299. The new CEO’s guide to stakeholder impact

299. The new CEO’s guide to stakeholder impact

From Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

April 16, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how new CEOs can effectively engage stakeholders and build a strong stakeholder strategy from the start.

For new CEOs, engaging stakeholders is one of the most important—and most challenging—parts of the job. In this episode, Carolyn Dewar , Blair Epstein , and Eric Sherman discuss how CEOs can build a strong stakeholder strategy from day one. Drawing on research and their work with leaders across industries, they explore why stakeholder engagement matters so much, the unique challenges new CEOs face, and how leaders can best balance competing priorities across investors, employees, customers, regulators, and communities. They also discuss practical ways to create a clear narrative, strengthen communication, and build leverage through the top team. Related insights Nail your firsts: A new CEO’s guide to stakeholder impact How the best CEOs build lasting stakeholder relationships Your best day won’t define you as CEO—your worst one will A CEO For All Seasons: Mastering the Cycles of Leadership CEO Excellence: The Six Mindsets That Distinguish the Best Leaders From the Rest The Strategic CEO newsletter on LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mckinsey-strategy-&-corporate-finance/ See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy…

People in this episode

Guests: Carolyn Dewar, Blair Epstein, Eric Sherman

Topics covered

  • stakeholder engagement
  • CEO challenges
  • leadership strategy
  • communication
  • balancing priorities

Keywords

  • CEO
  • stakeholder strategy
  • leadership
  • communication
  • investors
  • employees
  • customers
  • regulators
  • communities

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: McKinsey & Company

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