296. The power of rigor in transformation

296. The power of rigor in transformation

From Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

March 25, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of rigor in executing successful transformations within companies.

Companies that execute transformations with rigor are much more likely to achieve their goals, generate higher total shareholder returns, and enjoy better organizational health. In this episode, Preeya Mody and Dominic Skerritt join host Sean Brown to share insights from their latest research on the role of rigor in driving and sustaining successful transformations. They discuss what defines rigor in a transformation, explore the three elements that rigorous transformations consistently demonstrate, and share practical advice for sustaining momentum without burning out teams. Related insights Going all in: Why employee ‘will’ can make or break transformations The McKinsey Organizational Health Index Wave by McKinsey Seven principles for achieving transformational growth Beyond transformation: What we now know about driving bottom-line performance The powerful role financial incentives can play in a transformation McKinsey Insights on Transformation McKinsey Transformation on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information

People in this episode

Host: Sean Brown

Guests: Preeya Mody, Dominic Skerritt

Topics covered

  • transformation
  • organizational health
  • rigor
  • shareholder returns
  • employee engagement

Keywords

  • transformation
  • rigor
  • organizational health
  • shareholder returns
  • employee engagement
  • sustaining momentum

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: McKinsey & Company

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