Strategy Simplified

Navigating the consulting recruitment landscape in Europe can be tricky! Language requirements vary, with some countries needing fluency while others accept English. School pedigree plays a big role, with top universities influencing hiring decisions. Salary ranges differ significantly across cities, especially in Zurich and the Nordics. Cultural fit and assessment centers are crucial in the interview process. Key recruiting timelines are highlighted for all candidate levels. If you’re eyeing a consulting role, this guide has you covered!

Bath and Body Works has seen a drastic decline, with its new CEO criticizing past strategies. The hosts delve into how expanding into adjacent product categories backfired and the risks involved. They discuss the importance of e-commerce and the challenges of customer engagement, questioning whether new offerings actually reached shoppers. Insights on profit from core products share valuable lessons. Plus, they highlight a potential route to recovery by embracing a customer-centric approach, similar to successful brands like Walmart and Target.

Join Laura Brookhiser, Mark Finlan, and Miriam El-Baz as they uncover the bustling world of education consulting. They dive into how firms address enrollment challenges and the resurgence of standardized testing. AI's impact on academic integrity is another hot topic, alongside the rising influence of private equity. The trio also shares valuable advice for aspiring consultants, highlighting key traits employers seek, such as curiosity and client empathy. Get insights on reshaping admissions and strategies for a changing education landscape.

Send us a textPanera used to dominate fast casual. Now traffic is falling and leadership is scrambling to turn it around.In this episode, we unpack:How cost cutting changed salads, sides, and the in-store experienceWhy menu complexity and pricing confuse customersThe barbell strategy Panera is betting on for its comebackWhat we’d do differently on pricing, testing, and customer researchA practical breakdown of what happens when spreadsheets win over the customer experience.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Episode LinksPanera lost diners by cutting portions and staff. It’s reversing course to win them back (CNBC)Jewelry business that implemented updated pricing strategy Chapters 03:16 Personal Experiences with Panera06:11 Panera's Business Challenges08:50 Consumer Trends and Market Forces11:46 Menu Complexity and Customer Experience14:48 Cost-Cutting Measures and Their Impact18:38 The Role of Younger Consumers21:28 Panera's Turnaround Strategy24:05 Operational Challenges and Brand Management27:00 Pricing Strategies and Customer Perception29:56 Lessons from Other Brands32:52 Thoughts on Panera's Future37:13 The Barbell Pricing Strategy37:55 Consumer Sentiment and Market PositioningListen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

Exciting news: a flash sale is happening, offering 50% off the All Access Pass! This includes a crucial McKinsey Solve practice test, available for a limited time. The All Access Pass is packed with resources like digital assessments, 600+ cases, and nine video courses. Learn why the McKinsey assessment is a game-changer for candidates. Plus, get access to drills, chatbot cases, and expert videos. Don't miss the chance to enhance your preparation at a fraction of the cost before the sale ends!

The U.S. has halted minting new pennies, sparking a lively discussion on cost savings and broader economic impacts. Hosts explore how production costs and rounding rules could affect prices and inflation. Cash users, nostalgia for the penny, and regulatory challenges are also examined. The cultural significance of the penny raises questions about its future in a digital age. Ultimately, they reflect on decision-making lessons and the implications for businesses and consumers alike.

Giovanni Coeli, an incoming associate at BCG Miami, shares his inspiring journey as a non-target international candidate. He discusses his intentional networking system, emphasizing the importance of early outreach and building connections. Giovanni details how he selected the Miami office based on its culture and mentorship opportunities. He provides invaluable visa advice for international candidates and outlines his structured case prep strategy. Plus, he debunks myths about needing a target-school background to secure offers at top firms.

Send us a textGetting into consulting as an MBA1 isn’t luck – it’s strategy. In this episode, Katie Neff – Management Consulted’s Black Belt Advisor – walks through the exact roadmap to land an MBB consulting internship.With McKinsey, Bain, and BCG internship applications due November 13, now is the moment to take action. From crafting a standout consulting resume to building a smart networking plan and mastering case prep, Katie breaks down what separates successful candidates from the rest.Additional Resources:Prep smarter with our Black Belt program — includes digital assessment practice tests for MBBBuild a standout, MBB-ready resume using our free Consulting Resume TemplateSharpen your skills with our 600+ Case Library and master the 10–40 case rule Katie covers in this episodePartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textCoreWeave isn’t OpenAI or Nvidia, but it’s powering both.We unpack how this lesser-known company became essential to the AI ecosystem, including:What CoreWeave actually does and why it mattersHow $55B in backlog signals explosive demandWhy data centers, not apps, may define the next AI waveWhat an “AI capex bubble” could look likeA fast, insightful breakdown of the infrastructure race behind AI’s biggest players. Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Chapters 02:57 CoreWeave's Financial Performance and Market Position05:52 Understanding CoreWeave's Role in AI Architecture08:34 Customer Relationships and Demand for AI Infrastructure11:33 Competitive Landscape and Capital Requirements14:10 The Bubble Discussion: AI Market Dynamics17:03 National Security and Data Center Infrastructure20:36 CoreWeave's Business Strategy and Future OutlookListen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textRetailers plan the lightest holiday hiring since the Great Recession, but spending is still projected to top $1T.We dig into:Why demand smoothing and e-comm shift cut seasonal rolesHow “slower” in-store flow can increase basket sizeWhat segmentation and channels mean for labor needsWhy tariff headlines often overstate price impactActionable takeaways for leaders on staffing, ops, and margin protection.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Chapters00:30 Holiday Season Retail Trends06:12 E-commerce Impact on Retail Hiring11:51 Customer Experience and Retail Staffing18:42 Understanding Consumer Spending DynamicsConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.