Evidential investigative journalism at its best

Evidence-based investigative journalism into the McKinsey cabal, exposing the breadth and depth of this one company's influence and impact on a global and local scale. Horrifying, but, sadly, not surprising. A hard truth of how corrupt our current business, government, and political systems are, not necessarily individuals, but the fundamental structure of how these aspects of society are setup and operate. Required reading to remind of the importance of having a skeptical thread in one's inquisitive mindset.

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Great insight although there are some almighty reaches

Fascinating account and there are clearly some skeletons in the closet. But it does seem a bit of a reach to blame McKinsey wherever data is used by a company for instance (see Houston Astros chapter).

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Hilariously predictable

Every time America or a western government are mentioned, McKinsey is “infiltrating” and “taking advantage” of the government. Every time the same scenario is happening with the “wrong” type of government, McKinsey is “enticed by money” and “taken advantage of”

The authors also seem to choose when McKensey is wholly incompetent, and when they’re so effective they must not be allowed to work for non-Americans.

Even after spending the entire book telling us of the evils of executives and millionaires, it demonstrates the only event that gave payback to these millionaires as being inhumane because it wasn’t done by the right government

I don’t know who this book is written for, but it’s certainly not for the international audience.

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You’ll never look at a consultant in the same way ever again

A great narrative that builds a layer by layer image of McKinsey that leaves you wondering why on earth does this industry exist and why do people tolerate them

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The Banality of Evil, Corporate Style

I was initially put off by the reviews here, but I've found the criticisms levelled at the book aren't particularly fair. This is an extremely good book.

The two main criticisms seem to be that this book is a derivative rehash of other works offering nothing new, and that the authors are accusing McKinsey of causing every calamity you've ever heard of since 1926.

There are references to other studies of McKinsey, but this is an original contribution. The authors have uniquely gained access to the highly confidential client list and this unlocks everything. We learn the exact companies the firm provided services to, often the exact nature of those services, when the contracts started and the dollar value of them. This detail is critical to fully exposing the nefarious dealings; more than just casting aspersions at the firm, it offers *rock solid proof* of rampant hypocrisy and greed.

The central question is whether the behaviour of McKinsey congruent with the firm's supposed values? Spoiler alert: the answer is no. This is the "banality of evil, corporate style".

The authors aren't accusing McKinsey of *causing* every incident mentioned, that's too simple. This is about *association*, about ideas and their consequences. This is a more subtle exploration of a moral question: after a negative event like the Disney rollercoaster tragedy caused by cuts to the maintenance budget, who is at fault when it is time to apportion blame? The advisors or the clients? The authors argue that we shouldn't forget the shadowy role of the advisers behind the scenes. People have died.

So, no, they didn't cause the global financial crisis, but they did vigourously promote the problematic securities products for years and advised clients on how to package their assets into the new financial structures. No, they didn't cause the opioid epidemic, but they did advise Perdue Pharma how to "turbo-charge" their sales. No, they didn't assassinate Jamal Khashoggi, but they did perform sentiment analysis and report on individuals critical to the Saudi state. The list goes on and on and on and on. The company is everywhere, like Goldman Sachs but without the honesty.

This is a tale of total moral bankruptcy.

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Very informative!

A well researched, informative and eye opening book - whatever you think McKinsey have been involved in, you most likely underestimated by a long way! A recommended listen to expand your knowledge and understanding

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Extremely interesting and easy to understand

I really enjoyed this book. It covers a range of interesting topics. As a non-industry reader (i.e., I don't work in the field of "business consulting or other related professional areas), I thought some of the topics would be "above my head" but in fact it was so clearly written that I understood at least 80% of the items discussed, and learnt a great deal about some "historical current affairs" that had bypassed my attention.

I'm not particularly a conspiracy theorist and I prefer to seek truths for myself instead of being led by the nose, by my peers. This book is exactly the sort of eye-opening reading matter that I enjoy - one that leads me to think for myself and draw my own conclusions. It was excellently narrated and without too much jargon.

Highly recommended.

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A detailed account of the modern world

Feel sorta naive writing that I’m shocked by this. This book arranges the jigsaw pieces, so we can see the detail more clearly, on how the global chumocracy goes about its business. I’m not a raging MAGA, or a crazed conspiracy theorist, just an average Joe hearing some of the pieces put in place.

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An eviseration of McKinsey

This shows the cancerous element of this consultancy in practice. Unfortunately it is unlikely that they will ever face the justice that is required. When good turns to bad you know it’s time to finish. McKinsey is not dissimilar to its old client Enron.

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Hiding in plain sight, who needs conspiracies?

If this was fiction, you wouldn’t believe it, the last chapter on the NHS particularly disturbing

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