In the news. Geoeconomic confrontation tops the list of near-term risks to business in a recent World Economic Forum report. As CNBC notes, the results from surveying over 1,300 leaders underscore concerns about a “new age of competition” at a time when global cooperation is vital, according to one of the report’s contributors. Meanwhile, the potential for adverse outcomes from AI was the fastest-rising concern in the survey, ranking fifth on the list of long-term risks. With half of respondents anticipating challenging times over the next two years, it’s important for business leaders to navigate increasingly interconnected risks through sharper scenario planning and collaboration. [CNBC]

The big takeaway is that in an uncertain world, sustained performance and value creation are the priority, ahead of short-term gains.

On McKinsey.com. In today’s business landscape, McKinsey’s The State of Organizations 2026 report reveals that three forces are fundamentally reshaping organizations: technological disruption, intensifying economic and geopolitical disruption, and changing workforce expectations. According to McKinsey’s Alexis Krivkovich, Damian Klingler, Dana Maor, Patrick Guggenberger, and Michael Anzenhofer, their survey of 10,000 executives highlights leaders’ focus on the long term—as well as important divisions and dichotomies. While other McKinsey research suggests that most organizations have deployed AI, 86% of surveyed leaders feel their organizations are not well prepared to utilize AI in day-to-day operations. Register for virtual discussions with industry leaders, starting on March 4, to learn more about the transformational shifts organizations are facing.

Forge a new path

In the news. The approval of new weight loss pills is likely to speed up changes across the food industry, Reuters reports. Now that oral GLP-1 has hit the market, restaurants and packaged food companies may have to reassess their product portfolios, adjust portion sizes, and reformulate recipes. Some companies are already testing products with higher protein content and marketing them as “GLP-1 friendly.” Among households that use GLP-1 medication, one study found that spending at quick-service restaurants decreased by 8.0% and at grocery stores by 5.3%. For the food industry, this development may signal not just a fleeting trend, but rather a structural shift in how products are developed and marketed going forward. [Reuters]

On McKinsey.com. With the rise of GLP-1s and an evolving understanding of obesity, the conversation about metabolic health is changing. “I see this as a giant economic and health opportunity. It’s going to disrupt and create opportunities across different industries,” shares Partner Lars Hartenstein in an episode of The McKinsey Podcast. He describes the McKinsey Health Institute’s latest analysis on the topic, which highlights two potential paths for decision-makers—a reactive, treatment-focused approach and a prevention-oriented strategy—and the five levers that can make path two a reality. Among these are advances in science, improved transparency about individuals’ metabolic health, and technologies that can improve personalization.

Transform metabolic health

Fashion’s newest trends

In the news. While some fashion brands are using AI for the nondesign side of their operations (for example, in e-commerce, customer service, and marketing), others are embracing AI in their creative processes. The Wall Street Journal reports that with AI tools, brands are saving days or weeks of development time by turning hand-drawn sketches into factory-ready renderings, creating new prints, and generating mood boards. According to one designer, AI can even be a succession plan of sorts, thanks to its archival capabilities. Still, designers note its limitations—and that some customers are skeptical of AI-generated designs. [WSJ]

On McKinsey.com. The global fashion industry is in a potentially transformative year, as brands navigate a complex landscape that’s being shaped by agentic AI, shifting consumer priorities, and evolving market dynamics. In a discussion about The State of Fashion 2026, Senior Partners Anita Balchandani, Colleen Baum, and Gemma D’Auria note the rise of the AI shopper, which confirms the value of investing in and developing the technology—especially for larger brands. Among other trends to watch in 2026: regional differences in consumer behavior, the growth of resale, the durability of the well-being market, and the need for disciplined cost management.

What’s next for fashion