Top Ten McKinsey Themes │ First Quarter 2023

Most popular with McKinsey.com readers

We hope you’ve been enjoying our quarterly curations of our most popular insights, and we’re excited to deliver even more of McKinsey’s best content to your inbox. Today, we introduce our top ten most popular McKinsey Themes of the quarter. We look forward to catching you up on the latest and greatest in the months ahead.

In the first quarter of 2023, our top ten posts from McKinsey Themes look at overcoming loneliness, the future of globalization, and more. At No. 1. is 5 takeaways from the World Economic Forum’s 2023 meeting, which features articles by chief marketing officer Tracy Francis and global co-leader of McKinsey Sustainability Daniel Pacthod. Read on for our full top 10.

4. The future of globalization: Think diversifying, not decoupling

In the face of the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, years of rising tensions between the United States and China, and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, firm and policy makers are reexamining their supply chains and trade relationships. What does this mean for globalization? What’s next? 

5. 10 metaverse must-reads

Millions of customers are flocking to the early-stage metaverse. But is it really the next big thing or just another fad? The bottom line: With its potential to generate up to $5 trillion in value by 2030, the metaverse is too big for companies to ignore—and if CEOs don’t hop on the metaverse train, they risk being left at the station, write Homayoun Hatami, Eric Hazan, and Hamza Khan. Check out these 10 insights to understand both the opportunities and risks of what some are calling “the next iteration of the internet,” and then dive deeper with more insights in our special collection, McKinsey on the Metaverse. Catch up 

6. Is your pricing strategy cutting it?

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday announced another interest rate hike—albeit its smallest since last March—as it pushes to rein in prices. In the meantime, companies are still grappling with if and how they should adjust their pricing to offset continued inflation without jeopardizing future revenues. Adapt 

7. The world of work is still evolving

The workplace we once knew—but arguably never really loved—is no longer. The pandemic propelled remote work, virtual transactions, and adoption of digital technologies. Map the future 

8. That’s a wrap: CES 2023 concludes in Las Vegas

CES, the annual tech industry event formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, concludes in Las Vegas today. Over the course of four days, more than 3,000 exhibitors showcased innovations in artificial intelligence, automotive technology, virtual reality, wearables, and much more. Catch up 

9. AI-powered bots have entered the chat

Since OpenAI released ChatGPT in November, millions have witnessed firsthand the power of generative AI. But what exactly is generative AI? And is all the hype around it warranted? Are you ready? 

10. Here’s why human-centric innovation is necessary

Even a great idea or mission can be crippled by design that doesn’t put people first. Why should human considerations—such as their needs, wants, and dreams—only come into the conversation later? Create a seamless experience 

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