Have you ever spent time riding the bench – waiting your turn?  

As we finish out the month of March it is impossible to ignore the ongoing economic uncertainty shaped by the tariffs introduced during President Trump’s administration. While trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada have fluctuated over the years, the rippling effects of these tariffs are still being felt across industries, affecting businesses, workers and families. This has left so many companies in a frozen state as they wait to see what happens.

Whether you were the player who started on the bench or on the field you may be familiar with the concept of always being game ready. No matter what role you play or what seat you sit in the potential of it being your turn is always present. People are often one wrong move away from you getting your time to shine but if you plan to sit on the bench rather than play on the field you won’t be ready when you time comes.  

Some of you may know this, most of you probably will not but once upon a time I was a competitive wakeboarder. I trained most days of the week both on and off the water. As I was preparing to compete in the World Wake competition in 2021 and in 2022 I spent a lot of time reading about what it means to be a top performer. While I learned a lot through these years that related to my sport; different flips, different rail hits and my personal favourite, wild grabs, what I really took away from this experience was the importance of always being game ready.  

Canada is on a bit of a pause right now and as we have talked to so many hiring managers from so many companies most people are putting everything on hold for the time being. People are holding their breath and waiting to see where the shoe will drop on April 2nd.Those who continued to prepare as if they were going to play rather than sit on the bench through the game will be much better off on the other side on the 2nd no matter how the shoe drops.  

Often we see a barrier in our way and we want to stop, to pivot, to run the opposite direction. But rather, when the road gets rough the tuff get tougher and the strong get stronger.  In ever environment good and bad those who buckle down and work harder are going to be better off than the players who took the chance to sit and rest for a while. This is what being “game ready” is all about. It’s about staying short, adapting to the game you’re playing and never losing sight of the bigger picture. Even when the score board doesn’t look promising. Whether the game is adjusting to the changing tariffs, recalibrating business strategies, or working through difficult personal or professional hurdles, staying game ready means preparing for the unexpected and staying committed to progress, no matter how small. And trust me, the day will come that you will be called off the bench and you better be ready to play. For me, this happened in 2021’s Canadian National competition. I showed up to watch and ended up competing because I was game ready. Are you?  

For Canadians particularly, this moment can feel isolating. We are so often caught in the tug-of-war between global economic forces, yet it’s important to remember that our strength lies in our ability to adapt and overcome. The resilience of Canadians has been on display throughout history and the current situation calls for the same determination. While uncertainty looms, we are in a unique position to forge a new path forward, one built on a commitment to progress and the understanding that challenges are simply opportunities in disguise.  

So, as we head into the spring of 2025, let’s stay focused on being game ready. Let’s not allow the noise of uncertainty to drown out the quiet power of perseverance. For those who keep moving forward, the rewards will come – not just in economic terms but in personal and professional growth. It’s those who stay in the game, who keep working through the tough times, who will find themselves in a much better position to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.   

-Hannah Dannecker