From economic volatility and trade tensions to AI innovation and sustainability, McKinsey thought leaders are regularly asked to weigh in on the issues shaping today’s business landscape. We’ll occasionally land in your inbox with timely coverage from top global outlets—plus our own expert insights—to help you stay informed and respond with agility.
Tariff tensions. With new tariffs looming and others still in place, doing business in the US is getting more expensive for European firms. In response, many are racing to build inventories, shift production, or adjust pricing to stay competitive. Some leaders are fast-tracking US investments and seeking flexibility as they brace for further volatility. McKinsey’s Varun Marya advises firms to organize their leadership teams now to stay agile amid uncertainty.
“European firms stockpile, shift production to brace for tariffs” [Bloomberg, April 12]
Also read: “Navigating tariffs with a geopolitical nerve center”
Capital spending gets a rethink. Business leaders are focusing on resilience, long-term value, and no-regret moves, say McKinsey’s Global Managing Partner Bob Sternfels and Senior Partner and India Managing Partner Rajat Dhawan. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, they noted companies are reassessing their ability to withstand future shocks and prioritizing high-impact investments like R&D and supply chain shifts. Both voiced strong confidence in India’s potential, even amid volatility. “I truly believe this is the moment for India to lean forward,” Sternfels said.
“McKinsey global CEO outlines 3-point matrix clients use for capex decisions in today’s volatile world” [CNBC-TV18, April 15]
Also read: “India: The promise and possibilities for global companies”
Dining in, prices up. A boom in at-home dining is reshaping the UK economy in unexpected ways. McKinsey’s Jessica Moulton explains how British shoppers’ growing appetite for gourmet groceries is adding pressure to inflation—and changing how retailers think about pricing and supply chains.
“UK inflation could be stoked by appetite for home dining” [Bloomberg, March 24]
Also read: “An update on European consumer sentiment: Caution prevails, but some are ready to treat themselves”
Owning the future. As workplace bias stalls advancement for many women, McKinsey’s Kweilin Ellingrud, Lareina Yee, and María del Mar Martínez explore why business ownership is becoming a powerful alternative path. They explain that entrepreneurship can offer flexibility, financial opportunity, and a way to rewrite the rules.
“As workplace gender bias stalls career growth, business ownership offers opportunities to break barriers” [Forbes, April 9]
Also read: “When the career ladder breaks for women—and how to succeed anyway”
Rethinking CEO tenure. Boards are placing a premium on continuity at the top. McKinsey’s Carolyn Dewar explains why companies are leaning into experienced leadership to avoid the costly pitfalls of mismanaged CEO transitions. With over $1 trillion in S&P market value lost annually due to poor succession planning, the case for stability has never been stronger.
“An age-old question” [Wall Street Journal CEO Brief, April 18]
Also read: “How to transition out of the CEO role”
IN OTHER NEWS
AI, strategy, and climate through a leadership lens. McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher shared insights on how AI is redefining leadership, how demographic shifts are complicating climate progress, and why now is the time to rethink business strategy. At a Columbia Business School event, he emphasized the need for bold transformation—from how companies lead and train talent to how they invest in technology and sustainability. “This is the reimagination moment,” Kutcher said.
“McKinsey’s Eric Kutcher on AI, management strategy, and climate innovation” [Columbia Business, April 11]
Also read: “How Judy Marks leads Otis Worldwide Corporation through uncertainty and technological evolution”