What leaders can learn from Homeboy Industries
From McKinsey Talks Talent by McKinsey People & Organizational Performance
December 10, 2025 · 12 min
About this episode
This episode discusses insights from Homeboy Industries on leadership and hiring practices with guests who have personal experiences with the organization.
In the US, many companies still struggle to fill essential roles. What if part of the solution involves talent that has traditionally been overlooked? Take Johanna Carbajal, who spent her adolescence shuttling between juvenile hall, foster care, and the streets before landing in prison at 18. After her release, Johanna made her way to Homeboy Industries, the Los Angeles–based organization founded by Father Greg Boyle to help formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals heal, find stability, and build meaningful careers. For Johanna, finding Homeboy was a watershed moment. On this special holiday episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, you’ll hear her—as well as Father Greg, in conversation with McKinsey talent experts Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock , and Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly—talking about what leaders can learn from the Homeboy philosophy, including the impact of thinking differently about hiring, developing skills, and creating a culture where employees feel not just safe but seen. See www.mckinsey.com/privacy-policy for privacy information
People in this episode
Hosts: Brooke Weddle, Bryan Hancock, Lucia Rahilly
Guests: Johanna Carbajal, Father Greg Boyle
Topics covered
- leadership
- employment
- rehabilitation
- organizational culture
- hiring practices
Keywords
- Homeboy Industries
- leadership
- rehabilitation
- hiring
- organizational culture
- employment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Homeboy Industries, McKinsey
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