Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Why do so many of us feel disconnected from our workplaces, communities, even friends?
Kathy Roth-Douquet did not grow up in a military family. But after marrying a combat Marine, she experienced firsthand the honor, camaraderie, and—at times—isolation that can come with military life. She cofounded Blue Star Families in 2009 to strengthen support for military and veteran families and help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. As its CEO and board president, she has overseen the organization’s growth to roughly 450,000 members worldwide.
As America marks its 250th anniversary, McKinsey is sitting down with public, private, and social sector leaders to explore the ideas and opportunities that will shape the country’s future.
*Chapters:*
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - How America has adapted to change throughout history
01:56 - What military families teach us about service
04:07 - What 100,000 military families reveal about American life
06:41 - Why people feel disconnected—and how to build belonging
08:26 - How to lead a mission-driven organization
11:13 - Hiring for leadership, adaptability, and ai
12:40 - What makes a great leader?
14:09 - The fighter pilot decision-making framework (OODA loop)
16:03 - Leading through crisis: lessons from COVID-19
16:54 - Why service strengthens communities
18:08 - America at 250: hope, trust, and the future
Read more reflections on America at 250: mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/america-at-250
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Why do so many of us feel disconnected from our workplaces, communities, even friends?
Kathy Roth-Douquet did not grow up in a military family. But after marrying a combat Marine, she experienced firsthand the honor, camaraderie, and—at times—isolation that can come with military life. She cofounded Blue Star Families in 2009 to strengthen support for military and veteran families and help bridge the gap between military and civilian communities. As its CEO and board president, she has overseen the organization’s growth to roughly 450,000 members worldwide.
As America marks its 250th anniversary, McKinsey is sitting down with public, private, and social sector leaders to explore the ideas and opportunities that will shape the country’s future.
*Chapters:*
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - How America has adapted to change throughout history
01:56 - What military families teach us about service
04:07 - What 100,000 military families reveal about American life
06:41 - Why people feel disconnected—and how to build belonging
08:26 - How to lead a mission-driven organization
11:13 - Hiring for leadership, adaptability, and ai
12:40 - What makes a great leader?
14:09 - The fighter pilot decision-making framework (OODA loop)
16:03 - Leading through crisis: lessons from COVID-19
16:54 - Why service strengthens communities
18:08 - America at 250: hope, trust, and the future
Read more reflections on America at 250: mckinsey.com/industries/public-sector/our-insights/america-at-250
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
