When McKinsey Comes to Town

Walt Bogdanich and Michael Forsythe investigate the hidden influence of McKinsey & Company, detailing how the world's most prestigious consulting firm prioritizes corporate profit over public well-being. The authors document specific instances where the firm advised tobacco companies to boost sales, helped Purdue Pharma "turbocharge" Opioid marketing, and optimized labor costs for ICE and private detention centers. Through internal documents and interviews, the narrative exposes a culture of secrecy and structural conflicts of interest, where consultants simultaneously advise government regulators and the private industries those regulators oversee.

This book is for readers interested in corporate governance, public policy, and the ethical implications of expert power. It appeals to those concerned with how private entities shape government functions and global economic trends behind closed doors. Readers walk away with a clear understanding of systemic consulting tactics and a critical lens through which to view international business ethics. The text provides a rigorous account of how high-level strategic advice contributes to wealth inequality and the erosion of worker protections across various sectors.