Is the AI productivity story at a turning point?

Is the AI productivity story at a turning point?

Author: McKinsey People & Organizational Performance August 1, 2026 Duration: 30:32

"Is my generation doomed?" That’s what one Stanford graduating senior asked Professor Erik Brynjolfsson, economist and director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab. The professor had seen the data, so he didn’t dismiss the question. But as productivity gains begin to emerge, Brynjolfsson argues that the biggest opportunity lies not in replacing workers but in redesigning work. In this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, Brynjolfsson joins McKinsey leaders Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock, as well as Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly, to discuss what’s changing, who’s most susceptible to displacement, and what leaders need to know to create value while managing new risks.

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Hosted by McKinsey People & Organizational Performance, McKinsey Talks Talent is a series of conversations for anyone tasked with building and guiding teams through constant disruption. Rather than offering abstract theories, this podcast grounds itself in the practical realities leaders face today, from government policy shifts to rapid technological adoption. Regular hosts and talent experts Brooke Weddle and Bryan Hancock sit down with a range of globally recognized practitioners and thinkers. Their discussions dig into the tangible aspects of transformational change, leadership development, and the nuanced work of actually placing people at the center of strategy. Each episode moves beyond simply diagnosing challenges to explore how organizations can genuinely leverage their workforce as a durable source of advantage. You’ll hear specific ideas on navigating the evolving social contract of work, reshaping organizational design, and fostering the agility needed in modern business. It’s a resource for executives, managers, and policymakers who understand that the most complex questions in today’s landscape are ultimately human ones. Tune in for grounded perspectives that connect talent directly to performance and resilience.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 46

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