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If I had to break into consulting again today — starting from a clean slate — this is exactly how I’d do it.

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae walks through the step-by-step strategy she would use to maximize her odds.

You’ll learn:

• What to focus on first — and what most candidates waste time on
• How to build real confidence for interviews (not just “prep”)
• The mindset shift that separates 80% outcomes from real offers

This is the playbook for candidates who don’t want to almost break in — they want to win.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

Brex was once valued at $12.3B. Capital One just bought it for $5.15B.

In today’s episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why Capital One was willing to buy Brex at a $7B discount – and what the deal actually tells us about fintech valuations, banking strategy, and the future of credit cards.

We unpack:

• Why the 50% cash / 50% stock structure reveals who really had leverage
• What Capital One is actually buying
• Whether this is a smart buy vs. build move or a risky integration bet

The bigger question: Is this how banks future-proof growth in financial services – or an example of catching a falling knife?

Episode Links:

• Capital One is buying startup Brex for $5.15 billion in credit card firm’s latest deal (CNBC)

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Chapters:

• 00:00 The $7B Brex Discount
• 05:40 What Brex Actually Does
• 09:30 Wh

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This Month

Application deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep program

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

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In this short episode, Japheth Mast shares what’s new in the data – and what it means if you’re recruiting for consulting this year.

You’ll hear 3 key takeaways from the report, including why starting salaries stayed flat, where compensation growth is happening, and how utilization trends are shaping hiring.

👉 Download the full 2026 Consulting Salary Report (free).

Additional Resources:

• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

What does it actually take to succeed in consulting — beyond frameworks and technical skills?

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae Le Roux breaks down the five core skills consultants rely on every day — the same ones firms test for in case interviews and reward once you’re on the job.

You’ll learn:

• Why structured thinking isn’t just about frameworks
• How prioritization and communication separate top performers from everyone else
• The mindset that helps great consultants grow

If you’re preparing for interviews, already in consulting, or deciding whether this career path makes sense for you, this episode gives you a clear lens on what really matters.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Take the Consulting Fit Quiz (free self-assessment)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

College football isn’t just a game anymore, it’s a business. On this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae Le Roux and Namaan Mian break down how wins on the field translate into dollars off it, sparked by Indiana University’s surprising national championship run. 

From media deals and ticket sales to donations and NIL money, Namaan lays out the six revenue engines powering modern college football - and why performance is everything. 

Finally, Namaan and Jenny Rae explore the high-stakes decisions university leaders face as they invest in their programs, align leadership, and compete in a rapidly changing sports economy.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to College Football Business
• 02:41 The Financial Landscape of College Football
• 04:58 Key Revenue Streams for Athletic Departments
• 12:20 Investing in Coaching and Program Alignment
• 20:59 The Impact of NIL on College Sports
• 28:55 Conclusion and Future Considerations

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This Month

Application deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep program

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

Saks Fifth Avenue has filed for bankruptcy.

After years of warning signs – including its Neiman Marcus acquisition and Amazon’s investment – the iconic luxury retailer is officially on life support.

In this Market Outsiders episode, Namaan and Jenny break down what actually went wrong behind the headlines. They cover:

• Why the Neiman Marcus deal failed to deliver real synergies
• How junk-bond financing and cash-flow missteps pushed Saks into bankruptcy
• What happens next – and whether Saks can realistically be rebuilt

This isn’t just a retail story. It’s a case study in leverage, dealmaking, and what happens when strategy can’t outrun structural change.

Episode Links:

• Amazon says its Saks investment is now worthless (CNBC)
• How the Neiman Marcus acquisition pushed Saks into bankruptcy (CNBC)

Previous episode:

• Saks on Amazon Signals Luxury in Crisis – Our original breakdown of Amazon’s stake and why the strategy looked fragile from the start

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Saks Fifth Avenue's Bankruptcy
• 02:31

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This Month

Application deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep program

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

What’s the real difference between an analyst, a manager, and a partner in consulting?

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae Le Roux breaks down how consulting roles actually work — what changes as you move up, what each level is responsible for, and what firms value most at every stage.

You’ll learn:

• What analysts, managers, and partners really do day to day
• Why being great at analytics isn’t enough as you move up
• How expectations shift from execution to leadership to vision

If you’re considering consulting or trying to understand how the career path actually works in practice, this episode gives you the insider view.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Take the Consulting Fit Quiz (free self-assessment)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

What is consulting, really — and why do companies pay so much for it?

In this first episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae Le Roux (former Bain consultant and CEO of Management Consulted) breaks down consulting in 5 minutes, including:

• The difference between professional consulting and “single-shingle” consulting
• The 4 core reasons companies hire consultants
• The 3 main types of consulting: strategy, tech, and operations
• What it actually takes to succeed as a professional consultant

If you’re considering consulting — or trying to figure out whether it’s the right career path — this is the simplest and clearest place to start.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Take the Consulting Fit Quiz (free self-assessment)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

The average new car now costs over $50,000, with monthly payments nearing $760.

So how did Ford post its best U.S. sales year since 2019?

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down how Ford defied expectations in 2025 – despite tariffs, high rates, and weakening EV demand.

They cover:

• Why 2025 may have been the first “normal” auto year since COVID
• How financing, hybrids, and product mix drove Ford’s outperformance
• What Ford must change in 2026 as margins shift beyond unit sales

This is a forward-looking strategy conversation on how automakers adapt when cars start behaving more like platforms than products.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Chapters:

03:05 — 2025 Auto Industry Overview
06:33 — Ford's Unexpected Success
08:56 — Consumer Behavior and Car Buying Trends
13:53 — Analyzing the Automotive Market Trends
16:40 — Consumer Behavior and Financing Strategies
19:51 — The Shift Towards Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
22:46 — Sales Performance and Market Share Insights
25:38 — Future Strategies for Automotive Companies
28:30 — Monetizing Customer Relationships Post-Purchase

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

MBB Undergrad Timelines Are This Month

Application deadlines are the earliest we've ever seen; join Black Belt for an accelerated, MBB-led prep program

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan Mail

In the debut episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down the real story of “Sophomore Sally” – a strong candidate at a fringe target school who’s panicking about junior-year recruiting and ready to apply everywhere (the “spaghetti at the wall” trap).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why applying to everything hurts your chances
• How to build a focused 6–8 firm target list (with clear criteria)
• How to network in a way that earns real advocates + referrals
• What “commitment” actually looks like (and why recruiting started yesterday)

Want help like Sally is getting?

The January Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, January 13 (limited spots). Learn more and join.

Additional Resources:

• Join January Black Belt
• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best path
• Use the Firm Directory to create your target firms list

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot Better

Create a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.

Connect With Management Consulted

• Create a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep today
• Schedule a free 15min consultation with the MC Team
• Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube
• Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok
• Join an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more