OUR BEST IDEAS FOR THE C-SUITE

Welcome to the latest edition of the CEO Shortlist, a biweekly newsletter of our best ideas for the C-suite. This week, we look closely at two kinds of companies that are setting standards everywhere. On one hand are the standouts leading the way on productivity; on the other are the privately held firms that make up an ever-growing portion of the economy. You can reach us with thoughts and ideas at Alex_Panas@McKinsey.com and Axel_Karlsson@McKinsey.com. Thank you, as ever.

—Alex and Axel

The power of one. To paraphrase Mark Twain, everyone complains about lagging productivity, but only a few companies are doing something about it. McKinsey Global Institute’s latest research finds that a small number of firms across markets contribute the lion’s share of productivity growth. The companies primarily responsible for lifting national productivity might surprise you (it’s not just the usual tech suspects).

A change in the weather. Conditions for private markets were decidedly mixed in 2024—and they’re likely to stay that way. But firms are finding ways to keep forging ahead in a complex and shifting environment. Our annual report captures all the details on every asset class; get the latest on fundraising, dealmaking, multiples, dry powder, and more.

We hope you find these ideas inspiring and insightful. See you in a couple of weeks with more McKinsey ideas for the CEO and others in the C-suite.

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