Top 10 insights this quarter

McKinsey & Company

McKinsey Top Ten

For direct answers to complex questions, check out McKinsey Explainers.

Top Ten Newsletter │ Third Quarter 2024

Our top ten insights this quarter look at digital transformations, the energy transition, employee motivation, and more. At No. 1 is "What to read next: McKinsey’s 2024 annual book recommendations," which features contributions from CEOs, founders, media leaders, and McKinsey leaders, including Bob Sternfels, Kweilin Ellingrud, and Homayoun Hatami.

Books stacked on a bookshelf to spell out

1. What to read next: McKinsey’s 2024 annual book recommendations

Looking for your next book? Each year, McKinsey seeks out the best books in business, technology, workplace culture, and more. Here’s our 2024 list, recommended by CEOs, founders, editors in chief, and other global leaders. Explore 90-plus book recommendations

An abstract depiction of a human head constructed from slender strands of cyan light. Filigree-like light tendrils emanate from the head, culminating in radiant orange points of light.

2. McKinsey technology trends outlook 2024

Which technology trends matter most for companies in 2024? New analysis by the McKinsey Technology Council highlights the adoption, development, and industry effects of advanced technologies. 15 trends

A digitally generated image of green and beige colored data server discs organized into a twisted looped circular pattern against a light blue background

3. What is digital transformation?

Digital transformation is the rewiring of an organization, with the goal of creating value by continuously deploying tech at scale. A clear digital transformation strategy focused on specific domains and enabled by a set of specific capabilities is critical for organizations to not only compete but survive. Digital transformations are not a one-and-done project; most executives will be on this journey for the rest of their careers. Get it right

4. Why agents are the next frontier of generative AI

By moving from information to action—think virtual coworkers able to complete complex workflows—the technology promises a new wave of productivity and innovation. 3 ways to ease automation

5. The hard stuff: Navigating the physical realities of the energy transition

The energy transition is a physical transformation in its early stages. What challenges lie ahead? Forge a path

6. What does the future hold for India?

This may be India’s century. We look ahead at seven trends likely to shape the country for years to come—and help it achieve its development goals. 7 trends

7. What is Gen Z?

Generation Z refers to people born between 1996 and 2010. They’re the second-youngest generation, between millennials and Generation Alpha. Gen Z identity has been shaped by the digital age, climate anxiety, a shifting financial landscape, and COVID-19. They’re known as ‘digital natives’—the first generation to grow up with the internet. Get to know them

8. What employees say matters most to motivate performance

A survey of over 1,000 employees creates a data-backed view of what motivates employees to perform. See the results

9. Chief of staff: Anatomy of the role in eight charts

Helping top leaders fulfill their missions can accelerate advancement and open new career opportunities. See the trends

10. Gen AI’s next inflection point: From employee experimentation to organizational transformation

As many employees adopt generative AI at work, companies struggle to follow suit. To capture value from current momentum, businesses must transform their processes, structures, and approach to talent. Catch up

McKinsey & Company

Follow our thinking

Share these insights

Did you enjoy this newsletter? Forward it to colleagues and friends so they can subscribe too. Was this issue forwarded to you? Sign up for it and sample our 40+ other free email subscriptions here.

McKinsey Insights - Get our latest thinking on your iPhone, iPad or Android.

Download on the App Store

ANDROID APP ON Google play

Copyright © 2024 | McKinsey & Company, 3 World Trade Center, 175 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007