When McKinsey Comes to Town

When McKinsey Comes to Town by Michael Forsythe and Walt Bogdanich provides a riveting deep dive into the world of one of the globe's most influential consulting firms, McKinsey & Company. This explosive exposé sheds light on the shadowy practices of a firm that has, for decades, been a trusted advisor to almost every major corporation and numerous governments. The authors illuminate how McKinsey's consultancy has often exacerbated inequality, contributed to corruption, and even endangered lives, all while remaining cloaked behind non-disclosure agreements and a meticulously maintained veneer of discretion.

With relentless investigative journalism, prize-winning reporters Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe unveil startling revelations about McKinsey's involvement in various dubious activities. From orchestrating severe cost-cutting measures in the NHS that jeopardized public health, to offering counsel to Big Oil at the expense of the environment, and even executing controversial immigration policies under the Trump administration that led to the separation of children from their families, the authors leave no stone unturned. They also delve into McKinsey's advisory roles for some of the world's most odious dictators, showcasing a pattern of prioritizing profit over ethical considerations.

This book was recognised as a notable book of the year by both The Times and The New York Times in 2022. It is a haunting reminder of the widespread impact that corporate consulting can have on global societies and governance structures.

Critics have lauded When McKinsey Comes to Town for its thoroughness and the compelling case it builds. The Observer describes the book as "a story of secrecy, delusion and untold harm." Similarly, the Sunday Times praises it for making readers "so angry...the evidence the authors winkle out is astonishing." Patrick Radden Keefe calls it "panoramic, meticulously reported and ultimately devastating," while The Economist regards it as "a harrowing account of decades of dishonourable exploits." These reviews underline the book's powerful impact and the significance of the issues it addresses.

Whether you are a policy maker, a business professional, or simply a concerned global citizen, When McKinsey Comes to Town is an essential read that uncovers the dangerous liaisons between consultancy powerhouses and the world's most pressing problems. It invites readers to question the ethical implications of global consulting practices and the true cost of the advice rendered by one of the most secretive firms in the industry.