McKinsey Talks Talent

Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, psychologist, author, and professor who studies personality and leadership, challenges the mantra of bringing your whole self to work. He discusses how authenticity is misunderstood, the tradeoff between adaptability and rigid identity, reputation over raw honesty, and the effects of AI and social signals on workplace behavior.

Carolyn Lee, President and Executive Director of the Manufacturing Institute, leads national efforts to grow manufacturing talent through training and apprenticeships. She discusses persistent talent shortages, rethinking recruitment and early outreach, using automation to upskill not replace workers, flexible work-design, and scaling regional partnerships and apprenticeship programs to build career pathways.

Suzy Welch, author and leadership commentator who studies values and career fit, joins to explore why high performers end up in the wrong careers. She discusses the “B+ life,” distinguishing values from virtues, cognitive aptitudes versus skills, and how AI and career awareness reshape paths. Short, sharp ideas on matching wiring, economics, and resilience keep the conversation lively.

In the US, many companies still struggle to fill essential roles. What if part of the solution involves talent that has traditionally been overlooked? Take Johanna Carbajal, who spent her adolescence shuttling between juvenile hall, foster care, and the streets before landing in prison at 18. After her release, Johanna made her way to Homeboy Industries, the Los Angeles–based organization founded by Father Greg Boyle to help formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals heal, find stability, and build meaningful careers. For Johanna, finding Homeboy was a watershed moment. On this special holiday episode of McKinsey Talks Talent,  you’ll hear her—as well as Father Greg, in conversation with McKinsey talent experts Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock, and Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly—talking about what leaders can learn from the Homeboy philosophy, including the impact of thinking differently about hiring, developing skills, and creating a culture where employees feel not just safe but seen.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Beth Cobert, president at Strada Education Foundation, shares her expertise on the dynamic intersection of education and AI-driven work. She discusses the importance of cross-sector collaboration to equip workers with future skills. Cobert explains how AI is reshaping entry-level jobs and emphasizes the significance of investing in incumbent workers. She stresses the value of nontechnical skills and offers advice for promoting skill-based hiring. With a hopeful outlook, she highlights innovative programs that bridge education and quality careers.

On this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey talent experts Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock join Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly for a conversation with Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments at Project Level and former president of the NFL’s Washington Commanders. Together, they explore how women’s sports is scaling rapidly—and what it takes to build an industry with lasting economic and social impact.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dickie Steele, a Partner at McKinsey, discusses how the right operating model can significantly bridge the gap between strategy and performance for organizations. He highlights that even top companies miss out on 30% of their potential due to misalignment. The conversation covers innovative operating models, tailoring decision-making to unique organizational identities, and the importance of adaptability in today’s business environment. The hosts playfully explore cultural communication differences, showcasing how these factors influence organizational dynamics.

The podcast dives into the impact of generative AI on the labor market, highlighting the uncertainty it brings. Discussions focus on how political changes and demographic shifts affect job demand and supply. There's a spotlight on Gen Z's unique workplace expectations, emphasizing their prioritization of company values. The conversation explores the dual role of AI in both augmenting roles and displacing entry-level jobs, while also detailing the challenges faced by those marginally attached to the workforce amid evolving employment dynamics.

Join Jorge Amar, a Senior Partner at McKinsey and an AI workforce expert, as he explores the rapidly evolving dynamics between humans and AI agents in the workplace. He discusses the rise of agentic AI and its transformative potential in sectors like IT and HR, enhancing both productivity and collaboration. Jorge highlights the need for reskilling and leadership adaptation to navigate these changes, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining human empathy in customer interactions. Discover how organizations can prepare for this fascinating future!

Leaders have long recognized the importance of a healthy workforce to driving economic productivity. But they might be surprised at the value at stake—and at the size of the employee population in less-than-fine fettle. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey talent leaders and Global Leader of the McKinsey Health Institute Lucy Pérez speak with Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly about new research on employee health: what it means, its vital link to value, and the steps leaders can take to create workplaces where employees thrive—and competitive advantage rises.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information