The McKinsey Podcast Rewinding 2025: A year of The McKinsey Podcast insights—in under 10 minutes
27 snips
Dec 19, 2025 This year, insights on leadership and change take center stage. Experts discuss overcoming inertia in the face of shifting tariffs and the importance of aligning CMOs with CEOs. Mergers and acquisitions are examined as tools for growth. Banking leaders are urged to address geopolitical risks to find new opportunities. The role of AI is explored, highlighting onboarding for AI agents and the rising demand for data centers. A curious and continuous improvement culture is championed for successful leadership.
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Strategy Returns Amid Rapid Change
- Strategy must adapt as advantage and demand patterns shift rapidly across industries.
- Shubham Singhal frames leadership moves as protect, prepare, and propel to counter inertia.
Include CMOs In Strategy Planning
- Include the chief marketing officer in strategic planning to keep the company customer-focused.
- Shelley Stewart warns that only half of CMOs currently join CEOs in strategy discussions.
Make M&A A Core Strategic Option
- Always evaluate M&A as part of strategy to fill growth gaps and access capabilities.
- Jake Henry says acquisitions can plug holes caused by geopolitical and market shifts.