Bob Sternfels, Global Managing Partner of McKinsey & Company, provided perspective on the post-pandemic world of work. He took the stage with General Catalyst CEO Hemant Taneja onstage as part of a special, live taping of the All-In podcast hosted by Jason Calacanis. The discussion between them highlighted the importance for everyone to prepare for a future that is ever more influenced by AI. They took a closer look at how this shift will change the workforce.
Sternfels agreed, underscoring that sound judgment and creativity will be more important than ever in a world augmented by AI. He emphasized that despite all of the advancements in technology, the human element would remain essential to creating success. Who do I listen to, my CFO or my CIO, today? he posed. He was wrestling with the difficult moral dilemmas that CEOs must contend with as they lead through rapid technology change.
Taneja was likewise optimistic on this front, making the case that we all need to adopt an ethos of “skilling and re-skilling” as a lifelong pursuit. He argued that ongoing education is going to be critically important for all professionals to stay competitive and stay in demand. It was a conversation that highlighted the critical need for workers to be able to evolve in the face of tumultuous change spurred by AI technologies.
Calacanis agreed with both leaders, stating that to stand out in today’s job market, individuals will need to demonstrate “chutzpah, drive, passion.” This perspective reinforces the idea that personal attributes will be just as important as technical skills in the future economy.
Sternfels further explained how McKinsey has begun realigning its own strategy in the face of such shifts. By the end of 2026, McKinsey plans to replace half of its current staff with “personalized” AI agents. This decision is significant not just because it ushers in a new framework for the firm’s investments. He also described that the company is going through a major realignment of its employees. They are increasing client-facing positions by 25% while reducing back-office roles by 25%. This alteration is designed to improve the firm’s capacity to react to client demands in a quicker, more efficient manner.
As discussions around AI continue to evolve, Sternfels highlighted a common concern among CEOs: the conflicting advice from Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and Chief Information Officers (CIOs). He says that CIOs are pointing to the urgency for governments to embrace AI technologies. They urge failing to do so would throw their institutions into crisis.
Taneja concluded his very hopeful take on what lies ahead. He thinks we’re on the verge of an explosion of trillion-dollar companies created by powerful new technologies and entrepreneurial energy. This kind of exuberance is understandable, considering the current hype around AI technology and its promise to redefine entire industries.