CEO blind spots, how tech leaders can navigate uncertainty, the global beauty industry in 2025, and more: The Weekend Read

McKinsey & Company

The Weekend Read

CURATED PICKS FOR YOUR DOWNTIME, FROM OUR EDITORS

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Brought to you by Alex Panas, global leader of industries, & Axel Karlsson, global leader of functional practices and growth platforms

Welcome to the latest edition of The Weekend Read. We hope you find our perspectives useful. Let us know what you think at Alex_Panas@McKinsey.com and Axel_Karlsson@McKinsey.com.

—Alex and Axel

September is here. Are you ready for a new season? This weekend, catch up on recent highlights on CEO blind spots, how tech leaders can navigate uncertainty, the global beauty industry in 2025, and more.

A female CEO is climbing out of a cut-out hole in a paper flowchart.

Like the seasons of the year, the CEO journey progresses through four stages. Scott Keller explores blind spots to watch out for.

Overcome leadership blind spots

An image shows a group of multicolored paper planes tracing dotted lines in a swirling pattern, while a lone red paper plane rests at the end of a straight line.

We are living through times of unprecedented uncertainty. While this represents a challenge, uncertain conditions can also present opportunities. Brendan Gaffey and coauthors explain how tech companies can lead the pack.

Navigate uncertainty

Weekly spotlight on geopolitics

When the rules of global trade could change any day, how are CEOs making decisions? Seven McKinsey leaders share the tactical or strategic moves their clients are making, what they’re most worried about—and what they may not be worried about enough.

An image linking to the web page “How CEOs are responding to geopolitical uncertainty” on McKinsey.com

Opportunities and risks in trade realignments

In a modern office setting with bright lighting and large windows, a diverse group of professionals gathers around a long conference table, seemingly engaged in a business meeting.

Chief marketing officers are vital to strategic decision-making, but they’re being left out of the discussions that matter most. Kelsey Robinson and Shelley Stewart III talk about how strengthening alignment between CMOs, CEOs, and CFOs can make a meaningful and sustainable difference in organizational performance.

Bring CMOs back

A woman applying lipstick at a makeup counter. The counter has rows of lipsticks in various shades of red and pink, and is lit by bright lights.

The beauty industry’s core segments—skin care, cosmetics, hair care, and fragrance—are expected to constitute a $590 billion market by 2030. Kristi Weaver and coauthors discuss highlights from the latest The State of Fashion: Beauty report.

Take a closer look

Ready to unwind?

Image of the The Black Family Who Built America book cover.

Author Talks: How a Black family of builders laid the foundation for success

The CEO of an acclaimed construction firm shares her family’s journey in the industry from the mid-1800s to today—and her advice for leading a successful business.

Lessons in resilience

A dumbbell made from stacks of gold coins with dollar signs on the flat center plates.

What is a stablecoin?

Stablecoins aim to combine the flexibility of blockchain innovations with the stability of traditional money.

Check out the Explainer

The McKinsey Crossword: Tech Trends | No. 248

61-Across: Digital ___ and cybersecurity (a tech trend of 2025)

Know the answer? Test yourself with the latest McKinsey Crossword: Tech Trends | No. 248

Stay ahead of the curve

—Edited by Joyce Yoo, editor, New York

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