

Strategy Simplified
Management Consulted
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 resource for consulting news and interview prep - each episode covers topics related to the consulting world, from interview preparation and case study techniques to networking strategies and industry trends. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a transition, Strategy Simplified is the go-to resource for anyone looking to break into the consulting industry. With actionable advice, insider tips, and real-life success stories, this podcast is the ultimate guide to simplifying your career strategy and landing your dream consulting job.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 17, 2025 • 40min
S20E24: BCG Principal Reveals How to Build Your X Factor and Break Into Consulting
Send us a textTauseef spent a decade at BCG, rising to Principal and leading AI transformation and go-to-market strategy projects across the globe. In this convo, he breaks down exactly how to stand out in today’s competitive recruiting landscape.You’ll learn:How Tauseef secured offers from BCG, McKinsey, and moreWhat separates candidates who land offers from those who don’tThe X factor that will make you unforgettable in interviewsHow to design your consulting experience once you’re in the firmTauseef also shares how networking helped him shape his entire BCG career – including how he had his pick of projects for four straight years.Whether you’re preparing for interviews, trying to land a referral, or curious about what life inside MBB is really like, this episode is packed with insights from someone who’s lived it all.Additional Resources:Work directly with Tauseef on case and behavioral prepJoin Black Belt for structured prep that covers networking, resumes, and interviewsBook a free 15-minute call with Katie for personalized guidance on which program fits you bestPractice live cases on YouTubeChapters:01:22 – Meet Tauseef Charanya (Ex-BCG Principal)02:57 – From PhD to BCG: Tauseef’s Journey05:50 – The X Factor: How to Stand Out in Recruiting12:00 – Inside the Case Coaching Process16:04 – Beyond the Case: Mastering Behavioral Interviews21:00 – Inside BCG and Beyond33:44 – Myths, Mindsets, and Lessons from 10 Years at BCG36:18 – Travel, Pizza, and Life After ConsultingListen 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.

Oct 16, 2025 • 37min
S20E23: How Walmart Keeps Prices Low
Send us a textWalmart is making a push on U.S. manufacturing, and says it’s good business. Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what’s signal versus spin, where onshoring can actually cut costs, and why category-by-category moves matter more than headline percentages.We get into supplier power, inventory timing, vertical integration in beef, and pharma basics like bringing amoxicillin back onshore. Plus, a personal investing lesson from Jenny Rae’s grandmother: buy what you never plan to sell.Tell us how you shop at Walmart and what you’re seeing in prices where you live.Links mentioned in the episode:Top Walmart exec says American manufacturing comeback is real and good for businessChapters:04:59 Personal Reflections and Financial Wisdom09:40 Walmart's Strategic Shift Towards American Manufacturing16:00 Supplier Dynamics and Cost Management21:00 The Role of Automation in Modern Manufacturing25:54 Vertical Integration and Walmart's Beef Processing Facility30:57 Legacy of Investment PhilosophyListen 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.

Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
S20E22: Can You Crack This McKinsey Cheese Case?
Ravi Chandra, a former McKinsey consultant and expert in case interview coaching, leads a live profitability case centered on Greece's cheese industry. He engages a candidate, Camille, in diagnosing a decline in profitability while providing real-time feedback. They discuss building MECE frameworks, tackling math challenges, and translating waste into actionable cost savings. Ravi emphasizes the importance of clear structure and communication in case interviews. Their dynamic showcases common pitfalls and techniques to elevate consulting performance.

Oct 10, 2025 • 38min
S20E21: The Secret Behind Delta’s Record Profits and Sky-High Margins
Send us a textDelta just posted blockbuster earnings, and it’s not because more people are flying. Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack how Delta’s $8B profit engine runs on premium seats, credit card partnerships, and a bet on wealthy travellers.They dive into what makes Delta’s “premium economy” the most profitable cabin in the sky, why Buffett once got airlines wrong, and how rivals like United and Southwest are scrambling to catch up.Links mentioned in the episode:Fortune magazine articleDelta's latest 10-KEmail podcast@managementconsulted.com with your favorite margarita!Timestamps00:00 Delta Airlines: A Financial Overview03:31 Buffett's Airline Insights and Market Dynamics06:25 Premium Seats vs. Main Cabin: A Revenue Shift09:16 The Profitability of Premium Economy12:27 Delta's Financial Performance and Market Positioning16:34 Consumer Behavior and Airline Choices19:36 The Role of Technology in Airline Experience22:25 The Future of Airline Pricing and Customer SegmentationListen 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.

Oct 10, 2025 • 55min
S20E20: Is AI the Future of Supply Chain Consulting – or Just Hype?
Send us a textIn this special 2025 panel, 4 top supply chain consulting firms – Chartwell, Clarkston Consulting, Kearney, and The Kormac Group – join Management Consulted to explore how AI, automation, and shifting global demand are changing the industry.Hear directly from firm leaders on:How AI is being used in practice to improve efficiency and decision-makingWhat skills firms are hiring for right nowHow to break into supply chain consulting in 2025The biggest misconceptions about consulting careersEach firm is hiring now. Click here to see open roles and prep resources to help you land your next offer.Additional Resources:Book a 15-minute call with Katie for insight into which Management Consulted program is right for youExplore open roles at Chartwell, Clarkston, Kearney, and KormacJoin Black Belt for a structured approach to consulting recruitingReview consulting application deadlines to stay ahead of recruiting timelinesListen 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.

Oct 8, 2025 • 44min
S20E18: From PowerPoint to Powerful - Business Storytelling That Sticks
Namaan Mian, COO of Management Consulted and an expert in business storytelling, shares his insights on the art of narrative in business. He emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human connection in an AI-driven world. Namaan introduces an answer-first approach to meetings for effective communication. He also highlights the importance of engagement in virtual settings and offers practical tactics to build rapport. Using a restaurant analogy, he discusses how advisors can simplify options to foster client confidence rather than overwhelm them with data.

Oct 3, 2025 • 34min
S20E17: No Target School, No Chance? Michael Proved Them Wrong and Got BCG
Michael Liu, an undergraduate from Taiwan studying finance at BYU, shattered perceptions by landing an internship with BCG despite not attending a target school. He outlines his strategic networking approach, focusing on alumni and LinkedIn connections, and warns about common sponsorship pitfalls. Michael emphasizes the importance of genuine connections during interviews and introduces techniques for effective case prep. He passionately shares his excitement for mentoring and learning, while also discussing his love for basketball and music.

Oct 2, 2025 • 26min
S20E16: Why Warren Buffett Just Bet $10 Billion on Chemicals
Send us a textWarren Buffett is still making big moves at 95 years old. His latest play? A $10 billion bet on OxyChem, the petrochemical arm of Occidental.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what makes this deal stand out. They break down the financial engineering behind it, why debt reduction matters in today’s macro climate, and how it fits into the broader Buffett Playbook. From shareholder buybacks to Buffett’s trademark “handshake” style, this is a masterclass in deal dynamics.Links mentioned in the episode:Occidental 10-K (FY 2024)Latest Buffett Shareholder LetterPrevious episode: What Record Stock Buybacks Signal (August 11, 2025)Previous episode: Kraft Heinz Breakup Signals the End of Scale at All Costs(September 2, 2025)Invest in Project Management Training for your teamTimestamps:00:19 Buffett at 95 makes a $10B deal01:26 The Buffett Index and Woodstock of Capitalism02:32 The Buffett Playbook: deal vs. business05:28 Breaking down the OxyChem acquisition06:18 Why stock buybacks matter08:17 Debt, interest rates, and timing the deal12:07 Berkshire’s 28% stake in Occidental15:34 Buffett’s secret: the handshakeListen 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.

Oct 1, 2025 • 7min
S20E15: Middle East Consulting Recruitment Roadmap (2025 Edition)
Send us a textWant to land a consulting role in the Middle East? This episode breaks down the 2025 recruiting landscape and what it takes to succeed in this unique region.We cover:How the Middle East consulting market is shaped by nationalization, expat hiring, and cultural dynamics3 recruiting power moves you can use right nowTop schools, firms, and timing to keep on your radarFor the full playbook, download Management Consulted’s Middle East Consulting Recruitment Roadmap – free.Inside, you’ll find firm-by-firm insights, hiring timelines, and proven strategies to land an offer.Additional Resources:Join Black Belt, an expert prep program that’s helped candidates break into McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and more across the regionFollow along on YouTubeConnect 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.

Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
S20E14: The Future of Claire’s and Mall Retail (September 29, 2025)
Send us a textClaire’s is back in the headlines after its latest bankruptcy and acquisition by Ames Watson, the firm behind Lids. Can a nostalgic mall brand really be turned around in today’s retail environment?In this episode, we unpack Claire’s challenges, the role of experience in modern retail, and what this deal signals for the future of malls.Timestamps:[07:15] What Made Claire’s a Rite of Passage[10:22] Bankruptcy and the Ames Watson Acquisition[14:17] Who Ames Watson Is and Their Playbook[16:42] Lessons from Lids and Build-A-Bear[22:36] Claire’s Second Bankruptcy Explained[25:20] Mall Traffic, Competitors, and Industry Headwinds[29:11] Can Claire’s Become an Experience Business?Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: ‘A broken business’: The company behind the makeover of bankrupt retailer Claire’sInvest in Project Management Training for your teamListen 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.