Inside the Strategy Room

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 25:34) >  Environmental, social, and governance(ESG) issues are playing an increasing role in companies’ decisions around mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. But how do these factors link to corporate performance and deal potential? In this episode, two experts share their insights on navigating this fast-changing landscape. Sara Bernow, who leads McKinsey’s work in sustainable investing and co-leads the institutional investing practice in Europe, is a co-author of the recent article, “More than values: The values-based sustainability reporting that investors want. ”Robin Nuttall leads our regulatory and government affairs practice and recently co-authored “Five ways that ESG creates value.” They spoke with Strategy & Corporate Finance communications director Sean Brown at the European 2020 M&A Conference in London.Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 21:39) >  With the cost of money low and the competition for deals high, revenue synergies are playing a bigger part in the rationale for acquisitions.In this episode, three McKinsey experts discuss the challenges around capturing revenue synergies in mergers.In their conversation with Strategy & Corporate Finance communications director Sean Brown, partners Alex Liu and Nikolaus Raberger along with associate partner John Chartier, share the key findings from their recent research, featured in their article, “Seven rules to crack the code on revenue synergies and M&A.”Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Read more >    Listen to the podcast (duration: 33:05) >  McKinsey senior partners Carolyn Dewar and Scott Keller discuss the six dimensions that separate exceptional CEOs from the rest of the pack.They also provide guidance on how current and future leaders can join that elite group.Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The podcast discusses the challenges of successful execution and integration of mergers and acquisitions. It highlights the importance of a well-planned governance model, developing M&A muscle, achieving successful integration, managing cultural pitfalls, internal communication, and stakeholder engagement. It also explores the factors affecting complexity of M&A deals and emphasizes the importance of onboarding.

Beth Comstock, former vice chair of GE, and Erik Roth, McKinsey senior partner, discuss the importance of tolerance for risk, patience, and thinking small in driving innovation. They explore designing messiness in organizations, the drawbacks of incubators and accelerators, investing in clean tech mistakes, allocating budget wisely, and choosing the right leaders for better decision-making.

Senior partners Andy West and Jeff Rudnicki from McKinsey's Synergy Lab share surprising insights on capturing synergies in M&A deals, including the importance of protecting the base business, setting specific synergy targets, moving quickly to capture synergies, managing cultural differences during transactions, and the impact of announcing synergies on total returns and deal performance.

McKinsey senior partners Carolyn Dewar and Michael Birshan discuss the dilemma faced by new CEOs: focus on short-term results or invest in long-term future. They highlight the benefits of a long-term perspective and share research on company performance. They emphasize the strategic reallocation of capital and resources, including human capital. The impact of digital on traditional retail and the importance of building platforms and networks are explored. The challenges and necessary skills to succeed as a CEO are also discussed.

Explore the role of M&A in responding to digital disruption and the impact of combinatorial tech explosion on business models. Learn about the scale of response required for digital disruption, personalization and customization in gaining advantage, and the significance of a strong strategy. Discover the challenges and need for capability building in embracing M&A in the digital disruption era. Dive into strategies for navigating digital disruption, including making acquisitions, having a multi-year horizon, challenging existing businesses, and resource allocation.

Celia Huber, Senior partner at McKinsey, discusses the importance of measuring diversity and inclusion in businesses, the role of private equity in fostering diversity, and the need for transparency and accountability in corporate diversity efforts. It also explores the lack of representation in C-suites and provides insights on visible excellence and inclusive behavior.

Exploring the impact of digital disruption and the need for strategic thinking. The importance of bold investments and being a first mover. Challenges and opportunities of adopting digital strategies in heavily regulated industries. The shift towards bold moves and capturing new value pools. The significance of managing risk and increasing the pulse of learning.