Inside the Strategy Room

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 agenciesSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

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 ExcellenceSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

In times of economic volatility, the temptation to focus on short-term profitability can become a trap that stalls longer-term projects designed to spur growth. Yet as our long-standing research shows, companies that take a through-cycle approach to investing in growth and innovation consistently outperform their peers. In this episode, three innovation strategy and value creation experts share their latest research and tips for achieving resilient growth. Matt Banholzer is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Chicago office and co-leader of our Global Strategic Growth and Innovation Practice. Tim Koller is a partner in our Denver office and co-author of the best-selling book, Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, now in its eighth edition. And Laura LaBerge is a senior expert in our Strategic Growth and Innovation Practice and is based in our Connecticut office. Related insights Investing in innovation: Three ways to do more with less Innovation in a crisis: Why it is more critical than ever Revolutionary innovations propelling growth A bigger, bolder vision: How CROs are propelling growth from the C-suite How top performers use innovation to grow within and beyond the core How innovation can accelerate industry momentum The eight essentials of innovation Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

A small improvement in pricing can often drive greater value creation than larger cost or volume improvements. However, private equity (PE) funds face unique challenges in identifying and addressing pricing opportunities across diverse portfolio companies, often lacking the dedicated tools and expertise to do so effectively. In this episode, Brian Elliott, Jordan Jakubovitz, and Michelle Nguyen discuss how PE funds can address these challenges and achieve efficient growth. Brian Elliott is a senior partner in our New Jersey office and co-leads our pricing practice across all sectors. Brandon Heriford is a partner in our Atlanta office, and co-leads our Periscope B2B pricing solution with Brian. Michelle Nguyen is an associate partner in our New York office, and is a leader in our Private Capital Practice, and Dhruv Sriram is a consultant in our Atlanta office and a core member of our software and tech practice. Related insights Global Private Markets Report 2025: Braced for shifting weather How to navigate pricing during disinflationary times Pricing: The next frontier of value creation in private equity Is your pricing strategy cutting it? McKinsey Insights on Strategy & Corporate Finance McKinsey Strategy & Corporate Finance on LinkedIn McKinsey Insights on Private Capital Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Chris Nassetta has served as President and CEO of Hilton since 2007, leading the organization through some extraordinary challenges. Chris’s focus on a sustainable growth model and a brand-led, network-driven strategy has enabled Hilton to cultivate 25 brands and serve more than 250 million travelers annually. In today’s episode, Chris discusses this journey with Eric Kutcher, our North America Chair and Senior Partner, and shares what he’s learned about leadership along the way. Looking ahead, he explains why AI is the greatest gift for Hilton to deliver what customers want, whenever and wherever they want it. Related Insights 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 newsletterSupport the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information