The ability to lead exists in all of us. You don’t need a title to make an impact—it’s about how you show up. But what sets great leaders apart from average ones? Over the past year, we’ve navigated economic uncertainty, from supply chain disruptions to looming trade war threats. During times like these, teams are looking to their leaders for direction.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office on March 14, introduced his new cabinet recently and lamented their focus on the economy, as the strife brought about by tariffs and threats of annexation from the United States weighs on the nation.

In the high-stakes world of construction, securing timely payment is both critical and notoriously challenging for material suppliers, where delayed funds can jeopardize entire operations. To avoid these pitfalls, credit professionals can enforce their lien and bond rights on a project. 

A recent contraction in the United States’ gross domestic product (GDP) is raising concerns for economists and credit managers as an early sign of recession. Meanwhile, inflationary pressures continue to weaken consumer sentiment, further contributing to a decline in market wealth. 

New technology reshapes the business credit profession, as each innovation reframes the work of a credit manager by automating everyday tasks. Unfortunately, just as technology can transform a credit manager’s work, it can give rise to creative ways for fraudsters to take advantage of businesses.  

Earning a professional certification is a transformative opportunity for credit professionals worldwide, leading to dynamic career shifts. NACM and FCIB’s six-level Professional Certification Program does just that by enhancing a credit professional’s abilities and deepening their understanding of the field. 

The world of business credit is vast and ever-changing, with innovations constantly reshaping the daily tasks of credit managers and markets shifting every day. In today’s economy, credit professionals must take the time to build and refine their skills to prepare themselves for the many varied credit dilemmas they may face each day.  

In 2023, the economy grew by 0.7%, followed by a 1.7% increase in 2024, driven by private consumption and modest investment as inflation decreased and interest rates fell, according to the World Bank Group. Poverty dropped slightly to 31.3%, with regional disparities persisting. In addition, the gross domestic product (GDP) in current prices in Colombia is approximately 427.77 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. The country’s average inflation stands at approximately 4.7%, per Statista.

Credit professionals are often focused on supporting others—customers, colleagues and businesses—but they can sometimes forget to take time to care for themselves. In today’s shaky economy, many are facing growing challenges, which can lead to stress and a need for self-care.