The McKinsey Podcast How AI is redefining the COO’s role
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Nov 20, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Daniel Swan, a McKinsey Senior Partner with expertise in operations and supply-chain transformation, delves into the evolving role of the COO. He reveals how COOs can balance immediate challenges with long-term tech integration, emphasizing the importance of generative AI in enhancing customer service and R&D. Swan also discusses boosting productivity through cross-functional collaboration, maintaining supply-chain resilience, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His insights highlight a future where COOs are pivotal in driving operational excellence.
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Operations Excellence Separates Leaders
- Operations excellence distinguishes market leaders and drives productivity growth across economies.
- The COO sets the tone for whether a productivity mindset permeates from top to frontline.
Run Two Speeds Deliberately
- Separate short-term firefighting from long-term transformation and assign different teams if needed.
- Be explicit about which effort targets immediate fixes versus process redesign and technology enablement.
Use Multiple Levers To Boost Productivity
- Leverage strategic sourcing, functional excellence, automation, and cross-functional collaboration to boost productivity.
- Use technology to remove disliked tasks and improve retention while freeing people for higher-value work.