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Strategy Simplified

Management Consultedmanagementconsulted.com

Strategy Simplified is here to demystify the consulting industry and help you land your dream job in management consulting. Hosted by the expert team at Management Consulted - the world's largest resource for consulting news and interview prep - each episode covers topics related to the consulting world, from interview preparation and case study techniques to networking strategies and industry trends. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a transition, Strategy Simplified is the go-to resource for anyone looking to break into the consulting industry. With actionable advice, insider tips, and real-life success stories, this podcast is the ultimate guide to simplifying your career strategy and landing your dream consulting job.

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Episodes

S18E29: The Jobs Market Just Beat Expectations Again (Market Outsiders: July 3, 2025)

Send us a text Happy Fourth of July weekend - but before the fireworks, we’re diving into a surprising June jobs report that added 147,000 new positions and revised prior numbers upward. Namaan and Jenny Rae break down why the labor market keeps defying the forecasts, what sectors are driving the surge, and how this could shape the Fed’s next move. Plus, why now might be the best time to lean in - not wait it out. Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube. Sub...

Jul 03, 202522 minSeason 18Ep. 29

S18E28: Breaking Consulting Myths + What’s Ahead for 2025 Recruiting (Live from NYC)

Send us a text In this special live episode of Strategy Simplified , recorded in front of a studio audience in Midtown Manhattan, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down the biggest myths in consulting today and unpack the trends shaping 2025 recruiting. From the impact of AI on hiring to why boutique firms are on the rise, this conversation is packed with insights for candidates prepping to break into the industry. They also take live questions from the audience on networking, case prep, and standing o...

Jul 02, 202553 minSeason 18Ep. 28

S18E27: Intro to Casing (9 of 10): EY-Parthenon M&A Case - Rapid Buses

Send us a text In episode 9 of our Intro to Casing series, we break down a classic M&A case with a market sizing element. Inspired by EY-Parthenon’s private equity work, this case features a Pan-Asian PE firm evaluating the acquisition of Rapid Buses, a Malaysian bus manufacturer. Join Ed and Jenny Rae as they estimate total bus demand in Malaysia, assess buyer types, and consider expansion opportunities - all key steps in a commercial due diligence. Perfect practice for interviews with EY-P...

Jun 30, 202525 minSeason 18Ep. 27

S18E26: I Don’t Go to a Target School. Can I Still Get Into Consulting?

Send us a text Worried your school isn't on top consulting firms’ target lists? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down exactly what it takes to land an offer from firms like McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and beyond, especially if you’re coming from a non-target school . We also unpack how the rules of recruiting have changed post-COVID - and what that means for your strategy. Additional Resources Consulting prep programs : Black Belt (8+ hours of structured interview coaching, optional resume e...

Jun 27, 20256 minSeason 18Ep. 26

Nominate a Consultant for the 2025 Change Maker Award (Deadline June 27!)

Send us a text Do you know a consultant who has driven outsized impact - for a client, their firm, or the consulting industry at large? Nominate them for the 2025 Change Maker Award, the industry’s top honor for impact, innovation, and influence. Nominations close Friday, June 27 at 11:59PM PDT. Submit your nomination here . Winners will be celebrated at a live awards ceremony this summer. Connect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video versio...

Jun 26, 20253 min

S18E25: How to Get Hired at Bain in 2025 (Partner Keith Bevans)

Send us a text What does it take to land an offer at Bain in 2025? In this honest convo, Bain Partner Keith Bevans joins Strategy Simplified to unpack exactly what’s changed - and what hasn’t - in Bain’s hiring process. From AI’s growing role in consulting to what really makes a resume stand out, Keith shares clear, actionable advice for students, career switchers, and experienced consultants alike. Whether you’re preparing for interviews or advising others through the recruiting process, this e...

Jun 25, 202558 minSeason 18Ep. 25

S18E24: Delaware in Decline? How States Are Competing to Win Corporate Business (Market Outsiders: June 24, 2025)

Send us a text Why are companies rethinking Delaware as their go-to for incorporation? In today's Market Outsiders episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down how states like Texas, Nevada, and Oklahoma are making aggressive legal and tax moves to lure corporate business. They also explore the growing trend of state-level competition and what it means for founders, investors, and economic growth. Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Market ...

Jun 24, 202519 minSeason 18Ep. 24

S18E23: Intro to Casing (8 of 10): Bain M&A Case – Sam’s Peanuts Buy Almond Co?

Send us a text In the eighth episode of our 10-part Intro to Casing series, we explore a Bain-style mergers & acquisitions (M&A) case focused on Sam’s Peanuts, a market leader in snacking peanuts. With slow growth in their core segment, Sam’s is eyeing an acquisition of Almond Co. to diversify into faster-growing markets. Follow along as Ed assesses market sizing, break-even timelines, and operational synergies to determine whether this $2B investment is a smart move or a strategic misst...

Jun 23, 202529 minSeason 18Ep. 23

S18E22: Want to Work in Healthcare Consulting? Hear from 4 Top Firms

Send us a text Curious about a career in healthcare consulting? In this live panel recording, hear directly from leaders at Guidehouse, L.E.K. Consulting, Simon-Kucher , and Stax as they discuss what’s happening in the industry, how AI is shaping the work, and what they look for when hiring. You'll walk away with practical advice on how to break into the industry, and stand out once you're in - plus: Trends shaping healthcare consulting in 2025 How each firm is using AI Hiring hot spots The #1 s...

Jun 20, 202554 minSeason 18Ep. 22

BCG Summer Internship Deadline: 4 Days Left to Apply (Class of 2027)

Send us a text Are you in the Class of 2027 and dreaming of a consulting career? Then listen up. BCG’s Summer Associate internship deadline is June 23, and your window to apply is closing fast. APPLY HERE . In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about this summer internship opportunity at Boston Consulting Group: Who’s eligible (non-MBA undergrads and master’s students) What the internship involves (real casework, happy hours, full-time conversion) How to stand out (referrals...

Jun 19, 20256 min

S18E21: 3-Month Mastery: How to Win Your First 90 Days in Consulting

Send us a text Starting a consulting role soon? Set yourself up for success with this 3-Month Mastery session. In this episode, you'll learn the four most common mistakes new consultants make, how to avoid them, and how to build trust and visibility from day one. We also introduce the GMC Work Style Framework to help you navigate team dynamics, and share practical strategies for managing up, communicating effectively, and standing out during your first 90 days. Additional Resources Excel/PowerPo...

Jun 18, 202552 minSeason 18Ep. 21

S18E20: Chase Sapphire Reserve Fee Hike: Smart Strategy or Customer Risk? (Market Outsiders: June 17, 2025)

Send us a text JPMorgan Chase just raised the annual fee for its popular Sapphire Reserve card by 45%. In this episode, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what the new perks really offer, whether the value justifies the price, and what this move signals about Chase’s broader strategy. Plus, they weigh in on the struggling state of JetBlue and what it might mean for a potential United takeover. Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe to the Market Out...

Jun 17, 202528 minSeason 18Ep. 20

S18E19: Intro to Casing (7 of 10): Strategy& Market Study Case – Hair Loss Treatment

Send us a text In the seventh episode of our Intro to Casing series, we explore a Strategy& market study case in the healthcare space. The client has developed a new drug to treat female hair loss - but with the patent window closing fast, they must decide whether to launch now or pivot to an alternative option. Join Ed as he evaluates market potential, models probability-weighted profitability, and compares investment strategies across competing drug candidates. Key Takeaways: How to struct...

Jun 16, 202527 minSeason 18Ep. 19

S18E18: Inside Our Proven 4-Week Case Interview Prep Plan

Send us a text Today, you're getting a front-row seat to a live training session with MC founder Jenny Rae Le Roux. She walks through our proven 4-week case interview prep plan - the same one thousands of candidates have used to land offers at McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and beyond. You’ll learn: Why market sizing comes first - and why skipping it is a mistake The 4 phases of effective case prep How to flex the timeline around your schedule What separates practice from true prep, and how to bridge the ...

Jun 13, 202555 minSeason 18Ep. 18

S18E17: My App Is Due in Under 3 Weeks… Can I Still Network?

Send us a text With deadlines looming, is it too late to network your way into a consulting interview? Jenny Rae breaks down exactly what to do when time is running out - and why it’s not over yet . If your application is due soon and you’re feeling behind, this episode will get you back on track. Additional Resources Consulting prep programs : Black Belt (8+ hours of structured interview coaching, optional resume edit); SuperPrep (20+ hours of end-to-end strategy + coaching, optional resume edi...

Jun 11, 20257 minSeason 18Ep. 17

S18E16: Paramount’s 3 CEOs and 18K Employees?! | The Real Power of Private Markets (June 10, 2025)

Send us a text In today’s Market Outsiders , Jenny Rae and Namaan dig into the surprising scale of Paramount’s workforce amid fresh layoffs - and the eyebrow-raising fact that the media giant is led by three CEOs. But that’s just the jumping-off point. The duo zoom out to explore a staggering market insight: while fewer than 4,000 companies are publicly traded in the U.S., over 60,000 private firms are backed by PE or VC. It’s a revealing look at where business activity really happens - and why ...

Jun 10, 202520 minSeason 18Ep. 16

S18E15: Intro to Casing (6 of 10): McKinsey Market Study Case – Premium Pricing for Beer

Send us a text In the sixth episode of our Intro to Casing series, we analyze a McKinsey-style market study case for a legacy beer brand experiencing a revenue decline. The challenge? Reversing the decline without sacrificing profitability. Follow along as Ed investigates shifting price dynamics, evaluates competitive benchmarks, and models pricing strategies to assess whether a premium rebrand could unlock growth. Key Takeaways: How to analyze competitive positioning in a declining market Metho...

Jun 09, 202526 minSeason 18Ep. 15

S18E14: How One Weekend in NYC (June 27–29) Could Transform Your Career

Send us a text Could one weekend unlock your consulting career? In this episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down what makes the NYC Case Camp (June 27–29) a can't-miss, in-person experience for serious candidates. You’ll learn: Why in-person prep is back - and critical for interview success What’s included: speed casing, live coaching, and a case comp How this differs from Black Belt and SuperPrep Why this is our only live Case Camp this year Ready to accelerate your prep and build real consulti...

Jun 06, 202520 minSeason 18Ep. 14

S18E13: Why Kimberly-Clark Is Selling Tissues - and What Europe’s Rate Cut Really Means (June 5, 2025)

Send us a text Today on Market Outsiders , Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack Kimberly-Clark’s surprising move to sell its international tissue business - and what it signals about strategy, cash flow, and global growth. Plus, a rare rate cut from the European Central Bank raises deeper questions about inflation, energy, and the future of innovation in Europe. Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube - and now, episodes are also available on Strategy Simplified ever...

Jun 05, 202519 minSeason 18Ep. 13

S18E12: Sophomores: McKinsey’s Summer Internship Deadline Is In 6 Days – Act Now!

Send us a text McKinsey just announced the deadline for its Sophomore Summer Business Analyst internship - and it’s only 6 days away . If you're a sophomore or second-year undergrad (Class of 2028) in the U.S. or Canada aiming for a consulting role, now is the time to act. In this episode, Namaan breaks down what the deadline means, why it's so competitive, and how you can put your best foot forward before June 10. Additional Resources Apply to McKinsey's Sophomore Summer Business Analyst intern...

Jun 04, 20252 minSeason 18Ep. 12

S18E11: Hims & Hers Goes to Europe (June 3, 2025)

Send us a text On today’s Market Outsiders , Namaan and Jenny Rae explore the surprising global play by Hims & Hers. What does this expansion say about the future of telehealth and the evolution of modern DTC businesses? From category growth to customer loyalty, they unpack what makes this move worth watching. 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 Consulte...

Jun 03, 202523 minSeason 18Ep. 11

S18E10: Intro to Casing (5 of 10): BCG Market Study Case – Plastic Co’s Pricing Dilemma

Send us a text In the 5th episode of our 10-part “Intro to Casing” series, we explore a market study case in BCG's style. The client, Plastic Co, is a major straw supplier to fast-food chains across the U.S., facing increasing pressure from lower-priced Southeast Asian competitors. Follow along as Ed dissects the financials, evaluates customer trust dynamics, and weighs strategic pricing decisions to protect market share. This case highlights the nuanced interplay between cost analysis, customer...

Jun 02, 202524 minSeason 18Ep. 10

S18E9: AI & the End of the Old Consulting Model – with Soren Kaplan

Send us a text What happens when AI meets an industry built on expertise? In this episode of Strategy Simplified , Jenny Rae sits down with Dr. Soren Kaplan - Wall Street Journal bestselling author, innovation expert, and co-founder of Praxie.com - to explore how artificial intelligence is disrupting the traditional consulting model. From his early days in boutique firms to advising global giants like Disney and Visa, Soren brings decades of experience to a fast-moving conversation about: Why co...

May 30, 202537 minSeason 18Ep. 9

S18E8: NVIDIA Beats and Avocado Supply Spurs Demand (Market Outsiders: May 29, 2025)

Send us a text In today’s Market Outsiders , Namaan and Jenny Rae explore two seemingly unrelated stories - NVIDIA’s blockbuster earnings and a surprising twist in the avocado market - and uncover a common business thread. They break down: Why NVIDIA’s continued dominance reveals both strength and potential vulnerability How California avocado growers are benefiting from more competition, not less What both stories teach us about pricing power, supply chains, and long-term demand From AI chips t...

May 29, 202522 minSeason 18Ep. 8

S18E7: No, McKinsey Didn’t Just Lay Off 10% Of Its Staff (May 28, 2025)

Send us a text You may have seen the headlines: “McKinsey lays off 10% of its staff.” But is that really what happened? In this episode, we unpack the viral Financial Times story and cut through the hype to uncover what’s actually going on inside McKinsey. We explore: Why the 10% figure is misleading How voluntary attrition, tighter performance standards, and AI-driven efficiencies are reshaping the firm What this all says about the evolving consulting landscape Forget the clickbait. This is the...

May 28, 202519 minSeason 18Ep. 7

BREAKING: BCG’s Unusual Silence - What It Means for 2026 Recruiting

Send us a text **Update: BCG has released application deadlines - see here . Apply when ready! --------------- Rumors are swirling as Boston Consulting Group remains unusually quiet about its 2026 summer recruiting plans. Unlike McKinsey and Bain, who announced their deadlines months ago, BCG has yet to name recruiting leads or open applications for undergrad and Master’s roles. In this episode, we unpack what this silence could mean, how the firm’s Bridge to Consulting program fits in, and what...

May 27, 20253 min

S18E6: Intro to Casing (4 of 10): L.E.K. Profitability Case – Best Boots

Send us a text In the fourth installment of our 10-part “Intro to Casing” series, we dive into a profitability case from L.E.K. Consulting that centers on Best Boots, a billion-dollar American footwear company. With aggressive competition from Cuffee Shoes in the work boot segment, Best Boots must decide: defend their position or shift focus to casual boots? Join Ed as he analyzes market data, evaluates distribution channels, and identifies strategic levers to uncover whether Best Boots should d...

May 27, 202530 minSeason 18Ep. 6

BREAKING: From Beltway Boom to Budget Bust - Booz Allen Tightens Up

Send us a text Booz Allen Hamilton just dropped a bombshell - cutting 2,500 jobs in one of the largest workforce reductions in its history. What’s behind this sudden move? In this episode, MC COO Namaan Mian unpacks the sharp slowdown in federal civilian contracts, the government’s tightening grip on consulting spend, and what it all means for Booz Allen’s future. Join Namaan as he breaks down the numbers, examines what Booz leadership is saying, and explores the broader implications for the con...

May 23, 20254 min

S18E4: Behind the Scenes at Stax: Private Equity Consulting with Brad Kuntz

Send us a text In this episode of Strategy Simplified, we chat with Brad Kuntz, Senior Managing Director at Stax, to get a real look at what makes the firm tick. Brad shares how Stax’s private equity focus, small-team model, and fast-paced culture set it apart - and what that means for consultants at every level. We dive into his career path, a surprising case in the industrial sector, and what type of candidate thrives at Stax (hint: it’s about curiosity and flexibility). Plus, he shares practi...

May 23, 202539 minSeason 18Ep. 4

S18E3: Nike Backtracks & Why You Should Care About U.S. Bond Yields (Market Outsiders: May 22, 2025)

Send us a text In this extended Market Outsiders live episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae cut through the noise on tariffs, premium pricing, and why Nike’s betting on affluent consumers. The duo break down a weak 20-year Treasury auction and rising U.S. bond yields - signaling investor concerns over fiscal health and global competition. Plus, they dive into Nike’s surprising return to Amazon after a six-year DTC push. Is it a sign of strategy shift - or just a move to win back share from brands like H...

May 22, 202557 minSeason 18Ep. 3
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