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Inside the Strategy Room

Inside the Strategy Room

Written by: McKinsey & Company
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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.2026 McKinsey & Company Economics Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 285. Keys to success for CFOs leading transformations
    Jan 7 2026

    CFOs are increasingly helping lead transformations of their companies, which has a range of implications for how they manage their time and stay up to date with technology. Leading transformation has often been viewed as more focused on other members of the C-suite. McKinsey’s research shows the critical role that CFOs have in the success of a transformation. In this episode, we speak with three McKinsey experts on the subject.

    Kevin Carmody is a senior partner and the global co-leader of our CFO and Finance Excellence Practice based in Chicago. Previously, Kevin was a founding member of our Transformation Practice and a member of its global operating committee. Christian Grube is a partner in our Munich office, and leads our CFO and Finance Excellence Practice across Europe. Matt Maloney is a partner in our New York office, and leads our CFO and Finance Excellence Practice in the Americas.

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    52 mins
  • 284. Becoming a Chief of Staff
    Jan 1 2026

    Leaders across both the public and private sectors are navigating an era of constant disruption. They're expected to deliver major transformations, manage complexity, and balance competing priorities, all while ensuring their own teams are running smoothly. This is why the role of chief of staff has never been more critical. In this episode, three McKinsey experts–all former chiefs of staff–share insights on when a chief of staff is needed and what qualities distinguish those who excel in the role.

    Michelle Forrest is the global client capabilities leader in our Strategy and Corporate Finance Practice, and previously served as chief of staff to our former global managing partner, Kevin Sneader. Andrew Goodman is a senior partner in our London office, and leads our consumer technology and media practice across Europe. He has also led our Chief of Staff Forum and our research into the role of the chief of staff for the past decade. Previously, Andrew served as chief of staff for the McKinsey Centre for Government, our center of excellence that helps government leaders deliver better outcomes and experiences. Connor Rochford is an associate partner who previously served as chief of staff for the U.K.'s former Chief Medical Officer.

    Related insights

    Anatomy of the chief of staff role

    Chief of staff: Anatomy of the role in eight charts

    How to be a better chief of staff

    Seeing around corners: How to excel as a chief of staff

    Lessons in leadership: Getting past politics to deliver for the people

    Seven tips for success for new chiefs of staff at federal government agencies

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    47 mins
  • 283. The CEO as chief storyteller
    Dec 25 2025

    To ensure that their companies engage effectively with stakeholders, CEOs need to set communication standards, embody the organization’s culture and purpose, and speak up in moments that matter most. In today’s episode, we discuss what it takes for a CEO to shape and own their organization’s narrative. Joining us is Blair Epstein, a partner in our Bay Area office and a leader in our CEO Excellence Practice, Max Gleischman, a partner in our New York office who leads our strategic communications team, managing issues and policy communications for the firm, and Ramiro Prudencio, a partner in our London office who leads our global external communications team, building our reputation and engagement with external stakeholders.

    Related insights:

    The CEO’s role as chief storyteller

    The art of 21st-century leadership: From succession planning to building a leadership factory

    How the best CEOs build lasting stakeholder relationships

    A CEO for All Seasons

    CEO Excellence

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    51 mins
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