Leadership, Tariffs, and the Cost of Uncertainty | Matt Mandel (CEO, Sunfed)

At the SWIPE Expo in Tucson, we sat down with Matt Mandel, CEO of Sunfed, to talk about leadership in an era defined by uncertainty. Tariffs, artificial intelligence, labor pressures, and market volatility continue to reshape the produce industry — but Matt makes the case that the real differentiator isn’t policy or technology alone. It’s service, information, and trust. In this conversation, we discuss why uncertainty is often the biggest cost facing businesses today, how leaders should be thinking about AI in the workplace, and why strong organizations empower people rather than micromanage them. Matt also shares his perspective on decision-making under pressure, the importance of agility, and how investing in people ultimately determines whether a company can adapt and win in changing markets. Topics covered include:

• Tariffs and operating in an uncertain policy environment
• Why service and information matter more than transactions
• AI as a tool — not a threat — in the workplace
• Leadership, trust, and empowering teams
• Making better decisions in volatile markets

This episode was recorded live from the SWIPE Expo and offers practical insight for leaders inside and outside the produce industry.