McKinsey Talks Operations

Companies want to future-proof their supply chains without sacrificing agility or growth. Yet escalating tariffs and policy volatility could force them into reactive cycles, compounded by a lack of visibility in global supply chains and changing consumer preferences. From inventory tactics to operating model overhauls, our panel of experts explores how to shift from firefighting to foresight—creating systems that withstand shocks and unlock value. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operations, host Daphne Luchtenberg is joined by McKinsey partners Liz Hempel, Roman Belotserkovskiy, Valerio Dilda, and Riccardo Drentin for a conversation on navigating tariffs, shifting trade policy, and global supply chain complexity. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operationsSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Brian Blackader, McKinsey partner improving contact centers; Oana Cheta, McKinsey leader in journey and agentic AI; Malte Kosub, CEO of Parloa building goal-driven AI agents. They discuss the rise of agentic AI beyond generative models. They cover infrastructure and orchestration needs, real-world scaling vs pilots, measuring impact on service metrics, CIO–COO alignment, and the future of personal AI agents.

Indy Banerjee, Senior Partner at McKinsey, and Jack Madrid, President and CEO of IBPAP, dive into the evolution of Global Capability Centers. They discuss transforming these centers into innovation hubs rather than just cost-saving solutions. The conversation highlights the role of AI adoption, the need for resilient workforce strategies, and the importance of cultural alignment in organizations. They also explore how geopolitical factors impact global workforce trends, particularly in the Philippines, emphasizing continuous skill development for future success.

Sanjit Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Samsara, a leader in AI-driven logistics solutions, shares insights on how technology is reshaping supply chains. He discusses the critical role of AI in enhancing safety, with a case study showcasing reduced accidents among delivery drivers. Biswas emphasizes data optimization for operational efficiency, highlighting how automation yields significant savings. He also addresses the importance of a strategic approach to harnessing generative AI for productivity, driving home the need for digital transformation in logistics.

Companies are striving for end-to-end visibility, efficiency, and agility in their supply chains. Yet, outdated infrastructure, fragmented data, and supply chain disruptions make these goals difficult to achieve. Can Generative AI bridge the gap? In this episode, host Daphne Luchtenberg speaks with Knut Alicke, Author and Leader of McKinsey's Supply Chain Academy; Alberto Oca, Co-leader of McKinsey's Digital Warehousing Practice in North America; Asaf Somekh, Co-founder of Iguazio, a McKinsey Company, and Sanjit Biswas, CEO and Co-founder of Samsara, to explore how AI-driven innovation is reshaping logistics, forecasting, and real-time decision-making. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operationsSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Dan Swan and Ruth Heuss, senior partners at McKinsey, delve into the future of operations. They discuss how companies can empower their workforce to adapt to ongoing change, citing generative AI and sustainable supply chains as key tools. The duo emphasizes the need for collaboration between COOs and CIOs to optimize organizational efficiency. They also tackle the challenges of securing support for technology investments and highlight the importance of integrating frontline input in transformation initiatives for enhanced productivity.

At the end of 2023, the final podcast of McKinsey Talks Operations concluded that there was no normal for operations leaders. Looking back on the 12 months since then, it seems the sentiment holds true—both everything and nothing has changed. In this episode, hosts Christian Johnson and Daphne Luchtenberg reflect on four recurring themes from their discussions with McKinsey experts and industry guests: building resilient operations ecosystems, decarbonizing operations, winning with talent, and tech-enabling operations with digital and generative AI.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

New opportunities are coming for organizations to use procurement for a competitive edge and a driver for sustainability impact through innovation and strategic partnerships. However, the complexities of global supply chains and rapidly changing market conditions can make it hard to capture the value available. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operations, Mauro Erriquez, McKinsey senior partner, and Dominique Lebigot, CPO of LVMH Wines and Spirits, discuss how procurement can drive competitive advantage through innovation and strategic partnerships. They explore challenges such as managing global supply chains and adapting to market shifts, focusing on circular economy practices, and the role of AI. Host Daphne Luchtenberg is also joined by Marc Sommerer, McKinsey partner, to further explore these themes and their impact on procurement. How can procurement teams balance innovation and sustainability with the demands of complex and volatile supply chains?See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Organizations are striving to maintain operational excellence amidst rapid digital transformation, yet integrating advanced technologies while maintaining efficiency and employee engagement is a complex task. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operations, Juan Luis Kruger, CEO of Minsur, and McKinsey Partner Ferran Pujol join host Christian Johnson to discuss how digital tools and Lean management principles can enhance operational performance and foster a culture of continuous improvement.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Explore how companies are navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution, tackling challenges like outdated systems and the need for workforce upskilling. Discover the Global Lighthouse Network's role in showcasing successful digital transformations in manufacturing. Delve into the vital contributions women make in the operational sphere and the push for gender parity. Uncover how collaboration and innovation can enhance performance, merging sustainability with productivity to reap significant returns.