The Pulse: April 28, 2026
Geopolitical tensions drive oil prices up, Meta faces China ban, and Google workers push back on AI ethics. What this means for your pipeline.
What's happening in the world, how it affects your pipeline and your customers, and what to do about it before your first meeting.
107.49
Brent crude futures rose to $107.49 a barrel on Monday, reflecting escalating geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions .
Asia-Pacific markets trade mixed as investors assess latest U.S.-Iran signals
Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, leading to significant disruptions in global oil markets. The impasse in peace talks and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed crude oil prices higher, creating inflationary pressures and increasing the risk of a global recession. This directly impacts operational costs for many B2B businesses, influencing their purchasing decisions and budget allocations.
Meta Is Preparing to Have to Undo Its Manus Acquisition After China Ban
Meta faces a significant regulatory hurdle as China's ban on its Manus acquisition looms, highlighting the increasing complexity of international trade and M&A. This situation underscores the growing impact of geopolitical factors and regulatory scrutiny on global business expansion and technology integration. Companies must navigate a fractured regulatory environment, which can derail strategic investments and market entry plans.
Google workers petition CEO to refuse classified AI work with Pentagon
Google employees are petitioning their CEO to reject classified AI work with the Pentagon, signaling growing internal and external pressure regarding the ethical implications and applications of AI. This reflects a broader societal debate around AI governance and responsible development, which can influence public perception and talent acquisition for companies involved in sensitive AI projects. B2B vendors developing AI solutions must consider the ethical frameworks and potential controversies surrounding their technology.
Domino's Pizza stock falls on disappointing sales — and CEO thinks more chains will follow
Domino's Pizza reported disappointing sales, with its CEO suggesting a broader trend for other chains. This indicates a potential softening in consumer spending and increased price sensitivity, which can quickly ripple through the B2B supply chain for food service, logistics, and packaging providers. Businesses need to prepare for potential shifts in demand and tighter budget scrutiny from their customers in the consumer-facing sectors.
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square IPO Expected to Raise $5 Billion
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square is preparing for an IPO expected to raise $5 billion, demonstrating continued investor appetite for established, high-profile financial entities. This significant capital raise signals confidence in certain market segments despite broader economic uncertainties and highlights the availability of funding for well-positioned firms. It also indicates liquidity in the market for strategic investments and growth initiatives.
Where this number comes from
The stat above (107.49) is drawn from Story 1 above. Brent crude futures rose to $107.49 a barrel on Monday, reflecting escalating geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions .
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Get expert helpWe are seeing a clear divergence: while certain sectors like AI and finance are attracting significant investment, others are facing headwinds from geopolitical tensions and shifting consumer behavior. This creates a complex selling environment where buyers are simultaneously looking for innovative solutions and scrutinizing every expenditure. We need to help our clients navigate this paradox, demonstrating clear, immediate ROI.
Your buyers are grappling with rising costs and regulatory uncertainty, but also looking for strategic investments. Your conversations need to reflect this dual reality.
For prospects in energy-intensive industries, open your next call by referencing the rise in Brent crude prices to $107.49 a barrel and ask how they are mitigating increased operational costs [1].
Buyers are calculating the direct impact of energy prices on their P&L and are afraid of unmanaged cost escalations.
When engaging with companies involved in international M&A or cross-border tech development, reference Meta's Manus acquisition issue with China and inquire about their regulatory compliance strategies [2].
Buyers are afraid of regulatory roadblocks derailing strategic initiatives and incurring significant financial penalties or divestment costs.
For prospects in the food service or retail supply chain, reference Domino's disappointing sales and ask how they are preparing for potential shifts in consumer demand and tighter budgets [4].
Buyers are calculating the impact of softening consumer spending on their own revenue forecasts and are afraid of being caught off-guard by market shifts.
Buyer decision-making is increasingly influenced by global instability and the ethical implications of technology. Your messaging must address these concerns directly.
Create content that highlights how your solution helps businesses navigate rising operational costs and supply chain disruptions, directly referencing the geopolitical tensions driving oil price increases [1].
Buyers are seeking solutions that offer cost stability and operational resilience in an unpredictable economic climate.
Develop thought leadership around ethical AI deployment and governance, using the Google workers' petition as a timely example, positioning your AI solutions as responsible and transparent [3].
Buyers are concerned about the ethical risks and public perception of AI, and they need to trust the integrity of the technology they adopt.
For companies in financial services or those targeting high-growth sectors, develop case studies that demonstrate how your solution supports rapid scaling or strategic investment, drawing parallels to large capital raises like Pershing Square's IPO [5].
Buyers in growth-oriented sectors are looking for partners that can accelerate their expansion and capitalize on market opportunities.
Your existing customers are facing new pressures, from rising costs to regulatory challenges. Proactive engagement can mitigate churn and identify expansion opportunities.
Proactively check in with customers in manufacturing, logistics, or transportation to understand how rising energy costs are impacting their operations and identify how your solution can help optimize efficiency [1].
Customers are calculating their operational expenses and may be looking for ways to extract more value or efficiency from existing tools to offset rising costs.
For customers operating internationally, especially those with significant presence in China or the EU, offer a review of their current processes to ensure compliance with evolving trade and regulatory policies, referencing Meta's acquisition challenge [2].
Customers are afraid of non-compliance penalties and operational disruptions due to complex and changing international regulations.
Engage with customers in the consumer-facing sectors (e.g., retail, food service) to discuss how their market is shifting in light of trends like Domino's sales dip, and explore how your solution can support their adaptation strategies [4].
Customers are calculating market risks and looking for partners who can help them maintain competitiveness and adapt to changing consumer behavior.
The current environment demands strategic agility. Leaders must balance innovation with risk management, ensuring GTM teams are equipped for both growth and resilience.
Re-evaluate your pricing strategies and value propositions to explicitly address the impact of rising energy costs and inflation, using the Forecast Health Check to model different market scenarios [1].
Organisational leaders need to ensure pricing remains competitive and profitable while customers face increased operational expenses.
Conduct an internal audit of your AI development and deployment practices, particularly if you engage in sensitive projects, in light of ethical concerns raised by Google workers and public scrutiny [3].
Organisational leaders are responsible for managing reputational risk and ensuring ethical compliance in AI development to maintain trust and attract talent.
Assess your global market expansion plans, especially those involving M&A or significant cross-border operations, with heightened scrutiny on regulatory risks and geopolitical stability, learning from Meta's challenges [2].
Organisational leaders must mitigate the risk of strategic investments being derailed by unforeseen regulatory or geopolitical interventions.
Utilize the AI GTM Tools Database to identify and evaluate new AI solutions that can drive efficiency and cost savings across your GTM functions, preparing for potential market slowdowns indicated by consumer spending trends like Domino's sales [4].
Organisational leaders need to continuously optimize operations and reduce costs to maintain profitability and market position during economic shifts.
"With Brent crude prices pushing over $107 a barrel, what are the primary cost pressures your team is currently navigating, and how are you thinking about mitigating those in the next quarter?"
Use this in your next executive-level strategic discussion or QBR with a key account.
This week's news highlights significant global uncertainties, from rising energy costs to complex regulatory shifts. It's a lot to process, and these external pressures can weigh heavily on our teams. Remember to check in with your people, understand their concerns, and offer support. Acknowledging the challenges they face goes a long way in fostering resilience.
Tomorrow, we'll be watching for any further developments in the US-Iran situation and its impact on oil prices. Additionally, keep an eye on any new regulatory announcements, particularly concerning international trade and data privacy, as these continue to reshape the global business environment.
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