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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 · 44 min
328. Driving agentic transformation: How AI is rewriting the playbook on large-scale change
Agentic AI is fundamentally changing how a transformation office (TO) can operate, freeing up the team to be not just faster but better. Chase Covington and Tomer Slaney join us to discuss how deploying agentic tools can generate sharper performance insights, maintain a single source of truth, and drive the right conversations at the right cadence—while allowing a more dedicated focus on the human elements of the change effort. Related insights The agentic transformation office: Redefining the economics of change WAVE: By McKinsey Building the foundations for agentic AI at scale Escaping the pilot trap: Building HR for the agentic era From potential to performance: Using gen AI to conduct outside-in diligence Unlocking full potential: Five practices reshaping PE value creation McKinsey Transformation 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
October 23 · 52 min
327. Four strategy myths holding your company back
Today’s disruption has created a critical ‘Strategy Moment’ for organizations navigating a fundamentally changing basis of competitive advantage. Carolyn Dewar, Marcus Jacob and Laura LaBerge join us to debunk four strategy myths and unpack how long-held assumptions are being rewritten to shape foundational strategic choices for a future-focused reality. They also discuss where AI amplifies the challenge—and creates opportunity—and how to determine if your AI investment is pointed in the right strategic direction. Related insights Strategy and Value: The Four Foundations That Drive Long-Term Performance Strategy’s biggest blind spot: Erosion of competitive advantage Why accelerated resource allocation matters in the age of AI How to maximize competitive advantage How top economic performers lean into their competitive advantage to guide their strategy CEO Excellence A CEO for All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
October 16 · 47 min
326. M&A heading into Q4: How AI is reshaping value creation
As we enter the fourth quarter, we look to where M&A stands and how dealmakers can finish strong. We also explore how AI is rewriting the traditional M&A playbook: success no longer comes from scale alone, but from building intelligent platforms and capabilities that compound over time to drive growth. Benjamin Houssard, Kameron Kordestani, Alex Liu, and Tobias Lundberg walk through how to leverage AI to turn a series of transactions into a self-reinforcing growth engine. Related insights 2026 M&A trends: Navigating a rapidly rebounding market Technology M&A: AI enters its industrial phase Five steps to strengthen M&A capabilities, no matter the starting point Gen AI in M&A: From theory to practice to high performance Advanced industries: Geopolitics, economics, and technology drive M&A Culture in M&A Using M&A to launch a transformation Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
October 9 · 50 min
325. Addressing AI Frontier Lab model risks and opportunities
As AI models become increasingly sophisticated, organizations and their leaders need to maintain awareness of the opportunities and challenges each new model can present. Specifically, the newest Frontier Lab LLMs are able to chain together and exploit vulnerabilities in even the most sophisticated organizations. Charlie Lewis and Marie-Claude Nadeau join us to discuss the threats posed by these models and how organizations can stay ahead of rapidly emerging cybersecurity challenges while also realizing their benefits. Related insights McKinsey Technology Trends Outlook 2026 Cybersecurity and trustworthy systems The speed problem: How frontier AI exposes weakness in enterprise cybersecurity Quantum is almost here: Are you and your systems ready? Deploying agentic AI with safety and security: A playbook for technology leaders Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
October 2 · 51 min
324. How strategy creates value: The four foundations that drive long-term performance
Episode description Executives have more data, more frameworks, and more advice than ever, and yet their confidence in their strategies keeps falling. Andy West, Tim Koller, and Whitney Zimmerman, authors of our forthcoming book Strategy and Value: The Four Foundations That Drive Long-Term Performance, join us to discuss how winning companies leverage the four foundations that drive long-term performance and value creation Related insights Strategy and Value: The Four Foundations That Drive Long-Term Performance Strategy’s biggest blind spot: Erosion of competitive advantage How to maximize competitive advantage (podcast) Ten Timeless Tests: Have you tested your strategy lately? How top economic performers lean into their competitive advantage to guide their strategy Valuation: Measuring and managing the value of companies Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
September 25 · 48 min
323. How to drive transformations with rigor
McKinsey research finds that companies executing transformations with rigor are much more likely to meet overall organizational transformation goals. Chris Hagedorn, Preeya Mody, and Michel Morenville join us to discuss what rigor really means in the context of transformation and how to embed it throughout the process, from setting the aspiration to mobilizing to delivering impact. Related insights Rigor: What it takes to turn ambition into impact The power of rigor in transformation (podcast episode) Wave by McKinsey McKinsey Insights on Transformation How to gain and sustain a competitive edge through transformation Going all in: Why employee ‘will’ can make or break transformations Seven principles for achieving transformational growth Beyond transformation: What we now know about driving bottom-line performance The powerful role financial incentives can play in a transformation 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
September 18 · 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

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