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Leading when change feels threatening

September 29, 2026 · 33 min

Show notes

Leaders love to talk about resistance to change, but, as McKinsey research shows, resistance isn’t the full story. Fear of loss is a huge part of transformation, too, when roles, routines, and relationships are meaningfully redefined. On this episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, McKinsey Partner Johanne Lavoie shares her latest research on on how leaders can support their teams through times of strain with Senior Partner Brooke Weddle, Partner Bryan Hancock, and Global Editorial Director Lucia Rahilly. They discuss why leaders who understand fear, rather than punish it, end up with more resilient teams that make sharper decisions and exhibit stronger performance under pressure.

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