The article examines the challenges facing SMEs in an increasingly unstable economic environment, marked by geopolitical conflicts, regulatory pressure, supply chain disruptions, and financial constraints. It argues that operational resilience is not built solely on technology or extreme efficiency, but on solid processes, alternative suppliers, close partnerships, and leadership capable of preparing the organization to continuously absorb shocks.
Roberto Xavier is a senior executive with more than 20 years of experience creating value at leading organizations in the banking, retail, and real estate sectors. With a proven track record in leading turnarounds and repositioning assets held by institutional investors such as AXA Investment Managers and Sonae, he currently holds an executive position at the Crédito Agrícola Group in the area of asset management and operations. He holds a Global Executive MBA from EADA Business School and École des Ponts Business School. He currently combines his executive experience with academic work at Nova SBE, where he teaches and mentors senior executives as part of the Voice Leadership program.