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The McKinsey Podcast: Insights from Experts on Business & Management
Welcome to The McKinsey Podcast, a business and management podcast featuring conversations with leading experts. The series features topics ranging from leadership and change management to digital, analytics and deep-dives into specific regions and industries.
Latest consulting & business podcast episode
Generative AI: How will it affect future jobs and workflows?
Gen AI and other recent trends affecting the labor market point to the importance of upskilling, reskilling, and training to empower the global workforce.
RECENT MCKINSEY PODCAST EPISODES
Podcast - McKinsey Health Institute
Getting to the bottom of the teen mental health crisis
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From identifying the effects of social media and the COVID-19 pandemic, to overcoming stigma and expanding accessibility to care, there’s lots to unpack around teen mental health. How do we help tomorrow’s workforce today?
Podcast
Don’t wait—create, with generative AI
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Generative AI could add enormous value across the global economy, from banking to life sciences. The companies that use the technology quickly and effectively will have the edge.
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The path to greater productivity and prosperity in Africa
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Young, innovative, and resource-rich: Africa is poised for a reimagining of its economic opportunity—to the benefit of the continent and the world at large.
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Are middle managers your next ace in the hole?
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Middle managers: they’re beleaguered. Maligned. Miscast. But new research reveals the clear competitive advantage the best middle managers bring—and the vital role they stand to play in the future of work.
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What really works when it comes to digital and AI transformations?
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McKinsey’s Rewired distills the lessons from successful digital and AI transformations so companies can build competitive advantage.
Podcast - MGI Research
A peek at the future health and wealth of our global economy
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A new McKinsey report looks at four scenarios for inflation, interest rates, and growth over the next decade. Three of the economic outcomes portend stagnation and stagflation—but one offers hope.
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Getting a read on the state of organizations
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A new McKinsey report reveals how organizations are faring in a post-COVID-19 world. Here, two of its coauthors offer suggestions for managing through the uncertainty.
Podcast - MGI Research
How to revive US productivity
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Boosting US productivity represents a $10 trillion opportunity. Here are strategies CEOs can implement now to lead the US to more prosperity.
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Why restoring natural capital is good for business
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Investing in nature is vital to our collective future—and it can also lead to both environmental and financial returns. Here’s how.
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Six CEO priorities for 2023
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Leaders around the world are confronting a welter of uncertainties. Here’s how to home in on what matters—and begin making the most of novel opportunities—amid ongoing change.
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Geopolitical risk: Navigating a world in flux
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In a fast-fragmenting world, geopolitical instability has vaulted to the top of the CEO agenda. Here’s what today’s fraught global dynamics mean for leaders—and how they can begin grappling with geopolitical risk successfully.
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Women in the workplace: Breaking up to break through
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Record numbers of women leaders are leaving their jobs. Research reveals what’s behind the “great breakup”—and how employers can reverse the trend.
Podcast - MGI Research
How our interconnected world is changing
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What’s the fate of globalization? New research breaks down changes in the global flows that bind us together—and what those changes mean for our collective future.
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Net zero: Next moves for CEOs
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How leaders can invest in a sustainable future and navigate near-term energy pressures successfully.
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New year, new tech, no problem
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McKinsey analyzed 14 new trends in its latest report on the most significant emerging technologies. Here are three for leaders to focus on right now.
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The future of US manufacturing is hiding in plain sight
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In the United States, the glory days of manufacturing could once again be possible. Industrial tech companies, get ready for your close-up.
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Electric vehicles are here and large-scale adoption is … near?
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You might expect electric vehicles to be more popular, with gas prices and sustainability concerns so high. But barriers to widespread adoption remain. Here’s what companies must do to topple them.
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When things get rocky, practice deliberate calm
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When faced with an unfamiliar crisis, most leaders spring into action. But wait—here’s why it’s better for those in charge to pause instead of pounce.
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Social capital: Build back better relationships at work
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Companies are reporting a dearth of social capital since the start of the pandemic. How can they reestablish meaningful connections among teams and individuals in today’s changed work environments?
Podcast - McKinsey Health Institute
Beyond burnout: What helps—and what doesn’t
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Despite leaders’ best efforts, worldwide burnout persists. New research reveals why—and how to help employees begin to thrive again.
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To slow down attrition, pay closer attention to what workers really need
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The Great Attrition continues, but if companies understand the differences among five common employee personas, they may be able to find and retain talent more effectively.
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The two-wheeled commute: Micromobility and your future
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Scooter skeptic? Think again. Micromobility is gaining favor with consumers worldwide—and may fast become a mainstay of urban transportation.
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Apprenticeship gets a makeover
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It may sound like an outdated term, but apprenticeship remains a powerful tool in today’s businesses for building skills, increasing collaboration, and retaining talent.
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Learning and earning: The bold moves that change careers
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McKinsey’s report on human capital highlights the importance of internal mobility in organizations. Here’s how to encourage your employees to try more new things.
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How current global trends are disrupting the fashion industry
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Fashion suppliers and brands, like other companies, are facing significant economic and geopolitical challenges. Here’s what they can do to adapt and thrive.
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How to manage the coming wave of investment in capital projects
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About $130 trillion is expected to flow into infrastructure upgrades over the next five years. How can companies spend that most efficiently?
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What will it take to boost Latino economic power?
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McKinsey research reveals interventions that can help boost Latino participation in the US economy and strengthen the nation’s economic performance overall.
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Digital transformation on the CEO agenda
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Successful digital transformations may not be as elusive as you think. The best CEOs know up front what success looks like—and what stands in their way.
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The rising risk of a global food crisis
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The war in Ukraine poses a looming threat to the worldwide food supply. Here’s what’s at stake—and what might be done to help.
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The rising toll of the war in Ukraine
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Lives lost and upended. Soaring food and energy prices. Supply chains at risk. Much is at stake as the war continues.
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Taking the first steps toward net-zero emissions
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The path to net-zero emissions is full of challenges. Leadership must understand the risks and commit to change now—or face an even thornier transition down the road.
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IoT comes of age
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McKinsey research shows that adoption of IoT technologies has increased exponentially the past five years—but successful implementation still eludes some. Here’s how to get it right.
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Why business must heed customer reviews
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COVID-19 has made e-commerce more competitive than ever. Paying attention to customer reviews will give organizations a necessary edge.
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New variant, new challenges: How are we coping with Omicron?
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The Omicron variant continues to disrupt the healthcare system, schools, and work. In this podcast, we explore Omicron's impact and whether an endemic is in sight.
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Nurses and the Great Attrition
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A recent McKinsey survey found that more than 30 percent of nurses are thinking of leaving direct patient care. What can be done to inspire them to stay?
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The state of burnout for women in the workplace
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Women are doing more to support employee well-being but face higher stress levels as a result. Here’s how leaders can help.
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Diagnosing the pain in your supply chain
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The COVID-19 pandemic has knocked global supply chains off their axes. But CEOs and other leaders can build resilience into their operations and reset supply chains for the next inevitable disruption.
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Serving the Black consumer is a $300 billion opportunity
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Tailor products specifically to meet Black consumer needs and wants, and not only is there economic value to be gained but also a greater chance to meet social and moral objectives.
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The economic impact of ageism
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New research quantifies the struggles that midcareer workers—those 45 and over—worldwide face and suggests possible interventions to level the playing field.
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From the great attrition to the great adaptation
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To keep top talent in the fold, managers must actively change their leadership styles—focusing less on controls and more on culture and connections.
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Centered leadership creates connection in turbulent times
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McKinsey’s Joanna Barsh discusses how you can become an effective and engaged leader.
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How to future-proof your organization
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From project-based work to a lack of hierarchy, the way people work is changing fast. Organizations that plan for the postpandemic world are better able to deliver value—even amid uncertainty.
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The search for purpose at work
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Purpose is personal, but companies play a critical role in how we express it.
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How air travel is evolving postpandemic
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The COVID-19 pandemic decimated airlines in 2020, yet there are reasons for optimism as the industry looks to recovery.
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Stakeholder capitalism: A conversation with Vivian Hunt and Paul Polman
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Why companies must now compete on trust and deliver value to multiple stakeholders.
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The boss factor
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How you get along with your manager can shape your health, happiness, and productivity.
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Building a learning culture that drives business forward
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Too often, training programs fail. Here’s how businesses can create a learning culture and invest in the capabilities that will help individuals and organizations thrive.
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The COVID-19 vaccine: Lessons and challenges
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The rapid deployment of vaccines is key in accelerating the return to normalcy.
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The postpandemic state of fashion
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A transformative year in the technology, trends, and tastes in fashion.
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Creating a more resilient and responsive government
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The pandemic has put demands on the public sector that are likely to increase.
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Creating a postpandemic recovery for women in the workplace
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COVID-19 has pushed working women to the point where many have dropped out. Here’s how companies can help.
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Investing in Black economic mobility
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Racial equity and inclusive growth can drive economic mobility and a postpandemic recovery.
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Entrepreneurship beyond Silicon Valley
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Innovation is accelerating in Europe and beyond, making way for a new generation of start-ups.
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Breaking through the hype: The real-world benefits of 5G connectivity
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5G offers a level of connectivity that could transform the shop floor. Here’s how leaders use today’s technologies to secure supply chains and create value, despite the challenges of deployment.
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Climate math: What it takes to limit warming to 1.5°C
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We can limit climate change and reduce carbon emissions to zero if leaders in key industries act now. Here’s an action plan to reach those ambitious targets.
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COVID-19 and behavioral health: Consequences for companies and employees
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The pandemic is exacerbating the US behavioral-health crisis, with stress, social isolation, and unemployment fueling up to $140 billion in added spending. A holistic approach to healthcare can help.
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To unlock better decision making, plan better meetings
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How can senior managers get better, faster business decisions from the meetings they attend or lead? Planning is key.
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Rapid revenue recovery after the crisis: Strategies for success
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The COVID-19 pandemic has upended norms about retail, brand loyalty, and consumer behavior. That’s creating both a massive challenge and a rare opportunity for bold players to accelerate growth.
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COVID-19 and supply-chain recovery: Planning for the future
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Rarely have supply-chain leaders faced more complex, changing conditions than they have during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how companies can manage through the crisis and build resilience against future shocks.
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The journey to agile: How companies can become faster, more productive, and more responsive
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Agile operating models are characterized by rapid learning and decision-making cycles. Here’s how organizations can use agile practices to transform their organizations.
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Reopening schools: Fostering a safe and effective learning environment
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Following closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic, school systems have much to consider as they embark on a new school year.
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How companies can make meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ employees
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Despite visible signs of progress, workplace challenges persist for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s what companies can do to help their LGBTQ+ employees bring their authentic selves to work.
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Building a business within a business: How to power continual organic growth
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Business building is vital to a company’s longevity. To do it successfully, an organization needs the strengths of an incumbent and the agility of a start-up.
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Meet Generation Z: Shaping the future of shopping
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The newest consumer generations—Gen Z and millennials—are upturning retailers’ expectations. Here’s how—and what to do about it.
Podcast - MGI Research
AI in healthcare: Microsoft’s Kevin Scott on how tech can treat a pandemic
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Machine learning to develop vaccines faster; wearable devices to detect illness sooner: the COVID-19 pandemic could spark significant innovations in healthcare technologies.
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The mass personalization of change: Large-scale impact, one individual at a time
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Here’s how technology, data, and human insight are transforming the way we enact change. Fast.
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Uncovering the state of fashion
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With the global economy cooling and concerns about sustainability rising, the mood among fashion-industry executives is far from exuberant.
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Getting the measure of corporate Asia
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Over the past decade, Asia received half of all new investment in the global economy. Despite pockets of excellence, Asian companies have struggled to deliver strong returns on this influx of capital.
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The future of air travel
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Airlines and passengers alike are flying into a world of flygskam and flying taxis.
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Gold in an era of drones, deep mines, and dedollarization
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While gold does not tarnish or decay, the industry that mines, refines, and fashions the yellow metal is far less stable.
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Where next for business in the Middle East?
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The competitive landscape is shifting across the region as consumer tastes change, new digital champions emerge, and governments deregulate.
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Getting to scale with artificial intelligence
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Companies adopting AI across the organization are investing as much in people and processes as in technology.
Podcast - MGI Research
A conversation about the future of Asia
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Asia will account for more than half the global economy by 2040. What opportunities and risks lie ahead as “the Asian century” unfolds?
Podcast - MGI Research
What you need to know about women at work
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Around the world, women are paid at lower rates and wages than men and are less likely to be promoted. They also tend to work in different sectors. The implications are everyone’s business.
Podcast
Fit for the future: The common challenges facing healthcare systems—and how to meet them
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Across the developed world, health systems must adapt to aging populations, changing patient needs, and advances in technology that could both reduce costs and revolutionize clinical care.
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How to master the seven-step problem-solving process
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Structured problem solving can be used to address almost any complex challenge in business or public policy.
Podcast
How to double the odds that your change program will succeed
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Large-scale organizational change is more likely to stick if executives apply equal discipline and rigor to the hard and soft elements that matter.
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How to beat your biases and make better investment decisions
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Cognitive biases can trip up even the most experienced executives but can be defeated using proven techniques.
Podcast
Peak energy, peak oil, and the rise of renewables: An executive’s guide to the global energy system
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Global energy demand is headed toward a plateau over the next ten to 20 years, as the world focuses on electrification, energy efficiency, and more service-driven economic growth.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
The value of talent management
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The roles that create the most value in your organization may not be at the top.
Podcast
Unlocking growth with data-driven marketing and creativity
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Marketing has been on the front lines of the digital revolution, but the landscape has become much more complicated, requiring a focus on growth, data, and new modes of creativity.
Podcast - MGI Research
Globalization’s next chapter
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Globalization isn’t in retreat, but it has morphed into a very different phenomenon, increasingly powered by trade in services and by intraregional trade.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
Getting beyond gridlock: The promise of traffic congestion solutions
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With more than half the world’s population living in cities, congestion and pollution are worsening. Technology may be able to provide new and innovative traffic congestion solutions—but only if city governments and companies collaborate.
Podcast
Why you should apply analytics to your people strategy
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Bringing advanced computing power and analytics capabilities to bear on people decisions in an organization is crucial to driving lasting and effective change.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
Preparing for and managing through a downturn
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As talk of an impending economic downturn takes hold in the business world, executives can take thoughtful steps to help their companies better weather the storm.
Podcast
The Future of advanced manufacturing technology
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A small number of factories worldwide have successfully combined automation, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to achieve game-changing productivity gains. How did they do it, and what can we learn?
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
What makes an organization ‘healthy’?
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Research shows that companies can improve short- and long-term performance by focusing on a small number of carefully selected management practices.
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What is leadership: Moving beyond the C-Suite
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Developing leaders at scale starts with a clear perspective on the leadership skills needed to execute strategy across the organization.
Podcast
5G winners and losers
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Next-generation mobile networks promise lower latency and higher speeds. Whether telcos can capture the value is less clear.
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AI Ethics in today’s world
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Executives and companies can enjoy the benefits of artificial intelligence while also being aware of potential drawbacks and taking careful steps to mitigate their effects.
Podcast
Defense of the cyberrealm: How organizations can thwart cyberattacks
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Governments and companies have much work to do to protect people, institutions, and even entire cities and countries from potentially devastating large-scale cyberattacks.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
Tapping into the business value of design
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Design, whether it’s of products or experiences, is not only about aesthetics but also about specific actions taken to boost revenues and customer engagement.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
How to win in Africa
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The right strategy can unlock strong, profitable growth, explain the authors of Africa’s Business Revolution.
Podcast - MGI Research
In pursuit of prosperity
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Why do some emerging economies grow rapidly while others languish? New research highlights the role of public policy, effective government, and globally competitive companies.
Podcast - McKinsey Quarterly
Straight talk about employee evaluation and performance management
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Managing employee performance successfully requires real support for managers and a process that is recognized as fair.
Podcast
Start up & scale up: A conversation with Box CEO Aaron Levie
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The cloud-service cofounder and CEO talks about innovation, disruption, and harnessing the next big thing.
Podcast
Blockchain explained: What it is and isn’t, and why it matters
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Understanding how blockchain creates business value is essential for companies to identify the right use cases and move beyond small pilots to widespread adoption.
Podcast - MGI Research
How secure is the global financial system a decade after the crisis?
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Great strides have been made since 2008 to prevent a recurrence of the financial crisis and recession that followed. Yet there is more debt than ever in the global financial system.
Podcast
Private equity rolls on: How investors and managers are responding to scale
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The industry has taken a breather in 2018 as firms and their clients adapt to a new, more competitive normal.
Podcast
Zero-based budgeting revisited: Why this time is different
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This budgeting concept allows senior-leadership teams to put their money where their strategy is, aligning resources with business priorities and setting the example from the top.
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