Strategy Simplified

Strategy Simplified

By Management ConsultedBusinessEducationHow ToCareers
Download on the App Store

Strategy Simplified episodes

  • S22E29: How to Pass McKinsey Solve, Bain Gorilla, & BCG CCA in 2026

    Send us Fan Mail

    Digital assessments are now the first filter at the top consulting firms – McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and more – and they're nothing you've seen before. 

    Coach Kabreya (ex-PwC, ex-Bridgespan, ex-McKinsey) breaks down exactly what each firm's test measures, where candidates go wrong, and how to prepare effectively.

    • What McKinsey Solve, Bain Gorilla, and BCG CCA are actually testing
    • Why time management is the silent killer
    • How BCG's CCA filters for cultural fit and values alignment – not just analytical ability
    • The 4 mistakes that tank otherwise strong candidates

    Black Belt members get access to simulated digital assessments for MBB and more – get started today.

    Resources:

    • Get full simulations for Bain Gorilla, McKinsey Solve, BCG CCA & more in Black Belt
    • Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on which MC program is the right fit

    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
    34 min
  • S22E28: The Evening MBA Who Landed McKinsey & Bain After Getting Rejected the First Time

    Send us Fan Mail

    Yang Yu spent 8 years in healthcare and life sciences before pursuing an evening MBA at Chicago Booth with his sights set on consulting. 

    His first recruiting attempt ended without the offer he wanted. His second? 3 top-tier offers, including McKinsey, Bain, and PwC Strategy&.

    In this episode, Yang breaks down exactly what changed – and how he stayed grounded when the pressure was highest, including a Halloween night offer call he'll never forget.

    We cover:

    • Why doing more cases doesn't mean doing better cases
    • His 3-step reflection framework for identifying and fixing blind spots
    • How he tailored his prep firm-by-firm – and when to bring in professional coaching
    • What it's actually like to choose between multiple top consulting offers

    Resources:

    • Join Black Belt – Yang's go-to prep program throughout his recruiting journey
    • Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on which MC program is the right fit
    • [email protected] – For consulting club leaders looking to bring MC support (resume edits, case coaching, and more) to their campus

    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
    44 min
  • BONUS: Inside the Bain Gorilla Test: 4 Example Questions (Walkthrough)

    Send us Fan Mail

    Not sure what to expect on the Bain Gorilla Test? You're not alone. Most candidates go in underprepared – and it costs them.

    In this bonus episode, Katie Neff walks through 4 example questions covering problem solving, time management, personality, and communication. 

    She breaks down the logic behind each answer, including a sneaky gotcha that often trips people up.

    Resources:

    • Get full simulations for Gorilla, McKinsey Solve, BCG CCA & more inside Black Belt
    • Grab a free Bain Gorilla practice test

    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
    10 min
  • S22E27: The "I'll Start When I'm Ready" Trap

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down "Procrastinator Annie" – an impressive sophomore at a target school who bought 24 coaching sessions, built a full prep plan… and then didn't start.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • Why waiting until you "feel ready" is the most common trap high achievers fall into
    • What to do when you're behind on prep with only weeks to go
    • The daily minimum that keeps you moving forward (even when time is tight)
    • Why your first coaching session is supposed to be uncomfortable

    Want help like Annie is getting?

    The April Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, April 7 (limited spots). Learn more and join.

    Resources:

    • Join the April Black Belt cohort
    • Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best path
    • Create a free MC account to get Case Foundations, a case prep crash course

    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
    17 min
  • S22E26: Inside Financial Services Consulting: M&A, AI, and the Future of Banking (PwC & L.E.K.)

    Send us Fan Mail

    Financial services is entering a new era – shaped by M&A activity, AI adoption, regulatory pressure, and the rise of digital assets.

    In this fireside chat, leaders from PwC and L.E.K. Consulting break down the real strategic questions facing banks, asset managers, and investors today.

    You’ll hear how firms are thinking about growth, where AI is actually delivering value, and what the future of financial services consulting looks like.

    In this episode:

    • The shift from scale → scope in M&A strategy
    • How firms are navigating uncertainty in capital markets
    • Where AI is driving real impact (and where it’s overhyped)
    • The truth about crypto and digital assets in financial services
    • What top consulting firms look for when hiring

    Whether you're exploring consulting or already in the industry, this is a behind-the-scenes look at how top firms are thinking about one of the most dynamic sectors today.

    Click here to connect with each speaker and learn more about the firms.

    Resources:

    • Break into consulting through Black Belt, an accelerated prep program
    • Explore open roles at PwC and L.E.K.

    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
    52 min
  • S22E25: The Simple Way to Build Powerful Mentors in Consulting | Consulting Unpacked

    Send us Fan Mail

    If you want great mentors in consulting, don’t ask for mentorship.

    In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the simple, repeatable approach she used at Bain to build powerful mentor relationships – and keep them for decades.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why asking someone to be your “mentor” is the wrong move
    • The low-pressure strategy that actually builds real relationships
    • How to turn strong performance into long-term mentorship and advocacy

    This is the playbook for building a network of mentors who don’t just advise you – they invest in your success.

    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)
    • Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on MC programs

    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
    9 min
  • S22E24: McKinsey Interviewer-Led Case Interview – Luxury Hotel Expansion

    Send us Fan Mail

    What does a real McKinsey interviewer-led case actually look like?

    In this episode, you’ll step into a live McKinsey-style case interview focused on a luxury hotel expansion in Dubai targeting high-net-worth “whale” customers.

    Led by former McKinsey consultant Aditya Ghosh, this walkthrough breaks down how top candidates approach interviewer-led cases – from asking the right clarifying questions to structuring, solving exhibits, and communicating under pressure.

    You’ll also see live feedback throughout the case, so you can understand not just what to do, but how interviewers evaluate your performance in real time.

    Work with Aditya:

    • Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Aditya and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timeline
    • Connect with Aditya on LinkedIn

    Resources:

    • Create a free account to access Case Interview Foundations – a crash course introduction to case interviews
    • Watch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTube

    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
    51 min
  • S22E23: The Bain Project That Made Me Question Consulting | Consulting Unpacked

    Send us Fan Mail

    This was the project that made me seriously question consulting.

    In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae shares the Bain project she liked the least — not because the work was bad, but because it sparked a realization that changed everything.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why consulting can feel removed from real decision-making
    • The moment Jenny Rae realized she wanted to be on the “owner” side, not the advisor side
    • How one project can completely reshape your career direction

    This is a must-listen for anyone wondering what consulting is really like — and whether it’s the right long-term path.

    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)
    • Book a 15-minute consult with Katie for guidance on MC programs

    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
    10 min
  • S22E22: Engineer to Consultant: The Playbook That Led to a PwC Offer

    Send us Fan Mail

    Jacob Broadbent didn’t come from the typical consulting pipeline.

    He came from engineering – and still landed a PwC offer.

    In this episode, Jacob breaks down the exact moves that helped him make the pivot: how he positioned his technical background as a strength, got more comfortable networking, and built the case prep skills that actually moved the needle.

    In this episode:

    • How Jacob turned an engineering background into an advantage
    • The networking approach that helped him stand out with firms
    • Why case prep changed more than just his interview performance
    • The mindset shifts that helped him navigate recruiting with confidence

    If you’re coming from engineering or any non-traditional background, this conversation is proof that you do not need the “perfect” consulting resume to win.

    Resources:

    • Join the Black Belt program for engineers breaking into consulting
    • See upcoming consulting application deadlines

    Books Mentioned:

    • Never Split the Difference – Chris Voss
    • The 2-Hour Job Search – Steve Dalton
    • The 20-Minute Networking Meeting – Marcia Ballinger & Nathan Perez

    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
    50 min
  • S22E21: MBB Internship Recruiting Is Accelerating – Here’s How to Prepare

    Send us Fan Mail

    Internship recruiting for consulting is 3 months earlier than ever. March 29 is the first deadline (McKinsey, Bain, Oliver Wyman).

    In this episode, former Bain consultant Maile Dyer breaks down the exact preparation strategy – from networking and resume positioning to digital assessments and case prep.

    Instead of guessing what to do next, learn how to sequence your preparation so you peak at the right time.

    You’ll learn:

    • What to prioritize first in the MBB recruiting process
    • How to network strategically (and actually increase your interview chances)
    • What digital assessments like McKinsey Solve and Bain TestGorilla are testing
    • A structured plan for case interview prep alongside classes

    If recruiting timelines feel fast and overwhelming, remember: you don’t need to do everything at once – just the right things in the right order.

    Resources:

    • Review application deadlines so you don't miss your date
    • Join Black Belt for an MBB-led accelerated coaching program personalized to your target firms, timelines, and goals
    • Book a call with Katie to get your questions answered about MC programs

    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
    41 min

About Strategy Simplified

From the publisher's feed

Strategy Simplified is here to demystify the consulting industry and help you land your dream job in management consulting. Hosted by the expert team at Management Consulted - the world's largest…

More shows like Strategy Simplified

Economist Podcasts by The Economist

Economist Podcasts

4,109 Listeners

WSJ What’s News by The Wall Street Journal

WSJ What’s News

4,350 Listeners

The McKinsey Podcast by McKinsey & Company

The McKinsey Podcast

383 Listeners

HBR IdeaCast by Harvard Business Review

HBR IdeaCast

131 Listeners

Wall Street Breakfast by Seeking Alpha

Wall Street Breakfast

1,033 Listeners

The Best One Yet by Nick & Jack Studios

The Best One Yet

9,709 Listeners

Inside the Strategy Room by McKinsey & Company

Inside the Strategy Room

170 Listeners

FT News Briefing by Financial Times

FT News Briefing

653 Listeners

Thoughts on the Market by Morgan Stanley

Thoughts on the Market

1,297 Listeners

Morning Brew Daily by Morning Brew

Morning Brew Daily

3,042 Listeners

At Any Rate by J.P. Morgan Global Research

At Any Rate

78 Listeners

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

800 Listeners

Unhedged by Financial Times

Unhedged

190 Listeners

Prof G Markets by Vox Media Podcast Network

Prof G Markets

1,446 Listeners