AI is everywhere. The agentic organization isn’t—yet

In this episode of The McKinsey Podcast, senior partner Alexis Krivkovic discusses the transformative potential of agentic AI and the urgent need for organizations to evolve into 'agentic organizations'—structures capable of harnessing AI not just as a tool, but as a collaborative workforce. Despite 80% of companies investing in AI with high expectations, over 80% report no measurable bottom-line impact, highlighting a critical gap between ambition and execution. Krivkovic outlines five pillars of the agentic organization, emphasizing reimagined business models, restructured teams, and new leadership mindsets. She illustrates how AI can enable hyper-personalization at scale, disrupt traditional moats in industries like finance, and fundamentally reshape workflows—from end-to-end process redesign to the emergence of 'pods' of fluid talent. A central theme is the shift from 'human in the loop' to 'human above the loop,' where AI handles core tasks and humans provide strategic judgment. The episode also addresses the profound challenges of skill development, organizational culture, and change management in an era of perpetual transformation. Leaders are urged to model AI adoption themselves, foster curiosity, and embrace iterative experimentation over irreversible decisions.