When McKinsey Comes to Town

The Hidden Influence of the World's Most Powerful Consulting Firm

by Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe

When McKinsey Comes to Town (2022) is compelling exploration delves into the paradoxes of McKinsey, the world's leading consulting firm, as it navigates the murky waters of ethical ambiguity, fostering both global progress and societal discord. The book scrutinizes the firm's entanglements with contentious sectors and political regimes, highlighting the dissonance between McKinsey's aspirational ethos and its real-world impact—from fueling the opioid crisis to bolstering autocratic governments.

About the Authors

Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe are investigative powerhouses celebrated for their contributions to outlets like the New York Times and Bloomingdale, among others. Bogdanich, a laureate of multiple Pulitzer Prizes, has shone a light on everything from corporate malfeasance to the safety of our railways. Forsythe, also a Pulitzer recipient, has earned accolades for his pioneering work on the financial intricacies of China's political elite. Their collaborative work, "Navigating the Shadows of Power," has been heralded as the Book of the Year 2022 by both the New York Times and the Times, solidifying its place in the annals of investigative journalism.

The Double-Edged Sword of McKinsey's Global Reach

McKinsey & Company, the consulting behemoth, has long been a symbol of corporate influence and global problem-solving. Yet, the firm's impact is a complex tapestry of both progress and peril. In this summary, we'll pull back the curtain on McKinsey's involvement in public health crises, environmental degradation, and the bolstering of authoritarian regimes, among other issues. So, who really gains when this consulting powerhouse offers its wisdom? Let's delve in.

The Business of Influence

You've likely heard the name "McKinsey" in the same breath as industry giants like Microsoft, General Electric, and Ford. Indeed, the firm's reach extends to virtually every significant corporation at some point. With operations in 65 countries and an estimated valuation of $31.5 billion, McKinsey's influence is undeniable.

But what's the secret sauce behind those staggering fees? McKinsey purports to offer groundbreaking strategies that elevate economies and better the world. However, the reality often boils down to a formulaic approach: cut costs, reduce workforce, and trim safety measures. The outcomes can be catastrophic, not just for employees but sometimes even for the clients themselves.

Take the case of US Steel Corporation. Once a titan in its industry, the company found itself floundering by 2014. McKinsey was brought in to steer the ship, and layoffs ensued. Initially, stock prices soared, but by 2015, the company was $75 million in the red. Worse, the firm's cost-cutting led to fatal accidents, leaving McKinsey unscathed while US Steel faced minimal penalties.

The Human Cost of Profit

So, who are the minds behind McKinsey's operations? The firm attracts the crème de la crème from elite institutions like Harvard and Stanford. These bright young minds are lured by the promise of wealth, prestige, and the opportunity to make a positive impact. However, the reality often diverges sharply from the idealistic picture painted during recruitment.

Many consultants only discover the firm's ethically questionable engagements after they've joined. For example, McKinsey paid $600 million to settle investigations into its role in the opioid crisis. The firm's focus on profits at the expense of people isn't new; it dates back to its work with GM in the 1950s. Over the decades, McKinsey has consistently advocated for policies that favor corporate profits over employee well-being, contributing to the widening gap between CEO and worker compensation.