
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

22 snips
Feb 9, 2024 • 37min
195. Why strategists should embrace imperfection
"Inside the Strategy Room" welcomes Charles Conn, an investor and entrepreneur, and Rob McLean, a Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company. They discuss their book "The Imperfectionists" which explores developing strategies in uncertain times. They emphasize the importance of embracing imperfection, celebrating failure, and promoting experimentation and innovation within organizations. They also highlight the effectiveness of visual demonstrations and storytelling in building support for ideas.

22 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 29min
194. Driving long-term business transformation
In this podcast, Roman Regelman and Kevin Carmody discuss the challenges of long-term business transformation, including adapting to geopolitical changes and evolving technology. They emphasize the importance of executive alignment and engaging the entire organization in the transformation process. Additionally, the podcast explores the significance of incentives for long-term success, the role of digital transformation, and the unexpected obstacles faced in the transformation journey at BNY Mellon.

33 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 41min
193. Eight keys to excelling as a chief of staff
Blair Epstein, Poppy Johnson, and Connor Rochford share eight keys to excelling as a chief of staff, including the significance of clear communication and effective support, tailoring the role to suit organizational needs, and the importance of building and maintaining trust. They also discuss the evolving responsibilities of a chief of staff in rapidly growing companies and the need to hone peripheral vision by providing their principal with both good and bad news. The episode concludes by expressing gratitude to the audience and providing ways to stay connected.

Jan 12, 2024 • 47min
192. Using M&A to launch a transformation
Chris Hagedorn and Alex Liu discuss the role of M&A in launching large-scale transformations. They explore recent trends in M&A, the importance of communication during transactions, and the application of transformation principles in the industrial sector. They also emphasize the establishment of an empowered execution engine, the importance of building foundational capabilities and talent, and promote engagement with the podcast.

26 snips
Jan 3, 2024 • 47min
191. Best of 2023 - How to make a strong start as a CEO
Carolyn Dewar, senior partner and founder of CEO Excellence Practice, and Kurt Strovink, senior partner and co-leader of global CEO initiative, discuss advice for new CEOs, including the importance of listening, emotional connection, and setting clear goals. They also address engaging former peers and board alignment.

61 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 46min
190. Best of 2023 - Strategies to win in the new ecosystem economy
Explore the concept of the ecosystem economy, its dominance in the market, and the implications for different industries. Discover the potential of web 3.0 and user-centric ecosystems. Learn how companies can participate in the ecosystem economy by finding the right collaborators and transitioning from traditional industries. Gain valuable strategies for success, such as focusing on customer experience, adopting a platform business model, and forming partnerships.

Dec 20, 2023 • 26min
189. CEO perspectives: Scott Wine, CNH Industrial
Scott Wine, CEO of CNH Industrial, discusses the challenges of leading a global business, the importance of technology in agriculture, and his lessons from running the executive dining room for General Colin Powell. They also explore technology's impact on farming and supply chain challenges, as well as the benefits of the captive finance arm and leadership development within the company.

15 snips
Dec 15, 2023 • 38min
188. Leading effectively with the board
Karen McLoughlin, former CFO and board director for Best Buy, and Steven Sterin discuss the evolving role of boards in navigating business complexity and setting ambitious goals. They explore peer-to-peer support, catalyst boards, and the increasing time commitment for board directors. They also highlight the importance of onboarding, continuous training, and aligning board requirements with skills. The podcast ends with gratitude and a call to subscribe and engage.

38 snips
Dec 8, 2023 • 43min
187. Driving innovation with generative AI
Join Laura LaBerge and Matt Banholzer as they discuss driving innovation with generative AI. They explore the definition of innovation and its various forms, the role of generative AI in accelerating product launches and R&D, and how companies are leveraging it to streamline processes and improve efficiency. They also tackle the impact of regulations on generative AI, the challenges organizations face when investing in technology, and strategies to overcome them. Don't miss their insights on fostering innovation in businesses!

Nov 30, 2023 • 35min
186. Palo Alto Networks CFO, Dipak Golechha
Dipak Golechha, CFO of Palo Alto Networks, discusses the expanding CFO mandate, leading finance in volatile environments, and grappling with AI and new technologies. Topics include transition to cybersecurity, impact of historical norms on decision making, evolving finance function, AI in finance, and talent development.