The quarter’s top themes

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McKinsey Top Ten

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Top Ten McKinsey Themes │ Third Quarter 2023

In the third quarter of 2023, our top ten posts from McKinsey Themes highlight must-read business books, the future of industries, and more. At No. 1 is “10 generative AI must-reads,” which features articles by Michael Chui, Eric Hazan, Roger Roberts, Alex Singla, Kate Smaje, Alex Sukharevsky, Lareina Yee, and Rodney Zemmel. Read on for our full top 10.

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1. 10 generative AI must-reads

Consumers are experimenting with the latest generative AI applications to write text, compose music, and create digital art. The time to act is now

An image linking to the web page “7 books McKinsey leaders are reading now” on McKinsey.com.

2. 7 books McKinsey leaders are reading now

It’s a day for the books. Plan your literary escape

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3. What is the next normal going to look like?

The world is evolving quickly. Technology is advancing, consumer expectations are growing, and innovations that were viewed as cutting-edge a decade ago are considered commonplace today. A different future

4. 10 must-reads for CIOs

Much like the internet, mobile, and social media, the generative AI boom presents CIOs of organizations with an opportunity to generate sustainable value—but they must move quickly to create value, orchestrate technology and data, scale solutions, and manage risk. Create impact

5. What makes Gen Z tick?

Gen Z, the generation of people born between 1996 and 2010, have come of age in the shadow of climate doom, pandemic lockdowns, and fears of economic collapse. This cohort is also known for its idealism—Gen Zers are part of a new wave of “inclusive consumers,” write Tamara Charm, André Dua, and Kelsey Robinson—and they have strong values related to racial justice and sustainability. 8 must-reads

6. The way people work, live, and shop is changing

The traditional workplace is no more. Hybrid is here to stay

7. Cybersecurity in the age of generative AI

In the latest McKinsey Global Survey on AI, 40 percent of respondents said their organizations plan to increase their overall AI investment because of advancements in gen AI. Practice digital safety

8. Indulge your inner nerd with these 8 books on innovation

What subjects captivate you? Perhaps you’re passionate about fighting the climate crisis, learning how AI will change the way we work, or gleaning lessons from history to build a better future. Get creative

9. Get back into the work zone with these 10 books

Your out of office message is off, there’s a green dot next to your name in your instant messaging app, and you’re looking for some inspiration to bring you back into the world of work after summer vacation. Top picks from our summer reading list

10. How automation is shaping the future of work

The future of work is still in flux. Economic uncertainty is wearing on, hybrid and flexible work models are as popular as ever, and attitudes toward work are shifting. See what's changing

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