Strategy Simplified

Ravi Chandra, a former McKinsey consultant and expert in case interview coaching, leads a live profitability case centered on Greece's cheese industry. He engages a candidate, Camille, in diagnosing a decline in profitability while providing real-time feedback. They discuss building MECE frameworks, tackling math challenges, and translating waste into actionable cost savings. Ravi emphasizes the importance of clear structure and communication in case interviews. Their dynamic showcases common pitfalls and techniques to elevate consulting performance.

Delta just posted blockbuster earnings, and it’s not because more people are flying. Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack how Delta’s $8B profit engine runs on premium seats, credit card partnerships, and a bet on wealthy travellers.They dive into what makes Delta’s “premium economy” the most profitable cabin in the sky, why Buffett once got airlines wrong, and how rivals like United and Southwest are scrambling to catch up.Links mentioned in the episode:Fortune magazine articleDelta's latest 10-KEmail podcast@managementconsulted.com with your favorite margarita!Timestamps00:00 Delta Airlines: A Financial Overview03:31 Buffett's Airline Insights and Market Dynamics06:25 Premium Seats vs. Main Cabin: A Revenue Shift09:16 The Profitability of Premium Economy12:27 Delta's Financial Performance and Market Positioning16:34 Consumer Behavior and Airline Choices19:36 The Role of Technology in Airline Experience22:25 The Future of Airline Pricing and Customer SegmentationFree 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

In this special 2025 panel, 4 top supply chain consulting firms – Chartwell, Clarkston Consulting, Kearney, and The Kormac Group – join Management Consulted to explore how AI, automation, and shifting global demand are changing the industry.Hear directly from firm leaders on:How AI is being used in practice to improve efficiency and decision-makingWhat skills firms are hiring for right nowHow to break into supply chain consulting in 2025The biggest misconceptions about consulting careersEach firm is hiring now. Click here to see open roles and prep resources to help you land your next offer.Additional Resources:Book a 15-minute call with Katie for insight into which Management Consulted program is right for youExplore open rolFree 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

Namaan Mian, COO of Management Consulted and an expert in business storytelling, shares his insights on the art of narrative in business. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection in an AI-driven world. Namaan introduces an answer-first approach to meetings for effective communication. He also highlights the importance of engagement in virtual settings and offers practical tactics to build rapport. Using a restaurant analogy, he discusses how advisors can simplify options to foster client confidence rather than overwhelm them with data.

Michael Liu, an undergraduate from Taiwan studying finance at BYU, shattered perceptions by landing an internship with BCG despite not attending a target school. He outlines his strategic networking approach, focusing on alumni and LinkedIn connections, and warns about common sponsorship pitfalls. Michael emphasizes the importance of genuine connections during interviews and introduces techniques for effective case prep. He passionately shares his excitement for mentoring and learning, while also discussing his love for basketball and music.

Warren Buffett is still making big moves at 95 years old. His latest play? A $10 billion bet on OxyChem, the petrochemical arm of Occidental.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what makes this deal stand out. They break down the financial engineering behind it, why debt reduction matters in today’s macro climate, and how it fits into the broader Buffett Playbook. From shareholder buybacks to Buffett’s trademark “handshake” style, this is a masterclass in deal dynamics.Links mentioned in the episode:Occidental 10-K (FY 2024)Latest Buffett Shareholder LetterPrevious episode: What Record Stock Buybacks Signal (August 11, 2025)Previous episode: Kraft Heinz Breakup Signals the End of Scale at All Costs(September 2, 2025)Invest in Project Management Training for your teamTimestamps:00:19 Buffett at 95 makes a $10B deal01:26 The Buffett Index and Woodstock of Capitalism02:32 The Buffett Playbook: deal vs. business05:28 Breaking down the OxyChem acquisition06:18 Why stock buybacks matter08:17 Debt, interest rates, and timing the deal12:07 Berkshire’s 28% stake in Occidental15:34 BuffFree 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

Want to land a consulting role in the Middle East? This episode breaks down the 2025 recruiting landscape and what it takes to succeed in this unique region.We cover:How the Middle East consulting market is shaped by nationalization, expat hiring, and cultural dynamics3 recruiting power moves you can use right nowTop schools, firms, and timing to keep on your radarFor the full playbook, download Management Consulted’s Middle East Consulting Recruitment Roadmap – free.Inside, you’ll find firm-by-firm insights, hiring timelines, and proven strategies to land an offer.Additional Resources:Join Black Belt, an expert prep program that’s helped candidates break into McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and more across the regionFollow along on YouTubeFree 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

Claire’s is back in the headlines after its latest bankruptcy and acquisition by Ames Watson, the firm behind Lids. Can a nostalgic mall brand really be turned around in today’s retail environment?In this episode, we unpack Claire’s challenges, the role of experience in modern retail, and what this deal signals for the future of malls.Timestamps:[07:15] What Made Claire’s a Rite of Passage[10:22] Bankruptcy and the Ames Watson Acquisition[14:17] Who Ames Watson Is and Their Playbook[16:42] Lessons from Lids and Build-A-Bear[22:36] Claire’s Second Bankruptcy Explained[25:20] Mall Traffic, Competitors, and Industry Headwinds[29:11] Can Claire’s Become an Experience Business?Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: ‘A broken business’: The company behind the makeover of bankrupt retailer Claire’sInvest in Project Management Training for your teamFree 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

The NFL isn’t just America’s favorite pastime. It’s also a business giant that generates two-thirds of its revenue from one source: media rights.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack:Why the league is considering renegotiating billion-dollar contracts years ahead of scheduleHow streaming platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube TV are reshaping the gameWhy the NFL holds more leverage than ever beforeIf you’ve ever wondered how professional sports really make money — or why your Sunday routine (and maybe your business) is tied to football — this is the breakdown you need.Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league could renegotiate media deals as soon as 2026Invest in Project Management Training for your teamPrevious episode: The Booming Business of Sports Betting (September 8, 2025)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

Explore the evolving landscape of consulting recruitment with a focus on digital assessments. Discover how firms like McKinsey, Bain, and BCG are using these tests to gauge critical skills such as problem-solving, analytical reasoning, and adaptability. Learn about specific challenges with tests like McKinsey Solve and Bain's Gorilla, along with tips for effective preparation. Stay informed on test logistics and integrity rules, making sure you're ready to tackle the modern consulting recruiting process with confidence.