Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
On a recent McKinsey project, one colleague received an unexpected request: to investigate her own family history. That personal story connects to a much bigger question the firm has been exploring through A Century of Plenty, a new book from the McKinsey Global Institute.
The book looks at the breakthroughs of the past 100 years and what drove them (what we call the “progress machine.”) It then asks a bold question: Is it possible that by 2100, everyone in the world could live at, or above, the standard of living enjoyed by today’s top few percent?
In a conversation with Blair and Marie, authors Sven Smit, a McKinsey senior partner, and Sherlyn Chen, an engagement manager, dive into this unconventional project. They share why McKinsey was the right place to take on an idea this ambitious—and what their research reveals about what’s possible next.
Will we have enough energy, food, metals, and minerals? Can innovation keep pace with global demand? And can we deliver prosperity while protecting the planet? We ran the numbers. The answer is yes. But progress is a choice.
More episodes can be found on our McKinsey Unpacked platform: mckinsey.com/careers/mckinsey-recruiting-events-and-initiatives/mckinsey-unpacked
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On a recent McKinsey project, one colleague received an unexpected request: to investigate her own family history. That personal story connects to a much bigger question the firm has been exploring through A Century of Plenty, a new book from the McKinsey Global Institute.
The book looks at the breakthroughs of the past 100 years and what drove them (what we call the “progress machine.”) It then asks a bold question: Is it possible that by 2100, everyone in the world could live at, or above, the standard of living enjoyed by today’s top few percent?
In a conversation with Blair and Marie, authors Sven Smit, a McKinsey senior partner, and Sherlyn Chen, an engagement manager, dive into this unconventional project. They share why McKinsey was the right place to take on an idea this ambitious—and what their research reveals about what’s possible next.
Will we have enough energy, food, metals, and minerals? Can innovation keep pace with global demand? And can we deliver prosperity while protecting the planet? We ran the numbers. The answer is yes. But progress is a choice.
More episodes can be found on our McKinsey Unpacked platform: mckinsey.com/careers/mckinsey-recruiting-events-and-initiatives/mckinsey-unpacked
#McKCareers
Subscribe to our channel: mck.co/YouTube
Subscribe to our newsletters: mck.co/Subscribe
***Find us on***
Facebook: mck.co/Facebook
Twitter: mck.co/Twitter
LinkedIn: mck.co/LinkedIn
Instagram: mck.co/Instagram
