The quarter’s top themes

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McKinsey Top Ten

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Top Ten McKinsey Themes │ First Quarter 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, our top ten posts from McKinsey Themes highlight topics including gen AI, leadership, and the luxury sector. At No. 1 is AI explained: Test your knowledge, which explores the basics and future of AI with insights by McKinsey’s Ida Kristensen, Alex Singla, Kate Smaje, Alex Sukharevsky, and more. Read on for our full top 10.

An image linking to the web page “AI explained: Test your knowledge” on McKinsey.com.

1. AI explained: Test your knowledge

What’s the difference between AI, generative AI, and artificial generative intelligence (AGI)? How do you build a gen AI model? What technologies are shaping the future of AI? 7 key AI technologies

An image linking to the web page “How to be a better leader in 2025” on McKinsey.com.

2. How to be a better leader in 2025

If you want to step into 2025 as the leader you aspire to be, start by taking an honest look at your current approach. Are you prioritizing strategically? Upgrade your operating model

An image linking to the web page “What does it take to be a leader at a company?” on McKinsey.com.

3. What does it take to be a leader at a company?

“As the world grows more complicated, so must our perceptions of and approaches to leadership development,” write McKinsey’s global managing partner Bob Sternfels and coauthors. CEOs and top teams must make decisions while focusing on multiple critical issues at one time, so what does it take to be a leader in today’s fragmented world? Gen AI, mergers, and more

4. What’s on the CES 2025 agenda? AI, digital health, and more

Technology leaders and enthusiasts are convening in Las Vegas this week for CES—formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show—to hear from industry leaders, get immersed in demos and interactives, and learn about the latest solutions to society’s greatest challenges. 15 top tech trends

5. Davos 2025 wrap-up

The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos may have wrapped up in January, but the priorities that emerged there are now being put into practice. The work continues

6. Geopolitics and global trade: a 2024 analysis

While news relevant to the US and Europe took center stage at WEF’s Annual Meeting at Davos last week, the conversation extended to the broader global landscape, too. The evolving dynamics of global trade, in particular, was a key focus area. 4 measures

7. What’s next for luxury?

Beyond the glitz of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), the luxury industry is preparing for a complex 2025. McKinsey’s new report warns of macroeconomic headwinds, shifting customer preferences, and a deteriorating value proposition. Navigate the slowdown

8. Game on: how business leaders can be like athletes

Gather ‘round for football, food, and fun—it’s Game Day in the US. Millions of viewers will tune in to watch the highly anticipated live sporting event, a culmination of athletes’ time management, learning, applied data, recovery, and resilience. Tackle tough problems

9. Lights, camera, authentic storytelling

The red carpet is rolling out, and Hollywood is celebrating its finest achievements in acting, cinematography, directing, and beyond. Widen the red carpet

10. McKinsey.com at 29

On Leap Day 1996, McKinsey.com went live on the internet and immediately garnered readership from 20 countries. Since then, the site has grown into a treasure trove of insights in the form of learning journeys, interactives, podcasts, quizzes, reports, videos, compendiums, blogs, and more. Read all about it

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