As 2024 draws to a close, we look back at some of the best insights from McKinsey thought leaders. Source: McKinsey Replaying a full year of The McKinsey Podcast—in just ten minutes

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing nearly 60% of workers and contributing almost 40% to the nation’s value-added output. Accounting for 34,752,434 companies, 99.9% of all American companies are small businesses. However, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the U.S. are only half as productive as large companies, a Read more about Time to think big to close America’s small business productivity gap[…]

Tariffs are top of mind for executives—and are likely to stay there. Understanding various tariff scenarios can position leaders to seize opportunities in the coming years. Source: McKinsey Tariffs on the move? A guide for CEOs for 2025 and beyond

Recent trends indicate an improvement in the affordability of a four-year degree in the United States. The question is whether the trend can continue. Source: McKinsey Affording a college degree: Is the cost curve bending?

After years of outperforming the rest of the market, the chemicals industry’s returns are lagging. To reverse this trend, the industry will need to rethink how it creates value. Source: McKinsey The state of the chemicals industry: Time for bold action and innovation

The World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders, current and alumni, share their thoughts on issues they believe should get much more attention in Davos but might not amid a plethora of business topics. Source: McKinsey Young Global Leaders on Davos 2025

Though 24/7 clean power purchase agreements are gaining global momentum and could drive the deployment of storage and flexible generation assets, they require power suppliers to develop new capabilities. Source: McKinsey How hyperscalers are fueling the race for 24/7 clean power

For all their efforts to reignite growth, telcos have yet to overcome their fundamental challenges. Doing so is still feasible, but the viable paths will require unprecedented transformation. Source: McKinsey The future of telcos: Mapping the routes to renewed success

The procurement function regularly reinvents itself to find new sources of value. Is circularity the next opportunity on the horizon? Source: McKinsey Procurement’s sustainable (r)evolution

Philadelphia Fed president joins the show to discuss the Anchor Economy Initiative, which shows how large institutions foster economic growth in local communities.…Read More Source: Knowledge @ Wharton Why Anchor Institutions Are Vital to Local Economies