
Inside the Strategy Room
We talk with McKinsey partners and corporate executives on the challenges they face creating lasting strategies in a fast-changing world. We also examine the different ways these executives approach these challenges and the new and innovative ways they think of creating a vision for their enterprises.
Latest episodes

Aug 16, 2024 • 40min
214. The secrets to outperforming in family-owned businesses
Eduardo Asaf, Acha Leke, and Francesco Malatesta from McKinsey tackle the secrets behind family-owned businesses. They reveal how these companies often outperform their non-family counterparts and contribute significantly to GDP and employment. The trio discusses key strategies for success, such as capital allocation and purpose-driven governance. They highlight the unique characteristics of the top-performing family businesses, focusing on long-term planning and talent management, which can lead to substantial value creation over the next decade.

Aug 8, 2024 • 19min
213. Bonus: Starting a new CFO role
Yuval Atsmon, the newly appointed head of McKinsey's finance function and a senior partner specializing in growth-led transformations, sheds light on the evolving role of CFOs. He discusses the challenges finance leaders face, including managing uncertainty and integrating generative AI into decision-making. Yuval emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and emotional intelligence in leadership, as well as the need for human oversight in an automated world. His insights provide a roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern finance.

Jul 29, 2024 • 45min
212. Do you have what it takes to be a CFO?
Join Ankur Agrawal, a partner leading Strategy and Corporate Finance in New York, and Dr. Karolina Sauer-Sidor, a Madrid-based leader in Technology and Media, as they discuss the evolving nature of the CFO role. They highlight essential skills like strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making for aspiring CFOs. The duo emphasizes the importance of mentorship, diverse perspectives, and navigating networks to build a successful finance career. They also explore how a broad vision and adaptability are crucial for future CFOs facing new challenges.

10 snips
Jul 12, 2024 • 42min
211. 10 questions boards should ask about cybersecurity
Discussing cybersecurity oversight for boards, Justin Greis and Daniel Wallace provide insights on managing cyber risks, resource allocation, asset management, incident response, and collaborative strategies to enhance organizational resilience.

20 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 43min
210. Transformation and new business building
Senior partner Chris Hagedorn and partners Matt Banholzer & Ryan Nguyen discuss balancing transformation & new business ventures, optimizing core operations, reallocation of resources, developing foundational capabilities, and enhancing innovation success through transformation and new business building.

Jun 21, 2024 • 32min
209. Innovation in video gaming with Electronic Arts’ Chief Strategy Officer Mihir Vaidya
The Chief Strategy Officer of Electronic Arts discusses innovation in the gaming industry, including leveraging technology, player engagement, and strategic decision-making. The podcast explores the growth of the gaming industry, synergy between creativity and technology, and Electronic Arts' vision for future success.

57 snips
Jun 13, 2024 • 42min
208. Preparing your organization for uncertainty
Explore practical strategies for managing uncertainty in organizations with guests Rear Admiral Wyman Howard III and Mihir Mysore. Topics include scenario planning, risk management, leadership skills, and agility in decision-making. Learn about leveraging technology, cultivating resilience, and collaborating effectively in times of uncertainty.

5 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 43min
207. Bonus: Deal Volume - Perspectives on a slower era in private markets
Senior partners Fredrik Dahlqvist and David Quigley, along with partner Brian Vickery, discuss trends in private markets, challenges posed by lower multiples and decreased deal volume, the impact of technology on value creation, and the optimistic outlook for 2024. They explore the importance of adapting to market opportunities, the role of technology in driving innovation, and the focus on value creation amidst higher interest rates.

26 snips
May 23, 2024 • 46min
206. Are you ready for a surge in M&A?
Senior partners discuss M&A trends like shift to growth, private equity impact, regulatory hurdles, 'transact to transform' concept, and the rise of alliances in the global landscape.

May 16, 2024 • 40min
205. Helping boards manage geopolitical risk with Jon Huntsman Jr.
Former US governor Jon Huntsman Jr. and experts discuss the urgency of board-level conversations on geopolitical risk. They explore challenges like evolving board governance, navigating geopolitical risks in a multipolar world, enhancing board insights on geopolitics, and seizing opportunities amidst global challenges.