Author Talks: David Fubini on hidden truths for CEOs

In his new book, David Fubini provides a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a superior leader.
Author Talks: David Fubini on hidden truths for CEOs

Building and scaling one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile banks

Setting a bold vision, adapting the business to respond to market feedback, and putting customer satisfaction first has enabled digital-banking start-up N26 to grow rapidly into a global bank valued at $3.5 billion.
Building and scaling one of the world’s fastest-growing mobile banks

Global oil supply-and-demand outlook to 2040

COVID-19 sent shocks through global oil markets, with oil demand and supply still struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels. Our outlook looks back at 2020 and presents our most-likely scenarios for oil demand, supply, and prices through 2040.
Global oil supply-and-demand outlook to 2040

Global gas outlook to 2050

While we saw high levels of volatility in 2020, the outlook for gas and LNG shows strong growth, resilience, and changing expectations for emissions amid widespread carbon-neutrality aspirations.
Global gas outlook to 2050

The future of behavioral health

Three vignettes illustrate how behavioral healthcare is experienced today, and what it may look like in the future when evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery supports are used to address whole person care.
The future of behavioral health

2021 and beyond: Preparing for the future of SG&A

Shorter planning cycles, higher cost-cutting targets, and hybrid working models are defining how organizations reimagine their sales, general, and administrative (SG&A) functions for 2021 and beyond.
2021 and beyond: Preparing for the future of SG&A

Cloud’s trillion-dollar prize is up for grabs

Cloud has immense potential, but most companies are only scratching the surface. Recent research clarifies where the value lies—and how to capture it before competitors do.
Cloud’s trillion-dollar prize is up for grabs

Gold industry M&A: Riding the new wave buoyed by lessons from the past

While M&A trends may be poised to accelerate, gold industry players will need to keep past lessons in mind or else risk repeating previous mistakes.
Gold industry M&A: Riding the new wave buoyed by lessons from the past

The capability-building imperative: Make ‘purposeful investments’ in people

To thrive in a fast-changing world, leaders must treat capability building as a strategic weapon, says McKinsey’s managing partner for North America.
The capability-building imperative: Make ‘purposeful investments’ in people

‘Look for skills, not credentials’: Beth Cobert on tapping into US talent

The former US chief performance officer, now a leader at the Markle Foundation, wants to revolutionize how companies and workers approach capability building.
‘Look for skills, not credentials’: Beth Cobert on tapping into US talent

Capability building in 2030

Four McKinsey leaders—Jon Garcia, Liz McNally, Daniel Pacthod, and Michael Park—describe the ways in which capability building could evolve in the next decade.
Capability building in 2030

‘Our people are our destiny’: Capability building at Volvo Cars

Björn Annwall, leader of Volvo Cars in the EMEA region, believes business leaders should be deliberate and hands-on when it comes to developing their people.
‘Our people are our destiny’: Capability building at Volvo Cars

Clearing the air on cloud: How industrial companies can capture cloud technology’s full business value

The industrial application of cloud technology is widely seen as very promising, so we went to the front lines and conducted a large-scale survey to find out what really works.
Clearing the air on cloud: How industrial companies can capture cloud technology’s full business value

Now is the time for procurement to lead value capture

With companies facing more pressure than ever to deliver savings, procurement teams can offer not only short-term relief, but also long-term rewards.
Now is the time for procurement to lead value capture

Unlocking whole person care through behavioral health

The public, private, and social sectors can all play a role in improving access and outcomes for those with behavioral health conditions.
Unlocking whole person care through behavioral health

How Japan can make digital ‘big moves’ to drive growth and productivity

The country could build digital talent and applications across major areas of industry and government to improve digital competitiveness.
How Japan can make digital ‘big moves’ to drive growth and productivity

Alternative financing in mining

Many mining companies struggle to secure financing for capital-expansion programs. Miners must pull the full range of financial levers to see a potential of some $800 billion over the next ten years.
Alternative financing in mining

Adapting your operating model to the new normal: The next big move

Increasing uncertainty in chemicals requires companies to adopt new operating models. Four guiding principles can help players incorporate strategies that reflect the new realities of the industry.
Adapting your operating model to the new normal: The next big move

Prediction: The future of CX

Designing great customer experiences is getting easier with the rise of predictive analytics.
Prediction: The future of CX

Purpose for asset owners: Climbing a taller mountain

In the wake of the pandemic, the world’s long-term investors are reexamining their purpose.
Purpose for asset owners: Climbing a taller mountain

Preserving the largest and most at-risk supply of affordable housing

In the United States, naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) is at risk. To protect this critical asset class, stakeholders for federal, state, and local housing can all play a role.
Preserving the largest and most at-risk supply of affordable housing

The McKinsey Crossword: Black History Memoirs | No. 12

Sharpen your problem-solving skills the McKinsey way, with our weekly crossword. Each puzzle is created with the McKinsey audience in mind, and includes a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) business theme for you to find. Answers that are directionally correct may not cut it if you’re looking for a quick win. Either play the interactive version, or if you like putting pen(cil) to paper, download and print when you're ready to engage. Check back each Tuesday for a new puzzle or, better yet, sign up to get an alert each week when the next challenge is ready.
The McKinsey Crossword: Black History Memoirs | No. 12

The board’s role during crisis and beyond

Three seasoned board directors discuss the role boards are playing in guiding their companies toward recovery from the COVID-19 crisis.
The board’s role during crisis and beyond

COVID-19 Consumer Healthcare Insights: What 2021 may hold

As COVID-19 vaccination rates grow, more Americans are citing their interest in receiving a vaccine, and many cite satisfaction with process.
COVID-19 Consumer Healthcare Insights: What 2021 may hold

Investing in Black economic mobility

Racial equity and inclusive growth can drive economic mobility and a postpandemic recovery.
Investing in Black economic mobility

How wellbeing improves performance: An interview with Annastiina Hintsa

The CEO of Hintsa Performance argues that wellbeing is the foundation of sustainable high performance—not a reward for it.
How wellbeing improves performance: An interview with Annastiina Hintsa

Developer Velocity at work: Key lessons from industry digital leaders

The experiences of several high-performing software development organizations in banking and retail offer a road map to excellence.
Developer Velocity at work: Key lessons from industry digital leaders

Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector

Advancing racial equity in the workplace is a system-level challenge—ranging from the structural inequities of geography to underrepresentation in industries and jobs that could create additional opportunity to the behaviors of the workplace itself.
Race in the workplace: The Black experience in the US private sector

Navigating opportunity in the US personal-protective-equipment market

Divergent forces are creating tailwinds and headwinds for the personal-protective-equipment (PPE) sector, requiring makers to differentiate through innovation, sales channels, and service.
Navigating opportunity in the US personal-protective-equipment market

America 2021: Making change happen, against the odds

To America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers: knowing how to effect change is just as important as knowing what to change.
America 2021: Making change happen, against the odds

Author Talks: Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini on ‘humanocracy’

Bureaucracy actually served us well in the past. But the nature of work has changed, and management needs to change too.
Author Talks: Gary Hamel and Michele Zanini on ‘humanocracy’

On pins and needles: Tracking COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics

Key stakeholders will need to continue to monitor and adapt to new data and new variants emerging across the globe to respond effectively.
On pins and needles: Tracking COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics

How to turn everyday stress into ‘optimal stress’

Managed well, stress can be an ally rather than an enemy. Here’s how to use it to your advantage.
How to turn everyday stress into ‘optimal stress’

Breaking through the hype: The real-world benefits of 5G connectivity

5G offers a level of connectivity that could transform the shop floor. Here’s how leaders use today’s technologies to secure supply chains and create value, despite the challenges of deployment.
Breaking through the hype: The real-world benefits of 5G connectivity

America 2021: Renewing the nation’s commitment to climate action

To America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers: here’s how you can help build a low-carbon economy that is resilient, competitive, prosperous, and fair.
America 2021: Renewing the nation’s commitment to climate action

The future of work after COVID-19

The pandemic accelerated existing trends in remote work, e-commerce, and automation, with up to 25% more workers than previously estimated potentially needing to switch occupations.
The future of work after COVID-19

Building the internal-audit function of the future

Due to the pandemic, many organizations have prioritized short-term priorities for internal-audit functions, but now is also the time to recalibrate for potential long-term uncertainty and complexity.
Building the internal-audit function of the future

Will Asian insurers make the right choices for health insurance?

Private health insurance is a significant growth opportunity for insurers in Asia. To compete, insurers will need to reimagine their value propositions and rethink their operating models.
Will Asian insurers make the right choices for health insurance?

In conversation: The great acceleration

As trends speed up and outperformers increase their leads, companies urgently need to set a path for post-COVID-19 growth.
In conversation: The great acceleration

America 2021: The opportunity to advance racial equity

To America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers: the task of building a more perfect society needs your help.
America 2021: The opportunity to advance racial equity

The next chapter: Driving technology leadership in the public sector

Leadership transitions are an opportune time for public-sector CIOs to accelerate technology modernization using our three-vector strategy.
The next chapter: Driving technology leadership in the public sector

When code is king: Mastering automotive software excellence

With software driving tomorrow’s automotive innovations, R&D organizations must quickly master its intricacies.
When code is king: Mastering automotive software excellence

Five Fifty: Making loyalty pay

Fast-surfing consumers are trying out new brands, stores, products, and websites. Can loyalty programs keep pace?
Five Fifty: Making loyalty pay

Getting value from advanced digital technology for industrial gas companies

With relatively little risk, industrial gas companies can optimize parts of their operations with advanced technologies.
Getting value from advanced digital technology for industrial gas companies

America 2021: Building a bridge to normalcy

To America’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers: even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a return to a normal existence is in sight. Getting the endgame right could save thousands of lives.
America 2021: Building a bridge to normalcy

Scaling online education: Five lessons for colleges

Before the pandemic, scaling an effective online offering was optional for higher education institutions. Now it’s a necessity.
Scaling online education: Five lessons for colleges

Why every business needs a full-funnel marketing strategy

Full-funnel marketing is not just a campaign strategy; it’s a total shift in how marketing works.
Why every business needs a full-funnel marketing strategy

America 2021

After 2020 disrupted lives and livelihoods, the country is geared for a reset. In America 2021, leaders, innovators, and changemakers have an opportunity to make a telling difference. Here are the first in a yearlong series of our contributions to the discussion.
America 2021

Countering otherness: Fostering integration within teams

Exploring our feelings of otherness can help us discover how we are the same.
Countering otherness: Fostering integration within teams

Five charts that set the tone as New York Fashion Week 2021 kicks off

As New York Fashion Week kicks off a new season of fashion weeks around the globe, these are the five themes to watch.
Five charts that set the tone as New York Fashion Week 2021 kicks off

‘Consumers are reconsidering what’s in their closet’: The state of fashion in 2021

In this interview, Tiger of Sweden CEO Linda Dauriz shares her views on design inspiration and digital innovation—and why consumers are embracing conscious consumerism.
‘Consumers are reconsidering what’s in their closet’: The state of fashion in 2021

Less is the new more: The state of fashion in 2021

In this interview, McKinsey senior partner Achim Berg discusses how consumers in 2021 want fewer things and more clarity—and why digital is the future of retail.
Less is the new more: The state of fashion in 2021

How consumer companies are adopting agility during the COVID-19 pandemic

Under pressure during the pandemic, many consumer companies turned to agile. Here’s how they accelerated adoption of agile practices across their organizations.
How consumer companies are adopting agility during the COVID-19 pandemic

Author Talks: Michelle Duster on the legacy of Ida B. Wells

In a new book, Michelle Duster celebrates the life of Ida B. Wells, a journalist, suffragist, and antilynching crusader—and Duster’s great-grandmother.
Author Talks: Michelle Duster on the legacy of Ida B. Wells

First-time launchers in the pharmaceutical industry

Increasingly, small biopharmaceutical companies are launching their new drugs themselves rather than relying on large pharma companies to do it for them. How can they get it right the first time?
First-time launchers in the pharmaceutical industry

Unlocking the full life-cycle value from connected-car data

Car data can help mobility players along the entire value chain—but they need to act now.
Unlocking the full life-cycle value from connected-car data

How agile can power frontline excellence

An agile transformation can release the full potential of frontline staff, leading to more-satisfied, happier employees, lower costs, and better overall performance.
How agile can power frontline excellence

Psychological safety and the critical role of leadership development

While the benefits of psychological safety are well established, a new survey suggests how leaders, by developing specific skills, can create a safer and higher-performance work environment.
Psychological safety and the critical role of leadership development

How agile can power frontline excellence

An agile transformation can release the full potential of frontline staff, leading to more-satisfied, happier employees, lower costs, and better overall performance.
How agile can power frontline excellence

Renesas’s Hidetoshi Shibata on leadership through difficult times

A CEO discusses past and future strategy in the evolving semiconductor sector.
Renesas’s Hidetoshi Shibata on leadership through difficult times

Capital Projects 5.0: Reimagining capital-project delivery

What could your business achieve if your large capital projects were 30 to 50 percent faster and cheaper? The opportunity is more real than you think.
Capital Projects 5.0: Reimagining capital-project delivery

Ahead in the cloud: Transforming public-sector performance

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of cloud technology and analytics in delivering public-sector services. Can governments build on what they have learned?
Ahead in the cloud: Transforming public-sector performance

Running up on runoff: Strategic options for life closed books

Runoff policies often present profitability challenges for European life insurers. Those looking to create value from their closed books can learn from recent market shifts.
Running up on runoff: Strategic options for life closed books

The state of internal carbon pricing

More and more companies are experimenting with internal carbon charges—but are their pricing thresholds correct?
The state of internal carbon pricing

The next phase of COVID-19 is a battle we can win

It is humanity versus virus, and we are on the cusp of winning, thanks to healthcare and public-sector workers and innovators.
The next phase of COVID-19 is a battle we can win

The McKinsey Crossword: Change of Face | No. 10

Sharpen your problem-solving skills the McKinsey way, with our weekly crossword. Each puzzle is created with the McKinsey audience in mind, and includes a subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) business theme for you to find. Answers that are directionally correct may not cut it if you’re looking for a quick win. Either play the interactive version, or if you like putting pen(cil) to paper, download and print when you're ready to engage. Check back each Tuesday for a new puzzle or, better yet, sign up to get an alert each week when the next challenge is ready.
The McKinsey Crossword: Change of Face | No. 10

The need for resiliency

Here’s how leading companies can build a business that’s ready for tomorrow.
The need for resiliency

The nine traits of future-ready companies

To organize for the future, embrace nine characteristics that explain who the organization is, how it operates, and how it grows.
The nine traits of future-ready companies

A data-driven approach to improving net working capital

Better performance relies on greater visibility into processes and decisions. The right combination of technology, capabilities, and mindsets can make all the difference.
A data-driven approach to improving net working capital

The committed innovator: A conversation with Neal Gutterson of Corteva

How a biotech scientist helped transform a traditional science organization into an innovation leader.
The committed innovator: A conversation with Neal Gutterson of Corteva

Self-care: Meeting contraception needs in Africa

Adolescent girls and young women in Africa have high unmet needs for modern contraceptives. Concepts centered on self-care can help meet these needs.
Self-care: Meeting contraception needs in Africa

“Getting shots into arms”: How US states are addressing the vaccine distribution challenge

COVID-19 vaccine administration represents a significant challenge: States can accelerate progress through five lessons including establishing, enabling, and managing administration capacity.
“Getting shots into arms”: How US states are addressing the vaccine distribution challenge

Harnessing Nigeria’s FinTech potential

The full potential of fintech in Nigeria remains untapped. But a youthful population, a focused regulatory drive to increase financial inclusion, and accelerating digital adoption due to COVID-19, are creating the conditions for a thriving sector. If stakeholders take quick and decisive action, they can strategically protect gains and accelerate growth in the sector, even in difficult economic times.
Harnessing Nigeria’s FinTech potential

Is the world up to the challenge of mass COVID-19 vaccination?

Amid the unforeseen effects of the pandemic on at-risk and lower-income communities, governments and organizations around the world must convene to ensure effective distribution of newly developed vaccines.
Is the world up to the challenge of mass COVID-19 vaccination?

Taking stock: Catching up with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman

How has the global market exchange remained relevant to its stakeholders after 50 years? By embracing changes in technology, society, and the economy and by meeting customers’ needs with innovation.
Taking stock: Catching up with Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman

How capital markets keep us connected

Nasdaq’s 50th anniversary reminds us that markets should be more inclusive, share more information, inspire innovation, and bring the world together.
How capital markets keep us connected

Global Economics Intelligence executive summary, January 2021

The economic recovery is exceeding expectations, but the pandemic has worsened; vaccination programs and the fight against the virus will dictate further progress.
Global Economics Intelligence executive summary, January 2021

Bias busters: Don’t steer your strategy by the wrong star

Leaders’ plans may falter if they’re relying on superficial analogies to find answers to their biggest problems.
Bias busters: Don’t steer your strategy by the wrong star

Breathing new life into a struggling giant: An interview with Krakatau Steel’s Silmy Karim

A strategic turnaround is helping Indonesia’s largest state-owned enterprise to stem eight years of losses, transform company culture, and embrace a digital future.
Breathing new life into a struggling giant: An interview with Krakatau Steel’s Silmy Karim

A manufacturer’s guide to scaling Industrial IoT

By integrating the business, the organization, and technology, manufacturing leaders can position their organizations to reap the full benefits of Industrial IoT.
A manufacturer’s guide to scaling Industrial IoT

The vanishing middle manager

Flatter. Faster. Leaner. The COVID-19 crisis has once again trained a spotlight on the value of middle management. What happens after the pandemic ends?
The vanishing middle manager

Consolidating European steel: Strategic responses to industry challenges

In light of the many structural and crisis-related challenges Europe’s steel manufacturers face, pursuing M&A strategies will open up new opportunities.
Consolidating European steel: Strategic responses to industry challenges

Navigating through change: An interview with NXP Semiconductors’ Kurt Sievers

A new CEO reflects on the past year and looks at what’s ahead for semiconductors.
Navigating through change: An interview with NXP Semiconductors’ Kurt Sievers

A 2021 risk agenda for boards of directors at US banks

The risks facing banks are likely to intensify in three key areas in 2021. Boards of directors can help their institutions get ready to manage the changing risk environment.
A 2021 risk agenda for boards of directors at US banks

What can we expect in China in 2021?

While China enters the new year economically stronger than any major economy in the world, fulfilling high expectations will pose a tough challenge for the country’s leaders.  
What can we expect in China in 2021?

UK small and medium-size enterprises: Impact of the COVID-19 crisis

Survey results reported toward the end of 2020 suggested that the outlook for UK SMEs was improving. Will that last?
UK small and medium-size enterprises: Impact of the COVID-19 crisis

A winning formula for specialty-chemical conglomerates

An analysis of top-quartile specialty-chemical companies reveals important implications for value creation.
A winning formula for specialty-chemical conglomerates

Introduction: Three objectives to scale digital service operations successfully

Companies have been on a journey to digitize operations for years, but recent world events, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, are accelerating digital transformation to help organizations grow and work through volatility.
Introduction: Three objectives to scale digital service operations successfully

Transformation in uncertain times: Tackling both the urgent and the important

A sprint-based transformation approach can help organizations achieve full potential.
Transformation in uncertain times: Tackling both the urgent and the important

Achieving an inclusive US economic recovery

COVID-19 has most affected workers who were already vulnerable. Unless bold action is taken, the postpandemic recovery will further exacerbate inequality.
Achieving an inclusive US economic recovery

A time for reinvention—Challenges and solutions for the Romanian banking system

The pandemic is the biggest stress test in decades for the global banking system. Romanian banks need to fundamentally rethink their business model in order to overcome this challenge.
A time for reinvention—Challenges and solutions for the Romanian banking system

Five Fifty: The new landscape of risk

With catastrophic events on the rise, companies face nonlinear shifts to their risk-return profiles. Here’s how to prepare.
Five Fifty: The new landscape of risk

How Japan’s medtech leaders can use M&A to create a competitive advantage

Companies that invest inorganically during a downturn generally emerge stronger than their competitors. Japanese medtech companies have the cash, the incentive, and the opportunity to do just that.
How Japan’s medtech leaders can use M&A to create a competitive advantage

Boards and cybersecurity

How boards should prepare for the rising cybersecurity threat
Boards and cybersecurity

The CEO agenda for companies in advanced industries

As automotive and industrial companies take tactical steps to survive the pandemic, they should seize the opportunity to embrace ten actions to sustain leadership and value creation in the coming decade.
The CEO agenda for companies in advanced industries

Tips for new government leaders: Unlocking diversity and inclusion

The COVID-19 crisis has created barriers to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. New government leaders can use proven approaches to address these issues and build the workplace of tomorrow.
Tips for new government leaders: Unlocking diversity and inclusion

Author Talks: Richard N. Haass on making sense of a complex world

In his latest book, Richard N. Haass explores how our globalized and interconnected world works and why we should be paying attention to it.
Author Talks: Richard N. Haass on making sense of a complex world