Strategy Simplified

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we hear from Grace about her journey into strategy consulting at BCG. She shares the tactics she used to break in, including her best case prep tips, and why she decided to transition out of the Big 4. Grace is originally from China and shares tips that will help anyone in a similar position navigate the consulting recruiting process. Additional Links Join Black B...

Send us Fan Mail The Big 3 (McKinsey, Bain, and BCG), along with a few boutiques, are preparing their pre-MBA programming for this summer. If you're an incoming first year MBA, this is a great opportunity to get a headstart on the consulting recruiting process. Today, Stephanie shares an overview of the MBA consulting recruiting landscape (1:47), what these pre-MBA programs are (4:43), pros a...

Send us Fan Mail Just got a notice that you'll face a case presentation interview (sometimes known as a written case interview)? You're in luck. In this episode, Stephanie covers everything you need to know about the presentation case interview, including: What it is (0:26) What skills it tests for (2:13) How to succeed (5:38) How to prepare (14:46)  A myriad of consulting firms employ t...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we hear from Kit O'Connor, an accomplished member of MC's coaching staff. In chatting through his career journey - Financial Services > Columbia Business School > Deloitte Internship > McKinsey > Tech - you'll discover: How he broke into consulting (1:37) Why he chose McKinsey over Deloitte (4:53) His reasons for staying at McKinsey for 4 years (5...

Send us Fan Mail Click 'play' to learn what's great - and not-so-great - about working for an MBB firm. What makes MBB the undisputed leaders in management consulting? What are the pros and cons of working for an MBB firm? Is consulting at MBB a smart career move? All those questions get answered in this episode. Additional Links Join case prep program: LEARN MORE Apply to Strategy...

Send us Fan Mail Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Strategy&'s Paul Leinwand and Matt Mani about their new book, Beyond Digital .   The experienced consultants pull from years of research to share insights that leaders can use to transform their organizations and create sustainable competitive advantage. Additional Links Buy Beyond Digital: How Great Leaders Transform Their Org...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, a PhD candidate (Gurrein) tackles a pharma case led by an ex-BCG consultant (Ryan). Gurrein demonstrates poise under pressure and powers her way to a strong finish. It's a great example of a first round case and a performance that would warrant a "pass" in an MBB interview. Additional Links Apply to Strategy Sprint, the 1-week consulting project: AP...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we catch up with Tara Russell, CSO at Photon Marine (an accelerator-funded green energy start-up). She shares how a Strategy Sprint case team from Management Consulted provided critical insights that led to an uber successful VC pitch. Click 'play' for the full story - and apply to Strategy Sprint to be staffed on a real-world consulting project and driv...

Send us Fan Mail Xi is an MBA candidate at the University of Toronto and future Kearney consultant. Listen for insights from Xi's journey into consulting - for case prep, networking, and dealing with self-doubt in the recruiting process. You'll come away from the discussion feeling inspired and equipped. Additional Links Join Black Belt, MC's structured case prep program: LEARN MORE...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Namaan and Stephanie cover the 5 golden rules of networking for consulting. You'll walk away knowing: The importance of networking Who to reach out to When to reach out What NOT to do It's a can't-miss episode if you're at all serious about breaking into consulting. Additional Links Work with an MBB coach to build a personalized networking stra...

Send us Fan Mail L.E.K. Consulting is hiring now for a number of positions in life sciences strategy consulting. In this episode, we're joined by Managing Director Matt Mancuso to talk through current opportunities the firm has for Advanced Degree Candidates through the Link to L.E.K. summer program. Listen to learn about life sciences strategy consulting, Link to L.E.K. (who it's for, h...

Send us Fan Mail In this bonus episode, we're talking about becoming a more effective communicator at work. Listen as Stephanie and Namaan share communication best practices based on the Pyramid Principle. Want more? Register for the Impactful Communication Bootcamp taking place on March 16 from 6-9PM ET. Additional Links Sign up for the Impactful Communication Bootcamp: REGISTER Connect With...

Send us Fan Mail If you have a case interview coming up and you don't have weeks or months to prepare, this episode is for you. We go over exactly what you can - and should - do to get ready for an interview next week. Listen to the end where we answer two listener questions:  If I make a single math error, will I make it through the interview? What is the right amount of case practice? Is it...

Send us Fan Mail Is your talent acquisition strategy working? If you don't have an effective talent acquisition strategy - or worse, no strategy at all - this episode is for you. We share 7 top tips to upgrade your talent acquisition strategy. Need help filling open roles? We can help. We work with a number of organizations to fill their talent pipeline with the best of the best. Reach out fo...

Send us Fan Mail Kicking off a new series of interviews is Yusuf Shaikh. He broke into BCG right out undergrad, then leveraged that to move into Private Equity. Now, Yusuf advises South Africa's leading FinTech on business strategy, M&A, and corporate development. Listen for some incredible tips for transitioning into finance after consulting, the importance of your network, and the proce...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Morais goes toe-to-toe against a 30min BCG marketing case. The case is more qualitative in nature, which proves to be a challenge for Morais. The session is run by ex-McKinsey consultant, Stephanie Knight (Duke MBA).  Listen if you want a raw, unpolished look at how MBB case interviews are conducted and graded. Additional Links Hand-made jewelry from Handcrafted b...

Send us Fan Mail Elena failed interviews at McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte, and others, but persevered to land the role she wanted at Amazon in program management. In this discussion, she walks us through the interview gauntlet she went through, the process she used to prepare, and actionable tips for success in any interview. With 20+ years of experience in software development, consulting (IBM), and mo...

Send us Fan Mail Altman Solon is a top TMT-focused strategy consulting firm hiring now. In this episode, Managing Partner Rory Altman and team share about the firm’s culture, project work, and current job opportunities. If you are interested in submitting your resume for the role of Analyst, Consultant, Senior Consultant, apply now . Additional Links Submit your application for strategy consulting...

Send us Fan Mail Mercer is the $5B Human Resources consulting firm that most people have never heard of. That ends today. In this episode, we're sharing about the firm's work, culture, interviews, salaries, and more. If you're more people-prone than quant-minded, Mercer might be your dream job. Additional Links Submit your application for strategy consulting roles at Altman Solon: A...

Send us Fan Mail Leadership skills are critical for advancing in your career. And yes, they can be developed (that's good news for most of us!). In this episode, we cover the 8 key skills every leader needs to develop. Are you ready to up-level your leadership skills? Additional Links Hand-made jewelry from Handcrafted by Delcie: SHOP NOW Submit your application for strategy consulting roles...

Send us Fan Mail Learning how to talk like an executive is critical for engaging with stakeholders, getting what you need from team members, and moving work forward - no matter what industry you're in. In this episode, we cover the key communication skills that will drive your career forward. Ready to talk like an exec? Additional Links Storytelling training for your organization: LEARN MORE...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we share an overview of McKinsey Insight, Bridge to BCG, and Bain ADvantage, application deadlines, resume and interview tips, and more! Top firms are recruiting Advanced Degree Candidates (ADCs) - PhDs, JDs, and MDs - in full-force. One aspect of that effort is through these summer "bridge" programs. These programs are a chance for candidates to get to...

Send us Fan Mail In this interview, we sit down with Arjun, an incoming business analyst at McKinsey. Arjun is just finishing up the last year of a 5-year degree from the University of Texas, obtaining a BBA in accounting and a Masters in film. He comes to the table with insights for breaking into consulting (don't miss the networking tips!). Warning : you might walk away with a jolt of confi...

Send us Fan Mail A Bain-style case interview. What more needs to be said? Enjoy this case where a former McKinsey Engagement Manager interviews a current Deloitte tech consultant. Can our candidate crack the case? You'll have to listen to find out. Additional Links Apply to open roles at top TMT strategy firm, Altman Solon: APPLY Tailored case prep help: LEARN MORE Submit a question to be ans...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we do a deep-dive into Amazon's financials to understand how the company operates, how it makes money, how its grown, and how it can be successful in the future. What'cha waitin' for? Start listening! Additional Links Break into Amazon with our top-rated interview prep program: LEARN MORE Send in your questions for our new Q&A series: EMAIL US A...