Inside the Strategy Room

McKinsey & Company
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Aug 28, 2025 • 43min

266. Transforming procurement to transform your business

Cole Wirpel, an Associate Partner in Atlanta, Raul Santos, a Partner in Madrid, and Teresa George, a Partner in Chicago, explore how procurement can transform businesses into strategic powerhouses. They share insights on aligning procurement with business goals for improved performance and innovation. The trio discusses the urgent need for speed in procurement transformations, emphasizes collaborative vendor management, and highlights the importance of mindset changes for sustainable budget management. Get ready to rethink procurement as a catalyst for change!
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42 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 27min

265. The Josh Harris playbook: building cultures of excellence in business and sports

Josh Harris, founder of 26North and co-owner of major sports franchises, shares his insights on leadership and culture. He reflects on his journey from wrestling in high school to launching an investment firm at 55. The conversation explores the skyrocketing valuations of sports teams and their role in fostering community and growth. Harris emphasizes resilience in navigating uncertainties and highlights the unifying power of sports, as well as the importance of leaving a positive legacy.
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14 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 45min

264. Creating value through separations

Jamie Koenig and Anna Mattsson, both partners at McKinsey, dive deep into the art of corporate separations and spin-offs. They explore the critical role of divestitures in enhancing shareholder value, discussing six types and key trends. The duo emphasizes the emotional complexities of separating from integral corporate assets and the importance of a compelling equity story to gain investor trust. They also highlight the significance of speed and effective negotiation in managing talent and long-term agreements during these transitions, ultimately showcasing how separations can unlock substantial value.
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28 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 57min

263. How Strategy Champions win

Alex D'Amico, a Senior Partner at McKinsey, co-leads global strategy work, while Alejandro Krell focuses on Latin America's corporate finance. Whitney Zimmerman contributes insights on the Chief Strategy Officer's role. They discuss how companies can become 'Strategy Champions' through effective resource allocation and adaptability. The conversation explores navigating uncertainty, leveraging generative AI for decision-making, and the investment dilemmas in Asian economies. They also highlight strategies distinguishing successful firms from those lagging behind, emphasizing the importance of alignment and mobilization.
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20 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 30min

262. Workday’s CEO on driving growth and transformation in the age of AI

Carl Eschenbach, CEO of Workday, shares his insights on navigating growth in today’s AI-driven world. He discusses the role of artificial intelligence as a productivity booster, advocating for a ‘co-existence’ approach with the workforce. Carl emphasizes the need for ethical AI governance and the importance of strong leadership committed to serving others. He also highlights the shift from personal success to impactful leadership, focusing on building relationships and fostering a growth mindset in founder-led companies.
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7 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 28min

261. Retired US Navy Admiral Eric Olson: Leading effectively in uncertain times

Retired US Navy Admiral Eric Olson, known for his distinguished career in special operations, shares key leadership insights drawn from his military experiences. He emphasizes the importance of fostering trust and clear communication, especially during uncertainty. Olson discusses how inclusive decision-making enhances team dynamics and the vital interplay between physical fitness and mental resilience in leadership. Through compelling military anecdotes, he illustrates how teamwork can unify high-performing teams, driving effective collaboration and resilience in challenging times.
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7 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 40min

260. Boosting growth through innovation

Rebecca Doherty, Matt Banholzer, and Clayton O’Toole from McKinsey share insights on how innovation drives growth in uncertain business landscapes. They discuss the importance of adopting agile strategies and nurturing a culture of innovation, emphasizing key changes in talent selection and business models. The trio also explores the integration of M&A with innovation, advocating for interconnected approaches to enhance growth. Their bold perspectives push organizations to embrace ambitious innovation strategies for a competitive edge.
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8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 32min

259. Risk, Resilience, and Innovation: Insights from AXIS Capital's Vincent Tizzio

Vince Tizzio, the President and CEO of AXIS, leads a discussion on transformational leadership within the insurance sector. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to complex risks, such as cyber threats and natural disasters. Tizzio shares insights on customizing insurance solutions using AI to meet diverse client needs effectively. He also highlights the role of inclusive leadership and transparent communication, especially in a post-pandemic world, showcasing how this approach can align a company’s culture with strategic goals.
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4 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 34min

258. Andy Mattes on the challenges of driving M&A as CEO

Andy Mattes, CEO of Coherent and former leader at notable firms like Siemens and Diebold, shares his extensive insights on the intricacies of mergers and acquisitions. He discusses the essential skills CEOs must acquire, such as navigating competitive bidding and ensuring clear communication with stakeholders. Andy highlights the role of mid-cap companies in sustaining customer loyalty and delves into the emotional intelligence required for successful negotiations. His experience illustrates the challenges and learning curves CEOs face in the M&A landscape.
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63 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 50min

257. The new and timeless truths of valuation

Tim Koller, a partner at McKinsey with over 40 years of experience in corporate finance, and Marc Goedhart, a professor of corporate valuation at Erasmus University, share their insights on the latest edition of their valuation book. They discuss the evolution of valuation concepts amid market uncertainties, emphasizing long-term value creation over short-term gains. The duo explores the differences between private and public company valuations, the impact of market bubbles, and the importance of data-driven decision-making for sustainable growth.

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