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At the Edge

What McKinsey learned while creating its generative AI platform

Jan 22, 2025
Erik Roth, a senior partner at McKinsey and global leader in growth and innovation, discusses the creation of their generative AI platform, Lilli, named after a pioneering female innovator. He delves into the balance of rapid tech development and user experience. Roth emphasizes the shift in consulting towards actionable insights, the need for high-quality data, and evolving hiring practices. He also highlights the importance of AI in education for business leaders and the challenges of integrating technology safely while avoiding legacy pitfalls.
14:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • McKinsey's generative AI platform, Lilli, emphasizes user-centric development, balancing rapid technological advancements with essential user feedback throughout the process.
  • The evolution of McKinsey consultants towards technology enablement suggests a transformative shift in skill requirements, focusing on delivering insights and promoting diversity in practices.

Deep dives

Challenges of Building Generative AI Solutions

Building a generative AI solution involves balancing the pace of development with the need for user feedback. Rapid building through coding and technology assembly often outstrips the learning curve that comes with waiting for users to engage with and provide insights on the product. The process starts with establishing a clear understanding of user needs, which can be informed by observational research and maintaining a user-centric approach throughout development. This iterative process allows for continuous improvement and adjustment based on real-world usage and user experience.

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