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
Jul 17, 2026 • 24min
S23E29: How to Build Business Acumen for Consulting
Tauseef Charanya, a former BCG consultant who ran 300+ case interviews and coached hundreds, breaks down how to build business judgment for consulting. He highlights why work experience alone fails, contrasts surface case skills with deeper hypothesis-driven thinking, and outlines a four-layer model plus what to juggle when performing under pressure.
Jul 15, 2026 • 13min
S23E28: How to Use AI in Case Prep (And How Not To)
AI in case prep can become a trap when used as a shortcut. The conversation covers firms piloting AI interviews and what they will evaluate. Common mistakes are highlighted: skipping hypothesis-driven thinking, trusting AI outputs blindly, and failing to produce a single supported recommendation. Practical tactics include directing AI like a junior analyst, structuring prompts, training skepticism, and using AI to fill targeted gaps.
Jul 10, 2026 • 49min
S23E27: Former BCG Consultant Runs a Live Higher Education Case Interview
Yusuf Sheikh, ex-BCG consultant and experienced case coach, leads live BCG-style case practice and coaching. He runs a university joint-degree launch case, walks through the enrollment math, and corrects real-time calculation mistakes. The conversation covers international student recruitment, marketing and partnerships, operational readiness, and how to structure recommendations clearly.
Jul 8, 2026 • 27min
S23E26: Everyone Thinks AI Is Killing Consulting. The Data Says the Opposite
Data says AI is increasing consulting demand and shifting value toward implementation and delivery. The discussion covers why midsize firms are being squeezed while specialists and scaled operators win. They outline phased deployments, outcome-based pricing, and what candidates should emphasize to stand out. Practical tips focus on practice-level differentiation, sector depth, and measurable execution.
Jul 7, 2026 • 21min
S23E25: BCG HireQuotient: What It Is, How It's Scored, and How to Pass It
Katie, an ex-BCG consultant and Management Consulted Black Belt advisor, explains BCG's HireQuotient online case and why timing and prioritization matter. She walks through the test format, fast math and exhibit strategies, a live chatbot demo, and how to deliver the single recorded recommendation. Practical prep options and focused practice rounds out the conversation.
Jul 3, 2026 • 55min
S23E24: Consumer & Retail Consulting in 2026 – What the Top Firms Are Watching
Keith Fogerty, partner at Advancy who leads North American consumer and retail with an M&A focus, and Shikha Jain, partner at Simon-Kucher and pricing specialist, discuss where firms fit in consumer and retail. They cover why consulting must be operationally focused. They explain revenue growth as a boardroom priority. They debate AI’s practical uses and what private equity now expects.
Jul 1, 2026 • 22min
S23E23: The Unsexy Habit That Landed Him a BCG Offer
A nontraditional candidate beats the odds by sticking to disciplined, boring habits that compound into success. Practical networking tactics turn shared backgrounds into real referrals. A focused, repeatable prep plan prioritizes fundamentals and quality outreach over high-volume practice.
Jun 26, 2026 • 7min
S23E22: Case Interviews Got Harder at MBB in 2026 – Here's What Changed
McKinsey and Bain are adding AI-enabled interview rounds and testing how candidates collaborate with tools. Non-traditional public-sector and nonprofit cases are now common, shifting focus from canned profit frameworks to adaptable problem solving. Communication, clear explanations, and executive presence have become key differentiators as baseline technical prep improves.
5 snips
Jun 24, 2026 • 14min
S23E21: Top 10 Energy and Utilities Consulting Firms (2026 Ranking)
A sharp look at why energy consulting demand suddenly surged, from grid modernization to AI-enabled operations and M&A. Tips on what firms now prize: implementation chops, technical fluency, and execution stories. Advice on reframing resumes to showcase led projects and analytics. A practical playbook for candidates and recruiters navigating the talent boom.
Jun 19, 2026 • 30min
S23E20: The 4 Case Prep Gaps Costing You the Offer
Kabreya Ghaderi, former McKinsey, PwC and Bridgespan consultant turned case prep coach. She breaks down four prep gaps that derail strong applicants. Quick takes cover how high case volume can cement bad habits, firm-specific formats, repetition without feedback, and the difference between feeling ready and actually being ready.
