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In a week marked by significant market turbulence following the U.S. administration's announcement of new tariffs on April 2, entrepreneurs and investors are navigating an increasingly complex economic environment. Jenny Just, co-founder of PEAK6 Investments and one of America's wealthiest self-made women, addressed these challenges at CNBC's 2025 Changemakers Summit on Tuesday, offering insights into leveraging market volatility for strategic growth.​

Navigating Market Volatility

The recent imposition of tariffs has intensified the challenges faced by small and emerging businesses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a sharp decline of over 4,500 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped by 12% and 13%, respectively, in the four trading sessions following the tariff announcement. Just acknowledged the heightened difficulties, stating, "Every comment out of the news changes the market one way or another, which really is whipsawing CEOs. The private markets will tend to follow and get really worried."​

Embracing Self-Funding and Strategic Risk

Reflecting on her own entrepreneurial journey, Just emphasized the value of self-reliance and prudent financial management. In 1997, she and her partner, Matt Hulsizer, launched PEAK6 Investments with $1.5 million in seed funding and chose to self-fund subsequent ventures. "We never raised again. We self-funded everything we did," she noted, acknowledging that while this approach is "highly unusual" and may not suit every business model, it fosters resilience and strategic autonomy.​

Viewing Volatility as an Opportunity

Just encouraged entrepreneurs to perceive market volatility not solely as a threat but as a catalyst for innovation and strategic thinking. She advised, "It is an opportunity to be curious and think about how to do and solve problems differently," highlighting the importance of a long-term perspective in navigating economic fluctuations.​

Government Response and Market Outlook

In response to market instability, President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in certain tariffs, reducing rates to 10% for most countries and promoting further trade negotiations. This development led to a modest rebound in stock prices on Wednesday. However, the overall market sentiment remains cautious as investors assess the potential long-term impacts of ongoing trade policies.​

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Jenny Just's insights underscore the importance of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and adaptability for entrepreneurs facing market volatility. By embracing challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation, business leaders can navigate economic uncertainties more effectively and position their ventures for sustained success.

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