Send us Fan Mail

The 2026 Consulting Salary Report is coming later this month — and this episode is your first look at what to expect.

Japheth shares why this year’s report matters more than ever, how it’s built using real offer data from 100+ firms, and what candidates need to understand about consulting compensation heading into 2026.

Join the waitlist to get early access to the report and register for a seat at the live January 23 walkthrough.

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

This is our most-listened-to episode of 2025 — and for good reason.

In this replay, you’ll hear a live McKinsey-style M&A case interview where a candidate evaluates whether a global bubble tea chain should acquire a fast-growing coffee brand.

Led by former McKinsey consultant and Management Consulted case coach Divya, the case walks through how to structure an acquisition decision, assess synergies and cannibalization risk, and pressure-test profitability — followed by concise interviewer feedback on what to refine.

The candidate went on to land an MBB offer shortly after this case, making this a must-listen for anyone prepping for consulting interviews in 2026.

Additional Resources:

• Purchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with our expert MBB team
• More McKinsey case examples

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off w

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

Send us Fan Mail

Watch the top MBA teams in the 2025 MBA Case Competition World Cup Finals go head-to-head in a live, high-pressure strategy showdown.

Five finalist teams take on The Cava Challenge: build a 3–5 year growth strategy to scale Cava nationally — without sacrificing the flavor, quality, and culture that made the brand.

You’ll see:

• 5-minute executive-style presentations
• Live Q&A / defense under pressure
• How employers evaluate structure, judgment, and communication in real time

Whether you’re recruiting for consulting, strategy, or business roles, this episode is a front-row seat to what “top-tier” thinking looks like.

Judging employers: Accenture • L.E.K. • Netflix • OC&C • Simon-Kucher • Slalom

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about running a case competition for your university or club (Career Services & Club Leaders only)
• Get your copy of Marc Cosentino's newest book:

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

Send us Fan Mail

Cannabis just moved from Schedule I to Schedule III — and the biggest implications have nothing to do with lifestyle or politics.

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what reclassification means for the market: who benefits, who loses, and why cannabis stocks dropped on “good” news.

They unpack the real unlocks behind the headlines — Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, federally funded research, banking access, and why Big Pharma, consumer giants, and even beer companies may now have the edge.

This is a regulatory shock case study: how one policy change reshapes competition, pricing power, supply chains, and long-term winners across healthcare and consumer markets.

Partner Links:

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

Chapters:

01:05 — What Cannabis Reclassification Actually Changes
03:15 — Schedule I vs Schedule III: Why It Matters
05:45 — Banking, Taxes, and the Industry’s Hidden Constraints
08:20 — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Real Demand Unlock
11:10 — Why Cannabis Stocks Fell on “Good” News
13:30 — Big Pharma, Big Beer, and New Market Entrants
19:40 — Supply Chains, Compliance, and Rising Costs
25:00 — Who Wins, Who Loses, and What Comes Next

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

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 changing across tech and telecom: the post-hype AI reality check, shifting talent strategy, telco capex monetization pressure, and the growing role of regulation in growth strategy.

The panel also gets practical on recruiting: what makes candidates stand out, how to show real depth in TMT, and how to start strong once you land the role.

Each firm is hiring now. Click here to see open roles and prep resources to help you land your next offer.

Additional Resources:

• Explore open roles at Altman Solon, Bain, Capgemini Invent, and

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

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 2025
• Why most exits go private (not public)
• Which roles accelerate the move into operating leadership
• How to choose: product, capital, or CEO proximity

Download the full report for free here.

Additional Resources:

• Download free 2025 MBB Exit Opportunity Analysis report
• Reach out to Namaan: [email protected]

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

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 wrong metric for retailers
• The hidden logistics + regulatory friction behind alcohol shipping
• How Thrive’s branding strategy earns attention, even if the business case is thin
• The one customer-insight mistake we see companies make again and again

A fascinating look at strategy, consumer behavior, and the storytelling behind business decisions.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20

Chapters:

• 03:19 Consumer Trends in Alcohol Consumption
• 06:23 Business Model Analysis of Thrive Market
• 09:05 Logistical Challenges in Alcohol Sales
• 12:07 Market Size and Consumer Preferences
• 15:38 Branding and Business Storytelling
• 17:30 How Great Strategists Think Past the Press Release
• 21:00 Households, Not Individuals: Why the 54% Stat Misleads
• 23:30 Takeaways on Strategy, Storytelling & Alcohol’s Future

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 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.

You’ll learn:

• How to diagnose your readiness (and what most candidates overlook)
• Why drills matter more than full cases
• How top performers think like consultants from day one
• The feedback mindset that accelerates growth in recruiting and on the job

If you need a clear, realistic roadmap to MBB — or inspiration for charting your own path — you’ll find it here.

Additional Resources

• Work directly with Abi on case and behavioral prep
• Join Black Belt for structured prep that cove

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

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 Paramount matter)
• Whether this deal can ever pay for itself
• What this means for the future of streaming bundles and pricing

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025

Episode Links:

• Netflix press release
• Netflix set to buy Warner Bros. in deal valued at $83 billion (ABC News)
• Netflix Co-Founder LinkedIn Post

Chapters:

•  01:20 Christmas tree banter and setting the stakes
•  03:05 What Netflix is actually buying from Warner Bros
•  07:00 Why Netflix wants Warner Bros and HBO
•  11:45 Can this $72B deal ever pay off?
•  16:30 Ads

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

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 why digital experience skills matter — and how certification can give you a real edge.

You’ll learn:

• Why top firms (Accenture, Deloitte, IBM) hire Adobe-certified talent
• The job-ready skills certification actually builds
• How to choose the right Adobe certification for your career goals
• What hiring and salary data show about specialized digital skills

Ready to stand out in a competitive market? Start here.

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about Adobe’s DX certification programs
• Students: Get 50% off with code A4AX9WJAE4 (use your university email)
• University admins: Click here to explore partnership and learning opportunities with Adobe
• Questions? Email askdxce

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