Strategy Simplified

The hosts dive into the struggles of a candidate named Sophomore Sally, who feels overwhelmed about upcoming recruiting. They reveal why casting a wide net often backfires and recommend focusing on a targeted list of six to eight firms. The duo shares networking strategies to transform contacts into advocates and highlights the commitment required for effective case preparation. Listeners also learn about the structured support offered through tailored plans and coaching to reduce the stress of the recruiting journey.

The 2026 Consulting Salary Report is coming later this month — and this episode is your first look at what to expect.Japheth shares why this year’s report matters more than ever, how it’s built using real offer data from 100+ firms, and what candidates need to understand about consulting compensation heading into 2026.Join the waitlist to get early access to the report and register for a seat at the live January 23 walkthrough.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Free 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

This is our most-listened-to episode of 2025 — and for good reason.In this replay, you’ll hear a live McKinsey-style M&A case interview where a candidate evaluates whether a global bubble tea chain should acquire a fast-growing coffee brand.Led by former McKinsey consultant and Management Consulted case coach Divya, the case walks through how to structure an acquisition decision, assess synergies and cannibalization risk, and pressure-test profitability — followed by concise interviewer feedback on what to refine.The candidate went on to land an MBB offer shortly after this case, making this a must-listen for anyone prepping for consulting interviews in 2026.Additional Resources:Purchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with our expert MBB teamMore McKinsey case examplesPartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Free 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

Watch the top MBA teams in the 2025 MBA Case Competition World Cup Finals go head-to-head in a live, high-pressure strategy showdown.Five finalist teams take on The Cava Challenge: build a 3–5 year growth strategy to scale Cava nationally — without sacrificing the flavor, quality, and culture that made the brand.You’ll see:5-minute executive-style presentationsLive Q&A / defense under pressureHow employers evaluate structure, judgment, and communication in real timeWhether you’re recruiting for consulting, strategy, or business roles, this episode is a front-row seat to what “top-tier” thinking looks like.Judging employers: Accenture • L.E.K. • Netflix • OC&C • Simon-Kucher • SlalomAdditional Resources:Learn more about running a case competition for your university or club (Career Services & Club Leaders only)Get your copy of Marc Cosentino's newest book: Case In Point - Case Competition: Creating Winning Strategy Presentations for Case ComFree 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

Cannabis just moved from Schedule I to Schedule III — and the biggest implications have nothing to do with lifestyle or politics.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what reclassification means for the market: who benefits, who loses, and why cannabis stocks dropped on “good” news.They unpack the real unlocks behind the headlines — Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, federally funded research, banking access, and why Big Pharma, consumer giants, and even beer companies may now have the edge.This is a regulatory shock case study: how one policy change reshapes competition, pricing power, supply chains, and long-term winners across healthcare and consumer markets.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Chapters:01:05 — What Cannabis Reclassification Actually Changes03:15 — Schedule I vs Schedule III: Why It Matters05:45 — Banking, Taxes, and the Industry’s Hidden Constraints08:20 — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Real Demand Unlock11:10 — Why Cannabis Stocks Fell on “Good” News13:30 — Big Pharma, Big Beer, and New Market Entrants19:40 — Supply Chains, Compliance, and Rising Costs25:00 — Who Wins, Who Loses, and What Comes NextFree 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

Join industry leaders Gregor Eichler, a telecom strategy expert from Altman Solon; Ron Kermisch, a seasoned Bain partner; Carl Bjurstrom from Capgemini Invent focusing on AI strategies; and Dan Hays from PwC's Strategy& discussing the future of telecom and tech. They dive into the fading AI hype, emphasizing ROI and the need for adaptable talent strategies. The panel shares insights on monetizing telco data while respecting regulations, hiring practices that set applicants apart, and essential skills for success in the ever-evolving TMT landscape.

Explore the intriguing world of MBB exits, focusing on where ex-consultants are headed in 2025. Discover why tech remains the leading destination for talent, while finance and private capital see a rising demand for MBB skills. Learn about the split between large firms and smaller companies, with private firms dominating exits. Delve into the common roles ex-consultants are taking, including CEO and chief of staff, and the crucial decision-making around product, capital, or CEO proximity. Uncover the five key trends shaping these career transitions!

Thrive Market has taken a bold step by removing alcohol from its offerings, sparking diverse reactions online. The hosts dissect the misleading data around alcohol consumption, emphasizing that household trends reveal deeper insights. They delve into the challenges of alcohol logistics and discuss how branding can cleverly mask underlying business motives. Through engaging storytelling, they highlight the critical distinction between consumer behavior and sales strategies, ultimately questioning the sustainability of this decision.

In this conversation, Abby Chen, a former Bain manager and management consulting case coach, shares her journey from learning about consulting to landing a Bain offer in just two months. She reveals the secrets behind top candidates' success, emphasizing the importance of drills over full cases and a proactive feedback mindset. Abby also discusses her transition to entrepreneurship with her new venture, Harvest Moon Asian Kitchen, highlighting how she applies consulting principles to the restaurant business, from menu testing to customer feedback.

Netflix's bold $72B bid for Warner Bros reshapes Hollywood's landscape. The hosts dissect why Netflix chose to buy instead of build, focusing on HBO and gaming as strategic assets. They dive into the potential pricing strategies, discussing super-bundles versus tiered access. With an ad-supported model on the horizon, they explore how this impacts competition with players like Disney and YouTube. Regulatory concerns and the deal's long-term viability are analyzed, offering insights into the future of streaming.