Strategy Simplified

Send us Fan Mail Step inside a live McKinsey-style case interview. In this episode, former McKinsey consultant and expert coach Mark Di Giorgio leads a candidate through a market entry case set in the nutrition and healthcare industry . Watch how the case unfolds, including: Structuring a US market entry problem Sizing the diabetes supplement market Evaluating retail vs. direct sales channels Asse...

Send us Fan Mail Get the insider’s view on consulting recruitment in the United Kingdom for 2025. In this episode, we cover market trends, 3 recruiting power moves, and a salary preview for top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and OC&C. You’ll learn: Why where you study matters more than what you study The true recruiting timeline for UK firms (hint: it starts earlier than you think) What entry-leve...

Send us Fan Mail Chili’s just posted five straight quarters of growth and a 39% sales jump, bucking the trend in a struggling casual dining sector. On today’s Market Outsiders , Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack what’s behind Chili’s surge and why its real competition may be McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, not Outback or Applebee’s. They also explore how Chili’s is threading the needle on pricing strategy,...

Send us Fan Mail Mental math is one of the most misunderstood (and feared) parts of the case interview. In this live Case Math Masterclass, we show you how to turn it into a strength. You’ll learn the 3 types of case math you’ll encounter, the 4-step process to master each one, and how firms actually evaluate your quantitative skills. Plus, watch a live demonstration to see what excellent case mat...

Send us Fan Mail Too many candidates spend their prep time chasing rare case interview curveballs. The truth is, most interviews follow a predictable pattern. Over 95% of cases include the same five question types. In this episode, we break down exactly what they are and how to handle each one - from your opening structure to your final close. Skip the fluff, focus your practice, and give yourself...

Send us Fan Mail Stock buybacks are hitting all-time highs in 2025, led by big banks and tech giants like Apple and Alphabet.  In this episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what a buyback is, why companies do it, and what this surge signals about corporate balance sheets, sector trends, and the strength of the U.S. economy. Links: Investopedia : What is a Buyback? Wall Street Journal : American Com...

Send us Fan Mail Get the latest recruiting scoop you can’t afford to miss. In this Recruiting Intel Drop, we break down McKinsey interview timing, Bain’s creative case format rollout, and key application deadlines for MBB and top boutique firms. Whether you’re an undergrad, non-MBA master’s student, or advanced degree candidate, you’ll hear exactly what’s happening right now — and what to expect i...

Send us Fan Mail Interview coming up fast? Don’t panic. This episode breaks down exactly how to prepare for a case interview when you’ve got 7 days or less.  Learn the 4-step plan our most successful candidates use to prep under pressure, plus what not to waste time on. Whether you're just getting started or need a reset, this is your last-minute roadmap to case success. Need help fast? Our e...

Send us Fan Mail Yum! Brands beat expectations in some areas - but it wasn’t enough.  Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why positive same-store sales at Taco Bell still set off alarms, how KFC and Pizza Hut are dragging the portfolio, and what investors and operators often miss when they celebrate “growth.” They explore: The real meaning behind Yum’s earnings miss Why brand-level performance...

Send us Fan Mail The first five minutes of your case interview matter most. In this live-recorded masterclass, learn how to structure your case like a pro and impress from the start. In this episode: What MBB firms look for in a 2025-ready case structure How to build and deliver a tailored 4x3 structure under pressure A live demo with real-time scoring and expert feedback Download the free prep pl...

Send us Fan Mail Starbucks is ditching its pickup-only and drive-thru-only stores. CEO Brian Niccol says they “lack warmth” — but is that really the reason?  In today’s Thursday Market Outsiders , Namaan and Jenny Rae break down the surprising move and whether it’s a smart brand strategy or a costly operational mistake.  Listen in to learn what this shift signals for loyalty, in-store experience,...

Send us Fan Mail Watch as a former BCG consultant - Raghav - leads a candidate through a real-time case interview focused on cost reduction for a defense contractor. This live case tests structuring, market sizing, math under pressure, and strategy formulation. You’ll learn how to: Break down a cost-focused BCG-style case Handle unfamiliar industry contexts like defense manufacturing Structure a w...

Send us Fan Mail A slow-moving popcorn line sparked today’s conversation, but what it uncovered was a masterclass in business strategy. Jenny Rae and Namaan dig into Garrett Popcorn’s iconic brand, operational bottlenecks, and surprising pricing tactics. They also explore what Garrett’s isn’t doing - and what it could - plus how SkinnyPop’s explosive growth started with the same insight: there’s r...

Send us Fan Mail Katie Neff’s path to consulting was anything but typical. After 8 years in the Marine Corps, she pivoted through a dual degree at Columbia and went on to land a role with BCG in the Middle East. In this conversation, Katie unpacks how she: Built a strong consulting resume Navigated hidden BCG networking opportunities Mastered case interview prep with the Black Belt program Nailed...

Send us Fan Mail Tesla has opened a diner in Los Angeles - and it’s not just about burgers and fries. In today’s episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae explore the business strategy behind this bold move and why the diner could be more than a gimmick. They break down how Tesla might use this concept to test robotics, integrate charging infrastructure, and experiment with a new kind of customer experience -...

Send us Fan Mail Are you an engineer or in another technical field wondering if consulting could be your next move?  In this episode, Jenny Rae breaks down exactly how engineers can successfully transition into consulting. She explains why firms value your analytical skills, what makes engineers both great and challenging hires, and the extra experiences that set you apart.  Additional resources t...

Send us Fan Mail Coca‑Cola posted stronger‑than‑expected earnings, yet its stock still slipped. Why?  In today’s Tuesday episode of Market Outsiders , Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack Coca‑Cola’s latest results, from price hikes to shifting volume trends across regions and product lines.  They explore how forward guidance, tariffs, and supply chain costs shape investor reactions - and what it all means...

Send us Fan Mail Saahil’s path to McKinsey was anything but typical. He started in law school in India, built two startups, earned an MBA at UVA Darden, and ultimately broke into consulting.  In this episode, he shares exactly how he translated his legal and entrepreneurial skills into a top‑tier consulting offer. Listen in for practical tips on consultifying your resume, networking from a non‑tra...

Send us Fan Mail PepsiCo’s latest earnings surprised Wall Street, sending shares up even as U.S. demand slipped. In today's Market Outsiders , Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what’s driving the numbers, from price increases and consolidation to the rise of challenger brands and new distribution models.  They break down how shifting consumer tastes, global supply chains, and strategic M&A are...

Send us Fan Mail Breaking into consulting as an international candidate in 2025 is challenging, but not impossible. In this episode, Jenny Rae shares a proven roadmap. You’ll hear the 4 most common obstacles internationals face, plus actionable strategies to overcome them. From understanding visa sponsorship to translating your work experience, Jenny Rae covers what really matters in today’s hirin...

Send us Fan Mail NVIDIA’s surprise approval to resume selling AI chips to China sent its stock soaring and lifted the broader market - even as fresh inflation data showed price pressures ticking back up. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why NVIDIA’s China comeback matters for investors and how U.S. policy is shaping global chip strategy. They also explore what rising inflation could mean for Fed de...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down exactly what to expect from the 2025 McKinsey Digital Assessment - also known as the McKinsey Solve Game or McKinsey Problem Solving Game.  Whether you're facing two or three game scenarios, we'll walk you through the most common formats, including Red Rock, Seawolf, and ecosystem management. We also share proven strategies used by thousand...

Send us Fan Mail If you're prepping for Bain or any MBB interview, this is essential listening. Join Coach Tobe, a former Bain consultant, for a live M&A case interview simulation focused on a strategic acquisition in the candy industry.  In this session, candidate Zawwad tackles a complex Bain-style case, analyzing whether a niche candy company should acquire a chocolate competitor to di...

Send us Fan Mail Ferrero just dropped $3.1 billion to acquire cereal maker WK Kellogg, home of Froot Loops and Frosted Flakes. But why now, and why cereal?  In this episode, Namaan  and Jenny Rae unpack the deal from every angle, connecting the dots on category expansion, geographic growth, shelf space strategy, and manufacturing capacity.  Plus, how this move compares to Ferrero’s other acquisiti...

Send us Fan Mail In this urgent episode, we reveal breaking intel from top consulting firms: candidates are getting blacklisted for using AI tools like ChatGPT during interviews and applications - and it's happening more than you'd think.  We dive into how firms are detecting AI abuse, why it's leading to automatic disqualification, and what this means for virtual interviews going f...