Strategy Simplified

Stock buybacks are hitting all-time highs in 2025, led by big banks and tech giants like Apple and Alphabet. In this episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what a buyback is, why companies do it, and what this surge signals about corporate balance sheets, sector trends, and the strength of the U.S. economy.Links:Investopedia: What is a Buyback?Wall Street Journal: American Companies Are Buying Their Own Stocks at a Record PaceChapters:03:35 Understanding Stock Buybacks06:44 The Mechanics of Buybacks and Their Implications09:38 Current Trends in Stock Buybacks12:38 Sector-Specific Insights on Buybacks15:31 The Role of Major Companies in Buybacks18:28 Evaluating the Impact of Buybacks on the Economy21:24 Conclusion and Future ConsiderationsJoin Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This MonthApplication deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep programConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Get the latest recruiting scoop you can’t afford to miss. In this Recruiting Intel Drop, we break down McKinsey interview timing, Bain’s creative case format rollout, and key application deadlines for MBB and top boutique firms.Whether you’re an undergrad, non-MBA master’s student, or advanced degree candidate, you’ll hear exactly what’s happening right now — and what to expect in the coming weeks.Timestamps:[01:02] McKinsey interview invites[02:35] Bain's "creative" case interviews[03:34] Application deadlines (MBB and boutique)[05:35] Resources you can't missAdditional Resources:Recruiting live blog: Up-to-the-minute updates on interview timelines and recruiting process changesApplication deadlines tracker: All deadlines, all in one placeJob Board: Over 1,000 amazing consulting and corporate strategy jobsCase Interview Hub: Everything you need to prep for case interviewsCase Prep Programs:Black Belt: 10 hours of 1:1 coaching with an expert + a personal strategy callDon't want the full 10 hours? Start with 1 hourFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Interview coming up fast? Don’t panic. This episode breaks down exactly how to prepare for a case interview when you’ve got 7 days or less. Learn the 4-step plan our most successful candidates use to prep under pressure, plus what not to waste time on. Whether you're just getting started or need a reset, this is your last-minute roadmap to case success.Need help fast? Our expert coaches can prep you in under a week. Learn more.Expert Coaching Programs:1 Hour Interview Coaching4 Hours Interview CoachingBlack Belt: 10 hours of interview coaching + drills and digital resourcesAdditional Resources:Case Interview Practice Videos PlaylistDownload a free step-by-step Case Prep PlanFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Yum! Brands beat expectations in some areas - but it wasn’t enough. Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why positive same-store sales at Taco Bell still set off alarms, how KFC and Pizza Hut are dragging the portfolio, and what investors and operators often miss when they celebrate “growth.”They explore:The real meaning behind Yum’s earnings missWhy brand-level performance matters more than the headlineCompetitive pressure in fast food (and who’s stealing share from KFC)What Bain or another top firm might recommend Yum do nextLessons from KFC’s success outside the U.S.Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This MonthApplication deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep programConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

The first five minutes of your case interview matter most. In this live-recorded masterclass, learn how to structure your case like a pro and impress from the start.In this episode:What MBB firms look for in a 2025-ready case structureHow to build and deliver a tailored 4x3 structure under pressureA live demo with real-time scoring and expert feedbackDownload the free prep plan here and join Black Belt for expert 1:1 coaching to fast-track your prep.Additional Resources:Black Belt: 8+ hours of expert coaching with an MBB consultantCase Prep Plan: A step-by-step guide to getting ready on any timelineFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This MonthApplication deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep programEmployee Survival Guide®WELCOME TO THE EMPLOYEE SURVIVAL GUIDE® PODCASTThe Employee Survival Guide® is a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Starbucks is ditching its pickup-only and drive-thru-only stores. CEO Brian Niccol says they “lack warmth” — but is that really the reason? In today’s Thursday Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down the surprising move and whether it’s a smart brand strategy or a costly operational mistake. Listen in to learn what this shift signals for loyalty, in-store experience, and the future of Starbucks' growth.Previous episodes on Starbucks:Starbucks Profits Crash 47% (Market Outsiders: July 30, 2025)Inside Starbucks’ Turnaround (Market Outsiders: June 16, 2025)Starbucks Business Breakdown (Strategy Simplified)Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This MonthApplication deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep programConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Watch as a former BCG consultant - Raghav - leads a candidate through a real-time case interview focused on cost reduction for a defense contractor. This live case tests structuring, market sizing, math under pressure, and strategy formulation.You’ll learn how to:Break down a cost-focused BCG-style caseHandle unfamiliar industry contexts like defense manufacturingStructure a winning recommendation with limited dataAvoid common case math pitfallsStick around for detailed feedback from Raghav to sharpen your own case skills.Want personalized prep like this? Join Black Belt today.Work with Raghav:See Raghav's coaching calendarPurchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with Raghav Connect on LinkedInPartner Links:Stax is Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere. MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This MonthApplication deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep programEmployee Survival Guide®WELCOME TO THE EMPLOYEE SURVIVAL GUIDE® PODCASTThe Employee Survival Guide® is a...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifyConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

A slow popcorn line reveals insightful business strategies behind Garrett Popcorn’s iconic brand. The hosts discuss pricing tactics and operational bottlenecks while comparing Garrett's approach to SkinnyPop's innovative rise. Listeners learn how minor adjustments in consumer experience can lead to big profits. The potential for expansion and the role of economic uncertainty in creating opportunities are also explored, making the snack industry ripe for entrepreneurs.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Neff, a former Marine and current consultant at BCG, shares her unconventional journey into consulting. She discusses how her military background bolstered her resilience and adaptability in a new field. Katie emphasizes the importance of networking and crafting a standout resume, plus offers tips for mastering case interviews through the Black Belt program. Her insights on embracing authenticity during recruitment resonate with aspiring consultants looking to break into top firms.

Tesla has opened an innovative diner in Los Angeles, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. The hosts delve into how this diner could revolutionize customer experiences and test robotics while integrating charging stations for electric vehicles. They discuss the role of robotic servers, highlighting efficiency alongside the essential human touch in dining. Additionally, the conversation touches on the diner’s brand implications and its position in shaping the future of Tesla's ecosystem.