The McKinsey Podcast

Marla Capozzi, a McKinsey partner who studies full-potential diligence and governance. Sacha Ghai, a McKinsey senior partner focused on private-capital leadership and profitability. They discuss how private-equity CEOs transform companies faster. Topics include full-potential diligence, cutting unprofitable revenue, clean-sheeting labor, fit-for-purpose leadership teams, boards as value creators, and treating time as capital.

Rich Isenberg, a McKinsey partner who advises leaders on scaling agentic AI and risk, joins to discuss trust and accountability for autonomous systems. He covers how agency shifts decision rights and why governance, non-bypassable guardrails, and automated monitoring matter. Short pilots, clear escalation paths, and kill switches are highlighted as ways to scale safely.

Greg Kelly, a senior partner in strategy and operations, and Jill Zucker, a senior partner focused on growth and performance. They explore why mindset alone does not create growth. They discuss making deliberate bets across core and new businesses. They cover using AI and customer data, building talent wired for growth, and leadership practices that sustain momentum.

Lars Hartenstein, senior fellow at the McKinsey Health Institute and metabolic health strategist, discusses the global scale of obesity and why metabolic health matters. He explores how food, pharma, tech, and policy will be disrupted. He contrasts drug-based treatment with prevention-focused approaches and outlines five system-level shifts to spark a metabolic health revolution.

Becca Coggins, a McKinsey senior partner on AI and technology transformation, and Shelley Stewart III, a McKinsey senior partner on organizational resilience and geopolitics, share Davos takeaways. They discuss geopolitics shaping CEO agendas. They explore AI moving from speculation to conviction, workforce redesign for human-agent collaboration, rising demand for AI fluency and creativity, and the emergence of humanoid robots.

Eric Kutcher, a senior partner at McKinsey North America, dives into the complex transformation that AI represents for CEOs, emphasizing that it’s 80% business change. He highlights the need for firms to reimagine processes to truly realize AI's potential and advocates for hands-on learning among CEOs to boost their AI fluency. Kutcher discusses the evolving organizational roles and the importance of fostering a customer-centric approach. He encourages ambition in execution while fostering continuous learning and community building within teams.

Bob Sternfeld, McKinsey's global managing partner, shares insights from the Consumer Electronics Show, focusing on human roles in the AI era. He highlights three strengths: aspiration, parameter-setting, and creativity that machines cannot replicate. Bill Wiseman showcases cutting-edge AI applications, including quantum computing and surgical robots. Martin Kellner discusses the rise of robo-taxis and crucial success factors for mobility. The episode delves into the rapid advancements and safety challenges in humanoid robotics, painting a vivid picture of our tech-driven future.

Jorge Amar, a Senior Partner at McKinsey specializing in the future of work, dives into the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in the workplace. He discusses how agentic AI is not just a tool but an active participant in decision-making. The conversation highlights its transformative role across sectors like HR and customer service while addressing the challenges of blending human and AI capabilities. Amar also touches on generational preferences in customer support, revealing that even tech-savvy Gen Z often seeks human interactions.

Join Arne Gast, a Senior Partner at McKinsey, as he shares insights on updating personal operating models for effective leadership. He draws a parallel between refreshing smartphone systems and the need for leaders to adapt and refine their approaches. Discover strategies for managing time, maintaining health, and reconnecting with career purpose. Arne emphasizes the value of sharing operating models with peers and discusses balancing professional duties with personal well-being, especially in a remote work environment.

Join Klaus Dallerup, a McKinsey Senior Partner renowned for his insights on global banking trends, and Pradip Patiath, another Senior Partner specializing in digital financial services, as they explore the future of banking. They discuss the industry's recent profitability contrasted with emerging skepticism. Key topics include the productivity challenges banks face despite tech investments, the intense competition for talent, and the transformative potential of cryptocurrency. Discover strategies for navigating volatility and evolving client expectations in this dynamic landscape.