Are we living in a DOGE Economy?
The month of February felt like a massive roller coaster for organizations across sectors. Information came out in fits and starts, and the conversations ranged from panic to unrealistic optimism. As I worked with clients in executive search and coached clients, one thing became clear-
Certainty was elusive yet desperately sought after.
With DOGE (a nod to the unpredictability of our current economic landscape) continuing its impact, any organization receiving federal funding is on high alert. And vendors working with these organizations are on edge, too.
Meanwhile, as workforces are streamlined and hiring stalls across sectors, job seekers are finding themselves at a standstill, with recruiters who were once eager to engage now seemingly lost in a black hole of silence.
So many decisions—proactive and reactionary—are being made without clear direction. It's like playing a game of chess in the dark, unsure if we're moving the right pieces at the right time.
Making decisions in such an environment feels like Alice falling down the rabbit hole—pulling at opportunities, levers, and distractions along the way.
In the first week of 2025, my husband and co-principal of the firm, Justin, and I held our Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) meeting, a process we conduct twice a year for both our family and the firm. We reviewed every item in our budget, and with the uncertainty surrounding what DOGE might bring, we took a more critical approach. Which services and vendors are delivering real value? What can we negotiate? And what should we cut? Where can we add more value to our clients? As we began to feel the initial impact of DOGE, we refined our projections and expenditures. We’ve made this process an efficient and positive one, ensuring every expense is accounted for and justified. (And, there is always a deadline to complete it and a long dinner somewhere fabulous upon conclusion).
ZBB is a process that is foreign to most families and businesses.
Hospitals, in particular, are reluctant to do it because of the potential backlash from scrutinizing staffing costs. Less confident finance departments may fear uncovering issues they’ve never addressed before. Yet, there should never be fear in our finances.
It’s time to pull back the curtain and follow the money—your money and the revenue driving your department or organization.
Another side effect of the DOGE Economy is that we’re not connecting, let alone talking to strangers. We need to open up, not close ranks. In my coaching practice, I encourage clients to create a casual Mastermind Group of 10 new contacts.
By reaching out to 10 people each month, you gain valuable insights into their business, market outlook, and what they’re reading or listening to.
This can be a bright star in uncertain times, helping us build collective knowledge, empathize, and celebrate others' successes.
In times of uncertainty, we press forward, focusing on the present and the week, quarter, and year ahead. Ask your team and colleagues about their top goals, upcoming meetings, and how you can help. Close conversations in a way that invites further sharing and insights.
Decision-making must be deliberate: pragmatic, transparent, and focused on execution.
Wherever the DOGE Economy leads and however it impacts our organizations, teams, or families, we must control our chess board and anticipate our next moves. We need to talk, listen, and execute with purpose.
Enjoy the week!
Nicole Barbano- Founder and Principal
Final notes…
3 Zero-Based Budgeting Examples that Define Success and Failure - Criterion Global
The most recommended podcast at Hunter Ambrose
This week….Talk to strangers. Pick up the phone, ask for a meeting, and offer your time.
