processes, inadequate KPIs, weak reporting, and nonstandard operations. 

Operational excellence and performance improvement

Operational priorities for 2026 center on agility and efficiency. Organizations are leveraging automation, advanced analytics, and process reengineering to streamline workflows and enhance accuracy. Proven methodologies and disciplined execution protocols aren’t enough to achieve measurable outcomes. Enterprises need focused attention on operational excellence; oftentimes seeking help to embed these capabilities, reducing costs while improving responsiveness to market dynamics.

Workforce strategy and leadership agility

Talent remains a strategic differentiator. Hybrid work models, succession planning, and leadership development are top concerns for executives seeking to maintain organizational resilience. The right advisor can assist with change management and culture-building initiatives that redesign structures (such as breaking silos); enable new, agile ways of working together; and foster more adaptive leadership, ultimately creating a future-ready, resilient, and engaged workforce. 

These strategies address leadership gaps due to rapid scaling; succession planning needs; operational strain; and the need for matured finance, operations, and reporting functions to support growth and M&A readiness. 

Mid‑market leaders will focus on:

• Building next‑level management layers
• Upgrading CHRO/COO capabilities
• Professionalizing governance, controls, and decision frameworks

Risk and compliance in a complex world

Cybersecurity and regulatory compliance continue to dominate boardroom discussions. Governance frameworks and risk mitigation strategies are essential to maintaining trust and transparency. A strong advisory team will identify solutions that safeguard operations while enabling growth, helping organizations anticipate and address evolving regulatory requirements.

Integrated solutions for enterprise success

Addressing these priorities requires a holistic approach that aligns operational improvements with strategic objectives. CohnReznick’s CxO Advisory practice exemplifies this integration by delivering services that include:

• Strategic roadmaps for growth and transformation: Frameworks for confident decision-making across capital transactions, modernization, and restructuring initiatives
• Digital and technology enablement: Tech stack benchmarking and digital strategies that drive scalability and prepare organizations for AI-driven transformation
• Operational excellence and performance improvement: Process optimization and automation solutions that enhance accuracy and reduce costs
• Workforce strategy and leadership agility: Talent strategies and culture-building programs that strengthen organizational resilience
• Risk and compliance advisory: Governance and compliance solutions that mitigate operational and regulatory risks

The path forward

For C-suite leaders, 2026 will demand decisive action and disciplined execution. Success will hinge on the ability to integrate strategic vision with operational rigor. By leveraging advisory expertise in transformation, technology, change management, and risk management, organizations can convert uncertainty into opportunity and position themselves for sustained growth. To be prepared for market opportunities, CEOs/CFOs will invest in making their companies transaction-ready, even without certainty of a deal.