How Leaders Lead with David Novak

#279: Eric Kutcher, Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company – AI is about growth, not just productivity

54 snips
Feb 19, 2026
Eric Kutcher, Senior Partner and North America chair at McKinsey with 28+ years guiding large transformations. He frames AI as a once-in-a-generation shift and explains three ways it creates value. He talks about building an AI-first mission to motivate teams. He shares a memorable stress-ball story about rebuilding trust and offers practical ways leaders should develop curiosity and role-model AI use.
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ADVICE

Lead By Using And Celebrating AI

  • Role-model AI use and ask teams how they used it in decisions to normalize curiosity and best practices.
  • Publicly celebrate smart AI use to create emulation and faster adoption.
INSIGHT

AI Unlocks New Business Models

  • AI enables net-new businesses by turning unique operational data into products and services you couldn't offer before.
  • Firms can monetize fresh AI-driven capabilities beyond core offerings.
ADVICE

Experiment Weekly With New AI Tools

  • Explore a new AI technology every week and experiment with it in personal or professional life.
  • Use small experiments to build confidence and translate learnings to meetings and decisions.
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