S16E27: BCG Healthcare Case Interview Example - Novartis
Feb 28, 2025
auto_awesome
Ish Mawla, a former BCG consultant and case coach, breaks down a real healthcare-focused case interview, giving candidates invaluable insights. He navigates through the challenges of strategic growth for Novartis's rare disease unit, revealing frameworks and complexities involved. Ish discusses drug commercialization strategies, including pricing and market dynamics, while emphasizing the significance of tailored frameworks for interview success. His expert coaching tips offer aspiring consultants a roadmap to excel in competitive environments.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of networking strategies for candidates aiming to secure interviews with prestigious consulting firms like BCG and McKinsey.
It highlights effective revenue growth strategies for Novartis through product development and market diversification in the healthcare sector.
Deep dives
Networking Challenge Invitation
A free networking challenge is scheduled from March 3rd to 7th, aimed at providing actionable strategies and tactics to help participants connect with leading consulting firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain. This initiative emphasizes the significant role that networking plays in the recruitment process, particularly for candidates seeking strong job offers. Participants will receive daily emails containing specific strategies that they can immediately implement to enhance their networking efforts. Registering for this challenge can potentially improve a candidate's chances of success in landing interviews with prestigious consulting organizations.
Healthcare Case Interview Overview
The episode features a BCG healthcare case interview example led by a former BCG consultant, focusing on a client, Novartis, which is looking to grow its small business unit dedicated to treating retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer. The discussion highlights the key objectives of the case, including the CEO's directive to triple the revenue of the business unit, currently generating about $200 million annually, within four years. Participants are urged to comprehend the complexities of the healthcare consulting landscape, as proficiency in healthcare-related topics is often expected during interviews with leading consulting firms. This case serves as a practical exercise for aspiring consultants to navigate the challenges prevalent in healthcare strategy development.
Strategies for Revenue Growth
To achieve the ambitious goal of tripling revenue, the case discusses two major strategies: development and diversification. The development strategy could include product enhancements, competitive pricing, and expanding into related medical conditions, while diversification might involve exploring growth markets throughout Europe. The need for innovative partnerships with healthcare facilities and leveraging effective marketing strategies is also emphasized to ensure comprehensive market coverage and engagement. Participants engage in brainstorming methods to evaluate customer willingness to pay and assess market dynamics, reinforcing the importance of a multi-faceted approach to revenue growth.
Understanding Market Dynamics
During the case discussion, important metrics related to the pharmaceutical industry are considered, such as approval rates, time to commercialization, and potential maximum revenue from new drug approvals. The conversation examines the need for strategic insights about market demand and competition, particularly given the high level of interest from small biotech firms in the retinoblastoma space. It stresses the importance of quantifying the potential success of drugs in the pipeline to create feasible financial forecasts. By analyzing these metrics and understanding supply chain dynamics, participants can formulate actionable plans to guide clients toward achieving their financial objectives.
What does a BCG healthcare case interview really look like? Find out in this live breakdown.
In this episode, former BCG consultant Ish Mawla guides a candidate through a realistic, healthcare-focused case interview - just like the ones used in actual BCG interviews.
You’ll get a front-row seat as the candidate navigates frameworks, complex math, data analysis, and executive-level communication under pressure.
Then, Ish provides a detailed performance review, breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve - insights you can apply to your own prep.
Want expert coaching to land your consulting offer?
Ish works 1:1 with candidates through Management Consulted’s Black Belt program - but spots are limited. Don’t miss your chance to work with him!