Strategy Simplified

Send us a textYum! Brands beat expectations in some areas - but it wasn’t enough. Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why positive same-store sales at Taco Bell still set off alarms, how KFC and Pizza Hut are dragging the portfolio, and what investors and operators often miss when they celebrate “growth.”They explore:The real meaning behind Yum’s earnings missWhy brand-level performance matters more than the headlineCompetitive pressure in fast food (and who’s stealing share from KFC)What Bain or another top firm might recommend Yum do nextLessons from KFC’s success outside the U.S.Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInListen 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 textThe first five minutes of your case interview matter most. In this live-recorded masterclass, learn how to structure your case like a pro and impress from the start.In this episode:What MBB firms look for in a 2025-ready case structureHow to build and deliver a tailored 4x3 structure under pressureA live demo with real-time scoring and expert feedbackDownload the free prep plan here and join Black Belt for expert 1:1 coaching to fast-track your prep.Additional Resources:Black Belt: 8+ hours of expert coaching with an MBB consultantCase Prep Plan: A step-by-step guide to getting ready on any timelineScoring Guide: See how MBB interviewers score casesJob Board: Unlock thousands of top consulting jobsListen 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 textStarbucks is ditching its pickup-only and drive-thru-only stores. CEO Brian Niccol says they “lack warmth” — but is that really the reason? In today’s Thursday Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down the surprising move and whether it’s a smart brand strategy or a costly operational mistake. Listen in to learn what this shift signals for loyalty, in-store experience, and the future of Starbucks' growth.Previous episodes on Starbucks:Starbucks Profits Crash 47% (Market Outsiders: July 30, 2025)Inside Starbucks’ Turnaround (Market Outsiders: June 16, 2025)Starbucks Business Breakdown (Strategy Simplified)Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInListen 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 textWatch as a former BCG consultant - Raghav - leads a candidate through a real-time case interview focused on cost reduction for a defense contractor. This live case tests structuring, market sizing, math under pressure, and strategy formulation.You’ll learn how to:Break down a cost-focused BCG-style caseHandle unfamiliar industry contexts like defense manufacturingStructure a winning recommendation with limited dataAvoid common case math pitfallsStick around for detailed feedback from Raghav to sharpen your own case skills.Want personalized prep like this? Join Black Belt today.Work with Raghav:See Raghav's coaching calendarPurchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with Raghav Connect on LinkedInPartner Links:Stax is hiring! See open roles and requirementsListen 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.

A slow popcorn line reveals insightful business strategies behind Garrett Popcorn’s iconic brand. The hosts discuss pricing tactics and operational bottlenecks while comparing Garrett's approach to SkinnyPop's innovative rise. Listeners learn how minor adjustments in consumer experience can lead to big profits. The potential for expansion and the role of economic uncertainty in creating opportunities are also explored, making the snack industry ripe for entrepreneurs.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Neff, a former Marine and current consultant at BCG, shares her unconventional journey into consulting. She discusses how her military background bolstered her resilience and adaptability in a new field. Katie emphasizes the importance of networking and crafting a standout resume, plus offers tips for mastering case interviews through the Black Belt program. Her insights on embracing authenticity during recruitment resonate with aspiring consultants looking to break into top firms.

Tesla has opened an innovative diner in Los Angeles, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. The hosts delve into how this diner could revolutionize customer experiences and test robotics while integrating charging stations for electric vehicles. They discuss the role of robotic servers, highlighting efficiency alongside the essential human touch in dining. Additionally, the conversation touches on the diner’s brand implications and its position in shaping the future of Tesla's ecosystem.

Curious about moving from engineering to consulting? Discover how your analytical skills can set you apart in this competitive field. The discussion highlights the unique strengths engineers bring, alongside the challenges they face. Get practical tips on enhancing your business insight and leadership skills. Plus, learn about valuable resources available to support your career transition. Whether you're unsure about the leap or eager to learn more, this conversation offers essential insights!

Send us a textCoca‑Cola posted stronger‑than‑expected earnings, yet its stock still slipped. Why? In today’s Tuesday episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack Coca‑Cola’s latest results, from price hikes to shifting volume trends across regions and product lines. They explore how forward guidance, tariffs, and supply chain costs shape investor reactions - and what it all means for your own business or investing decisions.Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at 9:15AM ET on LinkedIn and YouTube.Subscribe to the Market Outsiders feed for daily episodes (Apple, Spotify).Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTubeConnect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInListen 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 textSaahil’s path to McKinsey was anything but typical. He started in law school in India, built two startups, earned an MBA at UVA Darden, and ultimately broke into consulting. In this episode, he shares exactly how he translated his legal and entrepreneurial skills into a top‑tier consulting offer.Listen in for practical tips on consultifying your resume, networking from a non‑traditional background, and preparing for McKinsey’s PEI and case interviews. If you’re a lawyer - or in any other non‑traditional field - wondering if consulting is possible, Saahil’s story will show you how to make it happen.Additional Resources:Accelerate your transition to consulting with Black Belt, the world's #1 consulting prep programPrevious Strategy Simplified episode: From Law to Consulting: How to Make the Leap SuccessfullySubscribe to Management Consulted on YouTubePartner Links:Stax is hiring! See open roles and requirementsListen 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.