Personiv's Latest Survey: Corporate Executives Double Down on Agility, Technology, and Talent Investment

Austin, Texas —

PersonivToday released its latest Executive Outlook Pulse Survey, gathering insights from 290 CEOs, CFOs, controllers, and senior finance leaders across industries. The survey reveals that executives are navigating a constantly evolving environment where agility and foresight are no longer optional but essential.

Key Survey Findings

• Macroeconomic volatility dominates the agenda:64% of leaders say macroeconomic changes in 2025 have had an "extremely significant" impact on their business, with interest rates and global trade as primary drivers.
• Increased investment despite uncertainty:More than half of executives report increased spending on technology, talent, and operational expenses, with nearly a third planning further increases in the next six months. This reflects a proactive growth mindset amid economic headwinds.
• Finance teams spend significant time responding to external factors:Over half of respondents say their finance teams spend more than 20 to 40 hours per week responding to the impact of macroeconomic factors.
• Accelerated AI adoption:70% of companies already use AI in operations, particularly in compliance, payroll, and expense reporting; another 25% plan to adopt AI within the next 12 months.
• Forecasting becomes a top priority:Regardless of company size, leaders rank improving budgeting, forecast accuracy, and scenario planning as top strategic priorities for 2025.

"Today's executives are navigating unprecedented waters—market shifts, technological evolution, and new workforce realities all converging," said Megan Weis, Vice President and General Manager of Finance Outsourcing at Personiv. "Our survey shows that the need for agility is a consistent thread. Whether you lead a ten-person startup or a multinational, embedding flexibility into financial and operational models is the most reliable path to resilience over the next 6 to 12 months."

The report also reveals differences by company size and industry. Smaller companies are more likely to increase talent and operational spending to support growth, while larger enterprises focus on cost optimization and technology investment. Additionally, leaders note that talent shortages remain a top risk, alongside cybersecurity threats and regulatory pressures, highlighting the ongoing importance of upskilling and retention.

The fullExecutive Outlook Pulse Survey reportis now available on the Personiv website.