Strategy Simplified

Send us Fan Mail AI is everywhere in TMT — but in 2026, the hype is fading and the real question is simple: what’s the ROI? Rick Wilmot (ex-McKinsey) sits down with leaders from Bain (Ron Kermisch), Capgemini Invent (Karl Bjurstrom), Strategy& (Dan Hays), and Altman Solon (Gregor Eichler) to unpack what TMT clients want now — and what it takes to win offers in this space. You’ll hear what’s ch...

Send us Fan Mail Where do McKinsey, Bain, and BCG consultants go after they leave? We analyzed 1,600+ MBB exits to build a live map of where opportunity is compounding — and which skills the market is paying a premium for. In this episode, Namaan breaks down the 2025 MBB Exit Opportunity Analysis and the 5 trends shaping where consultants go next. You’ll learn: The top industries hiring ex-MBB in...

Send us Fan Mail Thrive Market just became the first major online grocer to drop alcohol completely , and the internet is cheering… but the business case isn’t what it seems.  In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the move, what the data actually says about drinking trends, and why households, not individuals, tell the true story. We cover: Why “54% of adults drink alcohol” is the...

Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to break into MBB — especially if you’re starting late? In this conversation, ex-Bain manager and case coach Abi Chen breaks down the exact 2-month strategy that helped her go from “I just learned what consulting is” to landing a Bain offer.  She shares the principles that top candidates consistently get right — and the myths that hold everyone else back....

Send us Fan Mail Netflix just shocked Hollywood with a $72B bid for Warner Bros, the biggest media deal of the decade. But behind the headlines is a fight over market share, regulation, and the future of streaming. In this episode, we break down: Why Netflix is suddenly willing to buy instead of build How HBO, Warner Bros, and gaming change Netflix’s strategy The regulatory risk (and why Trump and...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the skills that set candidates apart in tech, strategy, and consulting.  In this live conversation, Namaan talks with Adobe leaders Shawn Loutensock and Nick Hilton about how Adobe DX (Digital Experience) certifications help career seekers build practical, job-ready skills . If you're exploring tech, strategy, consulting, or a mid-career pivot, this episode breaks down...

Send us Fan Mail In this BCG case interview, ex-BCG Principal and case coach Tauseef Charanya leads a live, candidate-led walkthrough of an airline profitability case : should the client switch to credit-card-only in-flight payments? Follow along as Bao works through clarifying questions, a customized profitability framework, structured math, and a clear final recommendation — plus hear Tauseef’s...

Send us Fan Mail Want to land a consulting role in China? This episode breaks down what makes the 2025 recruiting process one of the most competitive and unique in the world. We cover: How applications, assessments, and interviews differ in mainland China vs. Hong Kong Why bilingual skills, academic strength, and international exposure matter more here than almost anywhere else What to expect from...

Send us Fan Mail Best Buy was supposed to be dead. Instead, it just raised its full-year sales and earnings outlook. In this episode, Jenny Rae and Namaan dig into why Best Buy is outperforming in a “K-shaped” economy, even as everyone keeps blaming the consumer and inflation. They break down: How Best Buy is still winning on laptops, gaming, and smartphones Why AI-enabled laptops and new consoles...

Send us Fan Mail Sophomore year feels early to think about consulting — but it’s actually the perfect time to get ahead. In this episode, MC coach Kabreya Ghaderi breaks down a simple roadmap using the 3A framework: Access, Ability, and Acceleration. You’ll learn how to: Choose the right firms and offices Build a focused networking plan Avoid the “spray and pray” approach most candidates fall into...

Send us Fan Mail Want to land a consulting role in Europe? This episode breaks down the 2025 recruiting landscape across a region where language, prestige, and pay vary widely. We cover: How language requirements differ across markets Why school pedigree still matters in Europe Compensation ranges across major cities and firms Key timelines, assessments, and cultural expectations For the full play...

Send us Fan Mail Bath and Body Works used to own the mall fragrance space. Now traffic is shrinking, margins are squeezed and a new CEO is blaming the old playbook. In this episode, we break down what went wrong and whether the turnaround plan has a real shot. We cover: How chasing “adjacent” categories like shampoo and laundry backfired Why discounting destroys price integrity in a brand-led busi...

Send us Fan Mail What’s really happening behind the scenes in education consulting right now?  In this panel, Ish (ex-BCG) sits down with Mark Finlan ( Huron ), Laura Brookhiser ( L.E.K. ), and Miriam El-Baz ( Grant Thornton Stax ) for a fast, unfiltered look at how top firms are navigating a rapidly shifting education landscape. You’ll hear how these firms are responding to enrollment pressure, t...

Send us Fan Mail Panera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around. In this episode, we unpack: How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experience Why menu complexity and pricing confuse customers The barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comeback What we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer research A...

Send us Fan Mail The once-a-year All Access Pass flash sale is officially live — and it ends Monday, Nov. 17 at 11:59PM PT . For one weekend only, get 50% off the All Access Pass ™ ($350 vs. $700), our complete DIY case-prep system used by candidates breaking into McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and top-tier firms. This year’s sale is bigger than ever: a full McKinsey Solve practice test is included exclusiv...

Send us Fan Mail The U.S. stops minting new pennies. Cost savings help, but do second-order effects matter more? We dig into: Why it cost ~4¢ to make 1¢ $56M savings vs real economic impact Rounding rules, cash users, and pricing behavior Card mix, tipping culture, and “two-way door” policy A quick, practical look at what this means for consumers and businesses. Partner Links: Learn more about Nor...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take for an international, non-target student to land a full-time offer at MBB? Giovanni Coeli joins us to share the exact playbook he used to overcome visa hurdles, stand out as a non-target candidate, and earn his offer at BCG Miami. In this episode, Giovanni breaks down: His intentional networking system How he identified the right offices (and why Miami won) The d...

Send us Fan Mail Getting into consulting as an MBA1 isn’t luck – it’s strategy. In this episode, Katie Neff – Management Consulted’s Black Belt Advisor – walks through the exact roadmap to land an MBB consulting internship. With McKinsey, Bain, and BCG internship applications due November 13 , now is the moment to take action.  From crafting a standout consulting resume to building a smart network...

Send us Fan Mail CoreWeave isn’t OpenAI or Nvidia, but it’s powering both. We unpack how this lesser-known company became essential to the AI ecosystem, including: What CoreWeave actually does and why it matters How $55B in backlog signals explosive demand Why data centers, not apps, may define the next AI wave What an “AI capex bubble” could look like A fast, insightful breakdown of the infrastru...

Send us Fan Mail Retailers plan the lightest holiday hiring since the Great Recession, but spending is still projected to top $1T. We dig into: Why demand smoothing and e-comm shift cut seasonal roles How “slower” in-store flow can increase basket size What segmentation and channels mean for labor needs Why tariff headlines often overstate price impact Actionable takeaways for leaders on staffing,...

Send us Fan Mail The consulting market just flipped. Bonuses are tightening, hiring is shifting toward AI-savvy talent, and clients now demand proof of impact.  In this episode, Andrew breaks down the key findings from Management Consulted’s October 2025 Consulting Industry Report — including bonus changes, firm acquisitions, private equity trends, and where firms are hiring now. Download the full...

Send us Fan Mail The FAA just announced flight cuts at 40 U.S. airports, all tied to the government shutdown. In this bonus episode: Why air traffic control staffing is reaching a breaking point How airlines like Delta and United will decide what to cancel What smart leaders do when government policy hits business operations A quick 15-minute breakdown on policy, pressure, and decision-making when...

Send us Fan Mail Pinterest just had one of its worst trading days ever, and blamed tariffs. We dig into what’s really behind the drop: Why ad revenue might be a Pinterest problem, not a tariff problem How user behavior has shifted away from “mood board” culture What it would take for Pinterest to stay relevant in an AI-driven shopping world Plus, Namaan and Jenny Rae debate whether Pinterest’s nex...

Send us Fan Mail What separates candidates who crush their case interviews from those who fall short? Former Bain consultant Jenny Rae Le Roux reveals the #1 habit that top performers share – and it’s not about frameworks or math.  If you’re preparing for McKinsey, BCG, Bain, or any consulting interview, this is the mindset shift that changes everything. Additional Resources: Work 1:1 with an MBB...

Send us Fan Mail In this Bain case interview, ex-Bain consultant and coach Juliane Hoss walks through a profitability case on franchising small gyms.  Listen as she guides a candidate through structuring, quant, and communication – and hear expert coaching along the way on how to think (and sound) like a Bain consultant . Learn how to: Clarify objectives and criteria of success early Prioritize pr...