The Power of Imperfection

CareerCast - Life-long Career Development

Robert McLean Did you grow up being told that “practice makes perfect”? While there are definitely benefits to take actions that refine your skills, knowledge, and experience, in today’s world, it is not enough. According to Robert McLean, Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, and author of multiple books including, The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times, there is power in imperfection when you have the courage to experiment and learn. In this CareerCast, Rob shares how to be imperfect as a route to greater success, versatility, and agility in uncertain times.

Aired April 21, 2023

Robert McLean, AM, is a Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy in Australia and Asia, and a Director of the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Australia’s largest philanthropic foundation. He is the former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management. He was a Fulbright Scholar to the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times Robert McLean and Charles Conn (2023)

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The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times book cover

Read an excerpt from The Imperfection by Robert McLean.

Read the Excerpt