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Inside the Strategy Room

McKinsey & Company

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.

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Today · 47 min
322. Capturing value in real estate’s new terrain
Real estate is moving from stabilization to selective acceleration, with value creation becoming more targeted, operational, and execution-led. As capital concentrates in select sectors and strategies, leaders need sharper asset selection, disciplined capital structures, and stronger AI-enabled capabilities. Ben Dimson, Tripp Norton, and Aditya Sanghvi discuss how General Partners, Limited Partners, and real estate operators can turn market complexity into an advantage, drawing on research from their recent article. Related insights Real estate builds on new terrain Real estate’s selective recovery How agentic AI can reshape real estate’s operating model 2026 Global Private Markets Report: Private equity−clearer view, tougher terrain Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
September 11 · 43 min
321. M&A integration: PE’s new value creation playbook
Private equity is navigating one of its most challenging value creation environments in years, and winning firms are using M&A integration as a competitive weapon. Brian Dinneen and Matthew Maloney join us to discuss three high-impact integration strategies that leading sponsors are using to overcome these headwinds, based on their recent article. Related insights How private equity is using M&A integrations to overcome headwinds Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation 2026 Global Private Markets Report: Private equity−clearer view, tougher terrain Beating the odds: How private equity firms can improve exit prospects Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies (podcast) Private Capital at McKinsey Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
September 4 · 44 min
320. The digital twin: Reimagining non-financial risk management
The risk function’s fundamental purpose has not changed in light of AI. What has changed is the nature and pace of risks amplified by AI, as well as the tools available to manage them. Anke Raufuss, Björn Nilsson, and Laura Webanck join us to discuss the role of the digital twin and how it is changing the future of risk management. Related Insights Evolving model risk management in the age of AI How companies can strengthen their geopolitical risk readiness Global risk productivity survey: Four themes shaping risk management The future of risk: How global trends are reshaping risk management From risk to resilience: New approaches to navigating disruption in Asia Risk and Resilience on McKinsey.com McKinsey Risk & Resilience on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
August 28 · 31 min
319. Why strategy needs mobilization, especially in this moment
As strategy rises to the top of executive agendas, many organizations are struggling to translate bold strategic choices into sustained performance. In this episode, the global coleaders of our Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice, Sébastien Lacroix and Andy West, along with Whitney Zimmerman, a distinguished expert in strategy, discuss why mobilization has become the critical differentiator between strategy success and failure, and how leaders can build the capabilities needed to turn strategy into action in an era of intensified competition, ever-accelerating change, and uncertainty. Related insights Strategy and Value: The Four Foundations That Drive Long-Term Performance (our new book, due out in November) How to maximize competitive advantage How to ensure your company acts on your strategy How strategy champions win Strategy Beyond the Hockey Stick Fundamentals of strategy and value creation Have you tested your strategy lately? Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
August 25 · 17 min
318. Inside the 2026 CFO Forum: How finance leaders are preparing for what's next (bonus episode)
In this bonus episode, McKinsey CFO practice leaders Kevin Carmody, Matt Maloney, and Christian Grube share their insights from the 2026 CFO Forum in London. Their conversation explores how the CFO role is evolving from financial steward to strategic value creator; why leading finance organizations are moving beyond incremental budgeting; how AI can provide the catalyst to fundamentally rewire finance operating models rather than simply automate existing processes; and why talent and capability building will determine which organizations capture the greatest value. They also discuss how CFOs can reclaim the strategic narrative, strengthen capital allocation, and create the headspace to focus on the bold moves that drive long-term growth. Related insights Why accelerated resource allocation matters in the age of AI CFOs have been concerned about geopolitical impacts for months The CFO as growth leader: A conversation with Levi’s Harmit Singh Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
August 21 · 51 min
317. Strategic re-underwriting in private equity
Private equity firms are under increasing pressure to create value in a tougher market, with longer hold times and evolving value creation theses. Leading funds are using re-underwriting as a repeatable discipline that supports better decisions across the hold period. Join AD Bhatia, Jason Phillips, Hassen Ahmed and Manuel Fernandez Angulo as they unpack the what, when and who of re-underwriting. They share how AI assistance, leaner teams and a systematic approach can help overcome resourcing restraints to place this practice in the reach of every fund. Related insights Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation 2026 Global Private Markets Report: Private equity−clearer view, tougher terrain Beating the odds: How private equity firms can improve exit prospects How private equity is using M&A integrations to overcome headwinds Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies (podcast) Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
August 14 · 55 min
316. Your budget is killing your strategy: 4 imperatives for CFOs
The traditional annual budget process is broken. It is rigid, backward-looking, and not operationally fit to keep up with today's fast-moving markets. Top-performing companies are outpacing peers by budgeting differently. Matthew Maloney, Karen McLoughlin, and Michele Tam join us to discuss their recent article on how top-performing companies are transforming the budget from a control mechanism to a dynamic road map for driving growth. They share how leading CFOs are more closely linking the budget to strategic priorities, and how harnessing AI enables a data-driven, forward-looking approach. Related insights Your budget is killing your strategy—here are four ways to fix it The CFO as growth leader: A conversation with Levi’s Harmit Singh CFOs have been concerned about geopolitical impacts for months Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
August 7 · 50 min
315. The $106 trillion infrastructure opportunity: Private market outlook
Infrastructure is at a pivotal inflection point: its definition is expanding beyond traditional assets to digital and interconnected systems, demanding a fundamental mindset shift by governments, investors, and operators to plan, fund, and maintain integrated infrastructure that supports future growth and resilience. Alastair Green and Adrian Kwok discuss the latest findings from our 2026 Global Private Markets Report, take stock of the sector's latest trends, and reveal how private capital is responding to an evolving funding landscape Related insights 2026 Global Private Markets Report The Infrastructure Moment www.mckinsey.com/pc www.mckinsey.com/scf Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
July 30 · 48 min
314. How to maximize competitive advantage
Competitive advantage is becoming much more fluid as market positions shift faster across industries, with advantages eroding and differentiation narrowing. Despite this increased volatility, companies often fail to actively monitor shifts in their competitive edge. Join Matt Banholzer and Laura LaBerge as they discuss their latest research on the erosion of competitive advantage and share what companies can do to maximize their edge over peers. Related Insights Strategy’s biggest blind spot: Erosion of competitive advantage How top economic performers lean into their competitive advantage to guide their strategy Why accelerated resource allocation matters in the age of AI Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
July 24 · 47 min
313. Driving value with an investor mindset
Long-term value creation is foundational to building strong companies and economies, yet many leaders struggle to ensure that well-conceived, well-executed strategies receive full recognition from investors. Senior Partner Ryan Davies and Associate Partner Jacob Marcus join us to discuss how to anticipate investor reactions, assess opportunities to outperform expectations, and embed an investor mindset into decision-making to build greater resilience. Related Insights Global Private Markets Report 2026 Private equity 2026 outlook: Clearer view, tougher terrain Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies The coming wave of business transfers What every CEO can learn from private equity The CEO’s Guide to the Investment Galaxy Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
July 15 · 47 min
312. Improving private equity exit prospects
In today’s tougher exit environment, private equity firms are facing longer holding periods, valuation gaps, and increased pressure to return capital. Kai Vollhardt and Jelena Bauer are joined by Christian Habrich and Frederyk Schroeder as they unpack their latest article on how to drive successful exits. They share strategies that top-performing firms use to improve exit outcomes and turn preparation into premium valuations, including how to translate AI potential into a credible value story. Related Insights Beating the odds: How private equity firms can improve exit prospects Global Private Markets Report 2026 Private equity 2026 outlook: Clearer view, tougher terrain Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies (podcast) The coming wave of business transfers (podcast) What every CEO can learn from private equity (podcast) Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
July 10 · 1 hr
311. Proven growth strategies from market leaders
Discover how market leaders—Walmart, Builders FirstSource, Progressive, and JPMorgan Chase—achieved exceptional growth from 2019 to 2024, outperforming peers by an average of five percentage points in revenue and seven points in profitability. In this episode, Simon Jones, David Schiff , and Kate Siegel discuss their new article on the three critical characteristics that drive sustained profitable business growth: committed investment strategies, diversified growth engines, and systematic technology integration. Related Insights Inspired for business growth: How five companies beat the market The race takes off in the next big arenas of competition The granularity of growth Rewired 2.0: How leading companies are (still) winning with AI? The ten rules of growth How innovative companies leverage tech to outperform Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
July 2 · 51 min
310. The CEO's role in transformation
Transformations often falter due to internal dynamics that divide organizations, such as misaligned incentives, siloed efforts, and risk aversion. CEOs are uniquely positioned to address these challenges by tackling the root causes of collective-action problems and uniting their organizations around bold aspirations. Join Meagan Hill, Mathew Lee, and Kurt Strovink as they explore the role of the CEO in driving enterprise-wide transformation and embedding lasting change into the fabric of their organizations. Related Insights Collective action, collective success: A CEO’s role in transformations Courageous conversations: How to lead with heart A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
June 25 · 53 min
309. Five key moves to create value in spinoffs
More than 55 percent of large spin-offs fail to deliver the expected value three years post-spin; this is true for both the parent and the new company. However, even in today’s complex macro environment, there is plenty of spin activity as companies look outside the portfolio in pursuit of more focused strategies, fit-for-purpose operating models, and optimized capital management. Join us as Jamie Koenig and Anna Mattson, co-leaders of our Global Separations Practice, discuss their recent article on the topic and step through five critical moves that help increase the odds of spin-off success. They also share a wealth of insights gleaned from several decades of deal experience, including what a new SpinCo CEO should expect. Related Insights Beating the odds: What really matters for successful spin-offs 2026 M&A trends: Navigating a rapidly rebounding market When separating businesses, people are the key to unleashing value Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
June 17 · 50 min
308. From the C-Suite to the boardroom: Christiana Smith Shi on what it takes
Today’s board members face growing demands on their time. A challenging macro environment and ever-evolving business risks are increasing meeting frequency and requiring faster decision-making. For executives considering a board role, the developmental opportunity may be clear — but what does the role really involve? In this episode, McKinsey senior partner emeritus and board director, Celia Huber speaks with Christiana Smith Shi. Christiana is the former President of Nike’s direct-to-consumer division and a seasoned board member with over 14 years of service, including on the boards of Williams Sonoma and Mondelēz International. She currently serves on the boards of Columbia Sportswear and UPS, and as Chair of Habitat for Humanity. In a wide-ranging conversation, Christiana opens the boardroom door to discuss topics including the differences between not-for-profit and corporate boards, the dynamics of CEO transitions, and what drives board effectiveness. Related Insights The Board Perspective How boards can tackle geopolitical risk The board’s role in managing emerging AI risks The AI reckoning: How boards can evolve CEO Insights: Forging stronger CEO–board partnerships Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
June 11 · 55 min
307. Making buy-side carve-outs work for everyone
Buy-side carve-outs can create significant value for acquiring companies, but they can also present complex challenges. In this episode, we’re joined by Kameron Kordestani, Anna Mattson, and Rui Silva to discuss how leaders—particularly CFOs, integration managers, and CHROs—must balance financial structuring, operational planning, and people management to ensure a value-creating transition. Related insights How buyers can successfully navigate integrating a carve-out The power of goodbye: How carve-outs can unleash value Solving the carve-out conundrum Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
June 3 · 54 min
306. Transforming value creation in private equity portfolio companies
Outperformance in private equity is no longer defined by leverage or multiple expansion; disciplined value creation will be the decisive factor in future investment success. In this episode, AD Bhatia, Robin Ligon, and Jason Phillips are joined by CVC’s John Kelleher to discuss the key shifts in today’s PE environment and share five moves firms are making in response. The path to transforming value creation requires a more disciplined playbook: structured re-diligence, holistic transformation under a dedicated transformation leadership, stronger operating-team talent, and the use of AI as a portfolio-wide accelerator. Related Insights 2026 Global Private Markets Report How private equity is using M&A integrations to overcome headwinds Beating the odds: How private equity firms can improve exit prospects McKinsey Strategy and Corporate Finance on LinkedIn McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
May 28 · 39 min
305. Prudential’s Charles Lowrey on finishing strong as CEO
For CEOs, the first 100 days often get the most attention. But the final chapter of a CEO’s tenure can be just as consequential. In this episode, senior partner Carolyn Dewar speaks with Charles Lowrey, former executive chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, about what it takes to finish strong and manage a successful leadership transition. Lowrey reflects on his unexpected path to the CEO role, the lessons he learned while leading through the pandemic, and why he began discussing succession with the board before officially taking the job. He explains how Prudential developed internal candidates, planned the handover in detail, and worked to make the market’s reaction to the transition “a huge yawn.” The conversation also explores the personal side of stepping away: preparing for life after the CEO role, avoiding the temptation to remain too involved, and finding new ways to contribute. For current and aspiring CEOs, Lowrey offers practical guidance on legacy, succession, and the discipline required to lead until the very end. Related insights A CEO For All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders from the Rest The Strategic CEO LinkedIn newsletter Sending it forward: Successfully transitioning out of the CEO role Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
May 22 · 54 min
304. The coming wave of business transfers
As millions of baby boomer business owners in the United States approach retirement, the country faces a major transition in business ownership. Over the next decade, millions of small and midsize businesses could be sold, transferred, or closed, with major implications for local economies, jobs, family wealth, and economic mobility. In this episode, we hear from partner Ken Yearwood and associate partner Nick Noel about the wave of business transfers on the horizon, the scale of the opportunity, and the risks of avoidable closures. They discuss what this transition could mean for buyers, sellers, private capital, employees, and rural communities, and explore how a broader and more inclusive ownership ecosystem could unlock long-term value. Related insights The Great Ownership Transfer: A new era of business stewardship McKinsey Institute for Economic Mobility Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
May 14 · 51 min
303. How finance leaders are driving value with AI
In this episode, we explore how finance leaders can harness AI to drive performance and create value for the organization. Our guests—Kevin Carmody, Davide Grande, and Andrea Tricoli—share insights from their research, highlighting how AI is reshaping finance functions across strategic planning, cost management, risk mitigation, and investor relations. Join us as we delve into real-world examples of AI in action and consider the evolving role of the CFO as a strategic partner in the C-Suite. Related insights How finance teams are putting AI to work today Gen AI: A guide for CFOs Gen AI in corporate functions: Looking beyond efficiency gains Spendscape by McKinsey: Next-level spend analytics software powered by AI Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

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