Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking - podcast cover

Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking

StrategyTraining.com & FirmsConsulting.comwww.firmsconsulting.com
Firmsconsulting maintains a 80% success rate at placing clients within McKinsey, BCG and Bain. This is the highest in the industry and the rate is higher if we include other firms. We achieve this rate because we only use former partners from McKinsey, BCG et al to develop our clients. This makes us unique. We never use analysts, associates, engagement managers or associate principals. We also carefully select and develop clients on their communication, image, technical and case interview skills. This podcast channel describes our lessons from training our clients. www.firmsconsulting.com www.strategytraining.com
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

571: Capturing and using feedback correctly (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss how to capture and use feedback correctly. Candidates good through a lot of trouble finding practice partners and reaching out to current and former consultants. We do, however, find that despite all of this effort, they tend to be very weak at the manner in which they capture valuable lessons. There is far too little planning and it is largely a trial and error process. They reach out to 10 peo...

Apr 26, 20236 min

570: Four classic math mistakes in cases (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss four classic math mistakes in cases. Candidates mess up calculations for 4 primary reasons: missing units, complicated equations, weak visual layout and poor technique. Notice that we ignore speed and arithmetic. There is a reason for that and it is discussed in the podcast. The most surprising one of the lot is missing units. We have trained PhDs who graduated first in their schools and many te...

Apr 24, 20237 min

569: What fuels our desires? (with Luke Burgis)

For this episode, we interviewed the author of Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life , Luke Burgis. Why do we want what we want? This topic is rarely presented in conversations, business meetings, or political agendas, but it has a comprehensive impact on our lives and shapes our societies. This episode explores the psychology behind human desires, role modeling, competition, and the awareness of intentional wanting. Luke Burgis has founded and led multiple companies. He’s curren...

Apr 19, 202352 min

568: Go beyond happiness (with Jenn Lim)

For this episode, we interviewed Jenn Lim, the CEO of Delivering Happiness, also known as DH. In this episode, Jenn speaks about her journey of discovering and understanding the meaning of happiness and purpose. What is the source of genuine happiness and how does it impact your work and career? Delivering Happiness, also known as DH is a company that Jenn Lim and Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos.com, cofounded to create happier company cultures for a more profitable and sustainable approach t...

Apr 17, 20231 hr 2 min

567: Managing sales in a world of constant change (with Frank Cespedes)

For this episode, we interviewed the author of Sales Management That Works: How to Sell in a World that Never Stops Changing, Frank Cespedes. How do you manage sales in a world that never stops changing? In this episode, Frank shares valuable insights to equip sales professionals and business leaders in managing sales within their organization and how to better improve and develop themselves while managing constant change. Frank Cespedes is a sales expert and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business ...

Apr 12, 202348 min

566: What is the foundation of trust? (with Sandra Sucher)

For this episode, we interview the coauthor of The Power of Trust, Sandra Sucher. In this book, Sandra Sucher and Shalene Gupta examine the economic impact of trust and the science behind it and conclusively prove that trust is built from the inside out. Trust emerges from a company being the “real deal”: creating products and services that work, having good intentions, treating people fairly, and taking responsibility for all the impacts an organization creates, whether intended or not. Sandra ...

Apr 10, 20231 hr 17 min

565: 10 proven rules to succeed in tech stock investing (with Mark Mahaney)

For this episode we interviewed one of Wall Street’s legendary tech analysts, Mark Mahaney. In this episode, Mark discusses ten lessons that are proven to help investors succeed in tech stock investing. He shares powerful advice and knowledge from analyzing the most explosive sector on Wall Street over the past quarter century. Lesson 1: There Will Be Blood… When You Pick Bad Stocks Lesson 2: You Can Lose $...Even When You Pick The Best Stocks Lesson 3: Don’t Play Quarters Lesson 4: Revenue Matt...

Apr 05, 202340 min

564: Redefining digital transformation (with Tim Bottke)

Welcome to an episode with the author of Digital Transformation Payday , Tim Bottke. Why do companies embark on digital transformation? Is it because they need it? Or is it because it’s the trend? In this episode, we deep dived into the world of digital transformation. We discussed the common mistakes companies make when pursuing digital transformation and the rationale that CEOs and leaders must have to succeed in this endeavor. Tim Bottke is a senior Strategy Partner at Monitor Deloitte and an...

Apr 03, 202343 min

563: The hidden meaning behind failure (Suneel Gupta)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classics where we interviewed Suneel Gupta, the author of the international bestselling book Backable (2020). This book is rooted in his inner journey from twice-failed entrepreneur to becoming a leader behind two IPOs and being named “The New Face of Innovation” by the New York Stock Exchange. The book reveals the mindset shifts and hidden habits of people who are extraordinary at pushing new ideas forward. It shows ho...

Mar 29, 20231 hr 21 min

562: What drives Amazon’s success? (with Bill Carr)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classics where we interviewed the former Amazon Digital Media VP, Bill Carr. Bill is the coauthor of Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon, an insider's breakdown of Amazon's approach to culture, leadership, and best practices from two long-time, top-level Amazon executives. Bill Carr joined Amazon in 1999 and spent more than 15 years with the company. As the former Vice President of Digit...

Mar 27, 20231 hr 14 min

561: Diving deep into enduring business ideas (with Adi Ignatius)

Welcome to an episode with the Editor-in-Chief of the Harvard Business Review Group, Adi Ignatius. In this episode with Adi Ignatius, we discussed timeless pieces from the Harvard Business Review, deep-dived into the business ideas and concepts within, and discussed how its perspective on business ideas helps us prepare for the future. Adi shared how HBR ’s mission changed from the time it was founded and how it is improving for readers. Adi Ignatius oversees the editorial activities of Harvard ...

Mar 22, 202350 min

560: Be your own hero (with Carolyn Buck Luce)

Welcome to an episode with one of America’s most respected and accomplished voices on women as leaders and their relationship with power, Carolyn Buck Luce. Have you ever wondered what the world looks like from someone else’s point of view? We are all born different, with unique perspective, set of skills, talent, and experience, and with this combination, we can write our own story and design a life that is aligned with our purpose and meaning. As Carolyn said, “If you want to live in a way tha...

Mar 20, 20231 hr 5 min

559: How to use scarcity to drive sales (with Dr. Mindy Weinstein)

Welcome to an episode with a leading expert in digital marketing, Dr. Mindy Weinstein. In this episode, Mindy discussed how to leverage the principle of scarcity to influence customer decisions, boost sales, and positively impact your business. She also shared the four types of scarcity: time-related, supply-related, demand-related, and limited edition. In this conversation, Mindy highlighted the importance of using scarcity ethically and developing marketing tactics that align with your product...

Mar 15, 202348 min

558: Why you need case interview structures (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss why you need case interview structures. Despite the words “framework” and “structure” used so often, most candidates cannot explain what it is and why it is used. Unless you know the latter, you tend to misuse the framework and incorrectly use it in a case. This podcast presents the need for case structures from the viewpoint of the interviewer or engagement partner. It indicates that case struc...

Mar 13, 202311 min

557: Drowning in case feedback (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss about candidates drowning in feedback. They want as much good feedback as possible and speak to as many people as possible thereby receiving lots of detailed and sometimes average feedback on their performance. There are two problems here. First, much of this feedback will likely be contradictory and possibly misleading. Second, the candidate will literally drown in this feedback usually consist...

Mar 08, 20239 min

556: Disclosure rules on resumes (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss the disclosure rules on resumes. Candidates sometimes divulge too much confidential details, or too little in interviews, resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles. These are the rules for disclosure. It is important to remember that disclosing confidential information merely indicates to McKinsey that you cannot be trusted with their own client information. Moreover, disclosing information o...

Mar 06, 20238 min

555: Build hypotheses with decision trees (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss how build hypotheses with decision trees. Building hypotheses is very difficult. Most candidates in a McKinsey, BCG et al interview would not know when to build the hypothesis, what comprises the hypothesis, how to test if it is MECE etc. This simple technique is one way to build hypotheses and used on real consulting engagements. It was developed to help candidates prioritize their analyzes and...

Mar 01, 20239 min

554: Example of poor case dialogue (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss an example of poor case dialogue. Interviewers can only respond to what you say, and poor communication, like in this example, not only wastes time, but is a poor reflection on your candidacy. This is a crucial point to remember. No matter how brilliant you may be, if you cannot communicate that brilliance, and do so in a manner laymen would understand, your intellect counts for little in a case...

Feb 27, 202312 min

553: DEI: The foundation of workplace utopia (with Dr. Ella F. Washington)

Welcome to an episode with Dr. Ella F. Washington, the author of The Necessary Journey: Making Real Progress on Equity and Inclusion. How do we build an environment where employees feel safe to be themselves? Who is responsible for creating an organization that values and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion? And what do we truly need to achieve, sustain, and maintain the workplace utopia that we dreamed of? Dr. Ella F. Washington is an organizational psychologist and DEI expert with a weal...

Feb 22, 202345 min

552: How to hold networking conversations (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss how to hold networking conversations Networking calls/coffee chats are tricky. You should not be following the advice found for general recruitment. We insist our clients network with partners so most of the advice we provide is for networking with McKinsey and BCG partners. The reality is that partners are best equipped, and most influential, to assess a unique profile and make a judgement call...

Feb 20, 202310 min

551: Building careers and lasting relationships (with Frank O’Connell)

Welcome to an episode with Frank O’Connell, the author of Jump First, Think Fast. In this episode, Frank takes us on his career journey as he successfully explores multiple industries from baked goods to sporting apparel to video games. He shares the lessons he learned and how he built lasting relationships as he worked in different industries. Frank O’Connell is known for his unconventional approach for high performance through his strategic thinking, brand building, breakthrough marketing, and...

Feb 15, 202353 min

550: Understanding cryptocurrency and blockchain (with Ravi Sarathy)

Welcome to an episode with a Professor of International Business and Strategy at Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Ravi Sarathy. What happens if a company or country regulates its own digital currency? In this episode, Ravi Sarathy answers very interesting questions about blockchain and cryptocurrency. He outlines the features and capabilities of a blockchain, the implications of using it, and how organizations can leverage blockchain to their advantage. Ravi Sarathy is...

Feb 13, 20231 hr 1 min

549: Is there a decline in US industrial prowess? (with Nick Santhanam)

Welcome to an episode with Nick Santhanam, the CEO of Fernweh Group, an investment company adapting an engaged investor & operator model (EIOM) to create alpha in the industrial and industrial technology sector. In this episode, we dig deep into the prevailing narrative about the decline of manufacturing in the US and if that is the case, the actions needed from the government to bring back the US as a thriving manufacturing nation. Nick Santhanam is a former Senior Partner at McKinsey &...

Feb 08, 202355 min

548: Winning against all odds (with Daphne Jones)

Welcome to an episode with a highly regarded global executive, Daphne E. Jones. In this episode, Daphne shares her inspiring journey of overcoming criticism, judgment, racism, and doubt. She was told by her career counselor that Black girls don’t successfully make it in college, but should instead go to secretary school. Today, Daphne is a corporate board member who has held CIO and other leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies including IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Hospira (now Pfizer) and...

Feb 06, 20231 hr 21 min

547: Designing company culture (with Mauro Porcini)

Welcome to an episode with the first-ever Chief Design Officer and SVP of PepsiCo, the world's second-largest food and beverage company, Mauro Porcini. In this episode, Mauro talked about how his career started and how his love of what he is doing helped made PepsiCo what it is today. He also talked about the step-by-step process of designing and establishing a new culture in any corporation and how this would lead to innovation, eventual growth, and overall success. In the past eight years, Mau...

Feb 01, 20231 hr 26 min

546: Driving company growth through ventures (with Linda Yates)

Welcome to an episode with Linda Yates, the founder and CEO of Mach49, the leading growth incubator for global businesses with clients including Goodyear, Hitachi, Intel, JetBlue, Nestlé Purina, Prudential and Shell. In Linda’s new book The Unicorn Within , she empowers large companies to beat startups at their own game—to build a pipeline and portfolio of new ventures to drive meaningful growth through teachable, repeatable, scalable method focused 100 percent on execution across the spectrum o...

Jan 30, 20231 hr 15 min

545: Redefining sales and personal brand (with Dr. Cindy McGovern)

Welcome to an episode with a top-rated speaker, best-selling author, and consultant, Dr. Cindy McGovern. Get Cindy’s book here: https://amzn.to/3Cys1ae Most of us view “sales” as a pushy, manipulative, and one-sided thing. But really, “sales” is understanding what others need and trying to deliver on those needs. Regardless of the nature of work—whether you're selling a product, service, or idea, you are selling yourself first and it is a life skill that everybody needs. Therefore, it is importa...

Jan 25, 202356 min

544: The best practices to live a happy and fulfilling life (with Ashish Kothari)

Welcome to an episode with Ashish Kothari. In his book “ Hardwired for Happiness ” Ashish outlines an easy-to-follow recipe that can help anyone increase joy, health, love, and meaning in their lives. His transformational approach is secular, interdisciplinary and integrates learnings and best practices across the fields of science and spirituality. Get Ashish's new book here: https://amzn.to/3yyzfdh Ashish is an executive coach, author and founder of Happiness Squad, a company focused on helpin...

Jan 23, 202354 min

543: Case length and details (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we dtalk about case length and details. When we ask candidates for more details in their resume, fit responses and cover letter, they always write longer sentences. There is an important difference between “more details” and “greater length". Most candidates are accustomed to spending just a few minutes on a thought and then writing up long and poorly structured sentences. When we ask for more details, we ...

Jan 18, 20237 min

542: Speed is the wrong focus area (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)

For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we discuss speed. Far too many candidates focus on being faster. That is another myth. Speed is an outcome of having good technique. So if you are slow, deconstruct your technique, analyze weaknesses and develop a new way to solve arithmetic. That is key. Unless your technique improves aka "your process to solve math," you will never improve. We explain how in this podcast. Moreover, if an interviewer or p...

Jan 16, 20239 min
Hosted on Libsyn
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android