McKinsey Talks Operations

Achieving operational excellence takes practice. But in high stakes operations, practice could prove costly—or even dangerous—if things go wrong. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operations, host Daphne Luchtenberg is joined by Amy Radermacher, Markus Hammer, and Professor Christian Ramsauer to explore how capability center learning programs can allow organizations to experiment in a safe environment, learn from things going wrong, and build new bonds in teams for better performance in their own working environments. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

As 2023 draws to a close, it has become increasingly apparent that there is no ‘normal’ for Operations leaders. Join hosts Christian Johnson and Daphne Luchtenberg as they take a look back at the year gone by through the lens of McKinsey Talks Operations. In this episode they revisit some highlight moments of their conversations with McKinsey experts and industry guests, covering topics from generative AI to price volatility, supply chain resilience to sustainability, and the role of operations leaders to smooth the path ahead for their organizations. And then be sure to listen to Navigating the new normal: Operations insights for 2024 as you think about the year ahead. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Generative AI is continuing to dominate C-suite conversations across sectors. Organizations are starting to understand its transformative potential across the operations value chain, but just what will it take to get started? McKinsey’s Nicolai Muller and Marie El Hoyek, a Cologne-based senior partner and London-based associate partner, talk to McKinsey Talks Operations host Christian Johnson about the game changing potential of generative AI. From automating complex processes to unprecedented opportunities across industries, discover insights on productivity boosts, system considerations, and the vital capabilities organizations need for successful integration. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Join us in this episode of "McKinsey Talks Operations" as host Daphne Luchtenberg sits down with senior partners at McKinsey & Company, Daniel Swan and Axel Karlsson, to explore the ever-evolving global landscape impacting companies. Discover how organizations are adapting to unprecedented challenges, from inflation to sustainability, and why operations and supply chain are taking center stage in the boardroom. Gain valuable insights on optimizing operations for success in 2024, as we discuss productivity, tech enablement, and sustainability as key drivers for the future. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on shaping a new operational reality. Statistics correct at the time of recording in August 2023. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See ww.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The manufacturing sector and associated operations have the power to drive an economy forwards. This episode of McKinsey Talks Operations looks at the critical role of production in Africa's growth and development: with Africa's population set to double by 2050, the need for sustainable job creation is paramount. Host Daphne Luchtenberg is joined by Dr. Amy Jadesimi, Managing Director of LADOL, and David Meredith and Kannan Lakmeeharan from McKinsey & Company, about how the Manufacturing Africa Initiative is providing a blueprint for the growth of the manufacturing sector. They discuss the transformative potential of manufacturing, the initiative's goals, and the impact it's already making. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Zero-basing could be said to have an image problem, with a perceived sole focus on cost-cutting. This episode of McKinsey Talks Operations dispels some of the myths about this approach and looks at how it can become a dynamic philosophy that transcends traditional cost-cutting, offering leaders newfound visibility into their operations, investments, and resources. Join host Daphne Luchtenberg with experts Carey Mignerey, Denis Fomin, and Steve Frazier as they discuss the transformative potential of zero basing and its role in reshaping organizational growth strategies, and how start-ups and disruptor companies are leading the way by maintaining a zero-basing mentality throughout their evolution. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

In this episode of McKinsey Talks Operations, recorded at McKinsey’s recent CFO forum in partnership with Inside the Strategy Room, host Daphne Luchtenberg talks to Matt Jochim and Martin Rosendahl, partners in McKinsey's London office, along with Samdruk Thomas, an associate partner based in Zurich. Together, they delve into the challenges and opportunities faced by Sales, General & Administrative (SG&A) functions in today's fast-moving economy. Discover how courageous leadership by CFOs can balance short-term cost pressures with long-term innovation, leveraging digital technologies such as generative AI. Together, they discuss how to explore a clear strategic roadmap for successful transformation and invaluable tips on integrating digital effectively into SG&A functions. Subscribe now to McKinsey Talks Operations and stay ahead in the world of operational excellence. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Join host Daphne Luchtenberg in a robust discussion with industry leaders Chris Smith and Richard Cawston, along with McKinsey senior expert Alan Davies, as they delve into the intricacies of the labor environment and share best practices for establishing thriving warehousing operations. Explore the challenges faced by the industry, from labor disruptions to changing demand profiles, and draw from valuable insights on how McLane & Company and GXO Logistics have adapted and excelled in a rapidly evolving landscape. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Join Radu Palamariu and Knut Alicke on McKinsey Talks Operations as they share anecdotes from the writing of their new book. In this episode, the authors of From Source to Sold: Stories of Leadership in Supply Chain, talk about the idea that sparked the book, and the advice every supply chain professional can follow to accelerate their career growth. Don’t miss this engaging discussion hosted by Daphne Luchtenberg. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

What is operational excellence? And how can a renewed focus on this approach contribute to success in today’s business landscape? This episode of McKinsey Talks Operations explores the concept of operational excellence and its significance in organizations that use this approach of augmenting production and process systems. Our experts share insights on how companies can successfully adopt technology and nurture a sense of purpose among employees. We also delve into the benefits of operational excellence and how it looks in different settings like financial institutions and manufacturing industries. Join the conversation with Ted Iverson, a Senior Expert from our Seattle office; Ferran Pujol, a Partner in our Santiago office; and Joris Wijpkema, a Partner in our Chicago office; along with host Christian Johnson. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

We’re exploring the concept of ‘skinny design’ and its potential benefits for consumers, retailers, and the environment. Join our McKinsey experts as they delve into the cost savings, sustainability, and commercial advantages of reducing the size of product packaging, and discuss innovative solutions such as nesting products and honeycomb packing formats to reduce stock outs and improve sustainability and customer experience. Additionally, we highlight the importance of cross-functional collaboration in product design and the need for stakeholders to align incentives for optimized product development programs. Tune in to learn how considering the whole supply chain can impact sustainability, growth, and cost. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

It’s been a year since the McKinsey Talks Operations podcast launched, and during that time there’s been plenty to talk about. Join hosts Daphne Luchtenberg and Christian Johnson as they take a look back at some of the year’s highlights. Discussions about inflation, building operational resilience, managing supply chains, decarbonizing operations, and the role of digital twins have all featured highly against a complex and volatile backdrop. Listen in to what McKinsey experts and guests have had to say about solving some of the biggest operations challenges. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

What do customers really want from their contact centers? A number of myths about areas including speed of answer and channel preference are shaping contact center and service strategy, leading to dissatisfied consumers and employees. This episode of McKinsey Talks Operations blows apart customer service myths, and suggests how data and analytics can be used to shape future strategy. Join the conversation with Julian Raabe, a partner in our Munich office; and Vinay Gupta, a Senior Knowledge Expert from Walton; along with host Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

As economies move towards more sustainable transport options, more electric vehicles are rolling off production lines than ever before. These vehicles need to be powered by lithium batteries, built in specialist facilities called gigafactories. With more than 30 planned in Europe alone, companies are working fast to develop the construction and operating playbook for these highly technical sites. Join the conversation with Stefano Piscitelli, Vice President of Group Construction at Northvolt, Evan Horetsky, a partner in our Stockholm office, and Mark Bakker, an Expert Associate Partner in our office in Amsterdam, and hosted by Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. They are looking at how demand for batteries has changed, the opportunities to use digital twins in the planning, construction, and operation of gigafactories, and the role of a new approach to construction to ensure that both the factories and their products are sustainable. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Members of the Global Lighthouse Network have become a source of inspiration. With more than 100 sites worldwide, they are beacons of light showing the potential of digital transformation to positively impact people and the planet. This episode of McKinsey Talks Operations explores the growth of the Network from the first 16 sites to a community of the world’s leading production networks, and the examines benefits for companies that join with better workforce engagement, improved environmental sustainability outcomes, and increased productivity. The second chapter of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has begun, and the time is now to scale the adoption of tech-enabled operations. Join the conversation with Francisco Betti, Head of Shaping the Future of Advanced Manufacturing and Value Chains at the World Economic Forum; and Enno De Boer, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Co, along with host Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Infrastructure and capital projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and utilities are being affected by climate change in new ways. As leaders seek to invest in projects with long lifespans and pursue net zero targets that are decades away, long-term planning has become fraught with uncertainty. From electricity outages to flood-damaged roads, extreme weather is already impacting our built environment in a real and immediate way. It will be imperative to understand and mitigate these climate risks in order to manage costs and ensure critical continuity. In this episode, McKinsey Global Infrastructure Initiative (GII) senior leaders share their ideas and solutions on critical infrastructure issues. Join the conversation with Alex Guy, a partner at the international law firm Ashurst and Brodie Boland, a partner at McKinsey & Company, along with host Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Having previously discussed the fundamentals of digital twins and the opportunities they offer, we’re expanding our exploration of digital twins with an examination of a look at how digital is helping transform application in product development. Join McKinsey partner Kimberly Borden and senior adviser Dr. Will Roper in a conversation about the value of digital technologies twins in production applications. Their discussion examines the use of digital approaches to design and development in Formula 1 as well as in aerospace and defense, and bringing illustrating how a software development style can have a big impact in producing to hardware. Recorded at Farnborough International Airshow, and introduced by McKinsey’s Operations Practice managing editor Christian Johnson, this episode explores the digital imperative in design and development for products. It also considers the need for a pragmatic approach to delivery, to ensure that big ideas can reach execution. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

The term ‘digital twin’ is fast becoming a bit of a buzzword used in discussions about digital transformation, but precise definitions are harder to come by. In this episode, we take a look at what is—and isn’t— within the boundaries of digital twin, the business advantages they can bring, and the requirements to capture the potential value. Join the conversation with Anna Herlt and Kimberly Borden; partners at Mckinsey, along with host Christian Johnson; Managing Editor in McKinsey’s Operations Practice. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Most businesses around the world are being impacted by inflation today. As they have navigated turbulence over the last two years, the decades-old model of how goods are made, sourced, and delivered has been severely disrupted. With that backdrop reactive fire-fighting has become part of the norm for procurement functions and this is set to continue. But there is a way to get ahead of turbulence and develop a resilient way of working. Join the conversation with Craig Reed, former Vice President & Chief Procurement Officer at Corteva Agriscience, Marta Mussacaleca and Roman Belotserkovskiy, Partners in McKinsey’s Operations Practice; Ezra Greenberg, global leader in McKinsey’s work on macro scenarios and trends; and host Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

Following on from our discussion of voice analytics trends and technology and its potential in contact centers in our previous episode, in this episode we learn more about its implementation and how to effectively capture the available value: How can voice data analytics add value throughout your whole organization? Join the conversation with Paul Humphrey, CEO and founder of Call Journey; Eric Buesing, a partner in McKinsey & Company and a leader in our customer care offering; and host Daphne Luchtenberg, McKinsey’s Operations Practice Director of Communications. McKinsey Talks Operations has much more content to offer on the Operations topics that connect strategy with lasting success. Visit www.McKinseyTalksOperations.com to explore events and insights from McKinsey’s Operations Practice, and join the McKinsey Talks Operations community. You can also connect with us on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-operations See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information