These are the eight priorities for CEOs next year — and AI tops the list, according to McKinsey

• Management consulting firm McKinsey noted eight key areas of focus for CEOs in 2024.
• One top priority: making AI innovation work for their companies — and working out how to scale that.
• Other themes include focusing on building a sustainable business and loving your middle managers.

Being a CEO is "a tough job, and is getting tougher all the time," according to management consulting firm McKinsey. While the past few years have delivered a global pandemic, busted supply chains, war, stubborn inflation and various other challenges, corporate leaders are also looking to the year ahead.