
The McKinsey Podcast
The McKinsey Podcast, our new flagship podcast series, takes you inside our global firm, and features conversations with experts on issues that matter most in business and management. McKinsey & Company is a management-consulting firm that helps businesses, governments, and not-for-profit organizations realize their most important goals. Topics covered in this series include strategy, technology, leadership, marketing, operations, organization, and the role of business in society.
Latest episodes

Dec 9, 2021 • 27min
How to create a resilient supply chain strategy
How can organizations build resilience into their processes so they can be ready for the next inevitable supply chain disruption? Hear from Knut Alicke and Dan Swan, McKinsey partners, in conversation with executive editor Roberta Fusaro, on steps to take to achieve supply chain resilience, how to manage inflation and examples of how clients have successfully set themselves up to manage future disruptions. Following, hear from Oscar Viyuela Garcia, an early-tenure consultant who left academia for a career at McKinsey. Theme music composed and performed by Joy NgiawSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 25, 2021 • 31min
Serving the Black consumer is a $300 billion opportunity
Due to a lack of product and services tailored specifically to meet the needs and wants of Black consumers, their loyalty is up for grabs and offers a huge opportunity for business. There is also a greater chance to meet social and moral objectives. This, according to McKinsey's recent report about the economic state of Black America. Hear Shelley Stewart III, partner at McKinsey, in conversation with Lucia Rahilly, global editorial director, to discuss specific areas where the private and public sectors have the most expeditious opportunities. The economic state of Black America report: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/the-economic-state-of-black-america-what-is-and-what-could-be Also, hear from Eric Kutcher, senior partner at McKinsey, who shares a big, hard lesson learned when he was starting out, from McKinsey’s “My Rookie Moment” series: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/my-rookie-moment Theme music composed and performed by Joy NgiawSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Nov 11, 2021 • 19min
The economic and social disadvantages of ageism
They're the most educated with great expertise. Yet, they remain underestimated. It's the people over 45, a useful cohort that struggles to find new employment, in large part, due to ageism. Hear from Mona Mourshed, CEO of Generation, an organization that trains people who are unemployed, underemployed, or need to learn new skills in conversation with Roberta Fusaro, McKinsey executive editor. They also dig into how employers stand to gain by investing in older workers - practically, culturally, and economically. Generation report: https://www.generation.org/news/unemployed-aged-45-and-above-face-ageism-and-career-challenges-globally/ Theme music composed and performed by Joy NgiawSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Oct 28, 2021 • 32min
Leaders must adapt to prevent more quitting
People are quitting in record numbers. Such an exodus threatens to increase labor costs, more attrition and contribute to brand bruising. Leaders can hang on to the best if they give their employees what they want—respect and a sense of belonging. Hear from experts in talent and organizational health, Aaron De Smet and Bill Schaninger on how those in charge can adapt their leadership styles to meet the needs of today's workforce. Reading material referenced: • The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith • McKinsey article and report about the great attrition • McKinsey article about psychological safety Theme music composed and performed by Joy NgiawSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Sep 23, 2021 • 20min
Sustainability in the consumer sector
Read more > Listen to the podcast (duration: 19:50) > We’re launching a new season of The McKinsey Podcast starting this Fall with fresh content. Between now and then, we’re re-broadcasting popular episodes from different McKinsey podcasts. Today, you'll hear about how companies are grappling to make sustainability-focused choices from the McKinsey on Consumer and Retail podcast.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Sep 9, 2021 • 26min
Cyber Resilience
Read more > Listen to the podcast (duration: 25:40) > We’re launching a new season of The McKinsey Podcast starting this Fall with fresh content. Between now and then, we’re re-broadcasting popular episodes from different McKinsey podcasts. Like a recent episode from McKinsey on Government where you’ll hear about the imperative of government to build cyber resilience, how the private sector can play a role and the future of the federal cyber workforce. Francis Rose hosts a conversation with Tucker Bailey, partner at McKinsey and Will Hurd, former congressman and former chair of the information and technology subcommittee on the oversight and government reform committee.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Aug 26, 2021 • 25min
How Hamilton stayed alive during the pandemic: An interview with producer Jeffrey Seller
The McKinsey podcast is launching a new season with fresh content this Fall. In the meantime, we’re featuring episodes from our other popular podcasts. Today, it’s the McKinsey Global Institute’s Forward Thinking podcast. Co-host Anna Bernasek is in conversation with Jeffrey Seller, producer of Broadway hits Hamilton, In the Heights, and Rent, about how Broadway and live performances have endured during the past tumultuous year-plus. Hear about: • Shutting down, pivoting, then staging a production in Australia during the pandemic • How digital streaming services like Disney+ and Spotify affected demand for performance tickets • Why he created an affordable ticket lottery to increase access to the magic of live, in-person performances • Why he’s still an optimist, but one who’s focused on resilience This conversation was recorded in May 2021. To read a transcript of this episode, visit: https://mck.co/jeffreysellerSee www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Aug 12, 2021 • 22min
How tech will revolutionize retail
Read more > Listen to the podcast (duration: 21:45) > The retailer of the future will harness the power of data, business building, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality, says serial entrepreneur and technology expert John Straw.See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

25 snips
Jul 29, 2021 • 25min
How to master the seven-step problem-solving process
Charles Kahn, author of "Bulletproof Problem Solving," teams up with McKinsey senior partner Hugo Sarazin to delve into the art of structured problem-solving. They dissect the importance of accurately defining problems as the crucial first step in any strategy. The duo discusses cognitive biases and how team diversity enhances creativity. They highlight practical techniques, such as A-B testing and storytelling, to navigate analyses effectively. Plus, they explore the strengths and challenges of merging classical and design thinking approaches.

Jul 15, 2021 • 34min
Centered leadership creates connection in turbulent times
Work without passion can lead to listlessness says Joanna Barsh, senior partner emeritus, director emeritus of the Centered Leadership Project, and today's guest. So, practically speaking, how can leaders help their people find passion, when they feel none? What question can you ask yourself to stay engaged at work and in the world? What can leadership do to engender trust during these turbulent times? Tune in for immediately implementable actions that can change your daily perspective for the better. Links to mentions on the episode: https://grief.com/about-david-kessler/ https://joannabarsh.net/books/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information