Strategy Simplified

Send us Fan MailEvery week we hear the same question from candidates: Is AI going to gut consulting before I can break in?Short answer: No.Longer answer: The model is changing fast, and you need to know what's shifting and what isn't.Arda Ecevit spent over 13 years at Deloitte, Strategy&, and Bain before co-founding NexStrat AI. He sat down with Namaan to talk about what AI is doing to consulting – and the parts of the job it can't touch.What AI is taking off the junior consultant's plateThe skills that still get you hired (and promoted) at MBBWhy MBB is still worth joining, even with AI doing more junior analyst workWhere partners and clients still need humans in the roomResources:Try NexStrat AI free for 14 days, then 50% off your first month with code MC50OFF – click hereConnect with Arda on LinkedInLand your consulting offer – join Black Belt for 1:1 coaching from MBB advisorsBook a 15-min strategy call with KatieFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailWalter applied to consulting out of undergrad and didn't get an offer. Went into investment banking, got another shot a year and a half later, and still wasn't ready – too busy, not focused enough, cramming at the last minute.So he quit his job to recruit full time.That's an extreme version of the lesson, but the lesson applies to anyone working full time while trying to break in: you have less time than you think. Consulting firms aren't running a six-month hiring cycle. They've got a project to staff and they need someone now. You could apply today and interview next week.In this episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff, ex-BCG and MC's Black Belt Advisor, breaks down what Walter did differently on attempt #3 – how he started from scratch, built a serious plan, and landed a full-time offer with L.E.K.The June Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, June 9 (limited spots). Learn more and join.Resources:Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best pathJoin the June Black Belt cohort for structured coaching from application to offerExplore 2,000 consulting jobs for working professionals on the Management Consulted Job BoardConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailBCG interviews typically start 3–4 weeks after the application deadline – and deadlines are here. Tauseef Charanya spent 10 years at BCG – half consulting, half building AI products globally. He's done 300+ interviews and has seen strong candidates miss offers for the same reasons, over and over.In this episode, he breaks down the 3 mistakes that hurt otherwise solid BCG candidates, why doing more cases without feedback makes you worse, and the 4-step system that gets you BCG-ready.You'll learn:Why memorizing frameworks won't cut it – and what BCG interviewers are actually looking forHow BCG's candidate-led format differs from McKinsey and how to prep for itThe skill sequence that gets candidates offer-ready in 22 cases, not 100+Why the BCG internship deserves the same urgency as full-time recruitingResources:Ready to close the gap before deadlines? Book a free 15-minute consult with KatieWant the structured system Tauseef describes? Explore Black BeltBook a 1:1 session with TauseefFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailMost new consultants walk in with work style blind spots they can't see – and their managers notice before they do.In this episode, Namaan – COO of Management Consulted – breaks down his framework for owning your first 90 days in consulting: how to identify your blind spots, read your manager, and carry yourself like someone who's been doing this for years.You'll learn:What your manager actually cares about (hint: it's not how hard you work)The 3 work styles that get consultants in trouble earlyHow to communicate answer-first and show executive presence from week 1Resources:Build your Excel and PowerPoint skills before day 1 with MC's flagship courseIs your team moving decisions or just moving slides? MC Executive Presentation TrainingFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailEnergy consulting is growing 11% this year – the fastest-growing sector in consulting.AI data centers are eating power faster than the grid can supply, the energy transition is still underway, and nobody has a clean answer for how to do both at once.3 insiders from MC's 2026 energy ranking join the show: Sean Jump (dss+), Charlie Sorensen (BearingPoint), and Michael Einstein (Simon-Kucher).You'll learn:Why clients are asking for things now they weren't 2 years agoHow energy firms price outcome-based work and where they draw the lineWhat hyperscalers keep getting wrong about physical infrastructureThe advice every new energy consultant actually needs to hearFull speaker bios and firm profiles here.Resources:See who's hiring – see the 2026 Top 10 Energy Consulting Firms RankingIs your team moving decisions or just moving slides? MC Executive Presentation TrainingExplore top firms hiring in Energy on the Management Consulted Job BoardReady to land the offer? Black Belt is where to startFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailMaile Dyer reviewed 400+ resumes as a Bain Manager. She was on the recruiting team, making the decisions on who got interviews.And she kept seeing the same 3 mistakes: structure, content, and formatting. Most candidates miss at least one. A lot of them miss all 3 — and they never find out why they never heard back.In this episode, Maile breaks down each mistake and tells you exactly how to fix it. Katie Neff joins to tie it back to your full recruiting strategy.You'll learn:The structure mistake that makes reviewers skip your strongest qualificationsWhy writing responsibilities instead of impact gets you screened out fastThe formatting signals that tell a consultant you lack attention to detailResources:Have your resume rebuilt by ex-consultants who know what MBB is looking for – join Black BeltNot sure where to start? Book 15 minutes with KatieFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailBCG just updated its Consulting Career Assessment (CCA) and most candidates approach it the wrong way.In this episode, Katie – ex-BCG, Black Belt Advisor at Management Consulted – breaks down the revamped CCA across each section, so you know what to expect.What most candidates miss: this isn't just a math test. BCG is measuring who you are and whether you are consistent in your answers.You'll learn:Why consistency in the working style sections matters more than picking the "right" answerThe elimination strategy that helps you solve the math problems fasterWhat appearing neutral or inconsistent signals to BCG — and why it's a red flagResources:Join Black Belt – includes 4 CCA practice versions + full interview prep coachingBook 15 minutes with Katie – talk through your support options and whether Black Belt is right for youConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailEveryone wonders what comes after consulting, but the exits aren't talked about.In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae (ex-Bain) breaks down the 5 most common exit paths – and why consulting opens more doors than almost any other career move.Resources:Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)Create a free MC account to access foundational resources and start building your consulting skill set todayBook a free 15-minute call with Katie to talk through your specific situationConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailSebastian is a Purdue junior with Bain interviews coming up. He ran a full first-round Bain case live – and after every section, coach Mitali stopped and told him exactly what worked and what he missed.Mitali spent 5 years in consulting, including as a senior consultant at Bain in London. She's coached 350+ people into MBB and used to interview candidates herself – so she knows what Bain is looking for.You'll see:Why "financial vs. non-financial" is too generic for Bain – and what to say insteadHow to read an exhibit the way Bain wants it doneThe math mistake Sebastian made live – and how he recoveredHow to give a final recommendation backed by the numbers, not your gutCoaching with Mitali:Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Mitali and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timelineConnect with Mitali on LinkedInResources:Create a free account to access Case Interview Foundations – a 7-day case interview crash courseWatch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTubeFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailHe got McKinsey and Bain interviews and practiced 30 cases with friends – but didn't make it past round 1.Overconfident Ollie is a target school student with every reason to be confident. He joined Black Belt, made a plan – then mostly went at it alone. His KPI was cases completed and when MBB's first round came, his floor wasn't high enough.Katie and Japheth break down what went wrong, what's at stake if the approach doesn't change, and the specific steps Ollie is taking to rebuild before the next round of deadlines.Why casing volume without feedback builds false confidenceWhat peer casing can't tell you – and why a coach canThe "floor vs. ceiling" principle that defines where most candidates fall shortThe May Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, May 12 (limited spots). Learn more and join.Resources:Join the May Black Belt cohort (see coaches)Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best pathCreate a free MC account to get Case Foundations, a case prep crash courseConnect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailDaniel went from steel and automotive to McKinsey. His path wasn't conventional – and neither was his networking strategy.Instead of casting a wide net, he built 2 deep relationships at the firm – mentors who helped him at every stage. This episode breaks down what worked – and what the standard MBA playbook gets wrong.Why 2 deep relationships beat 30 surface connections in consulting recruitingHow to turn a "niche" background into a drawThe case prep habit that added depth without adding volumeResources:Coaching helped Daniel take his prep to the next level – book a 1-hour sessionNot sure where to start? Book a 15-minute call with KatieFree Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more

Send us Fan MailOnly 19% of McKinsey's new hires today are MBAs. In the mid-90s, that number was over 80%.The # of spots available for MBAs is shrinking – the competition isn't.MC coach Catherine Lee – ex-Deloitte, ex-BCG, Harvard MBA – breaks down 3 mistakes that sink most incoming MBAs before they ever reach an interview:Starting too late (fall semester is already too late)Treating prep like a sprint instead of a marathonPracticing cases without a system to track your gapsPlus: the summer prep roadmap that gets you ahead of your entire cohort before school starts.Katie Neff (Black Belt Advisor) joins with data from 250+ BB members who landed at McKinsey, Bain, and BCG – including the 22-case benchmark.Resources:Want structured support before the semester starts? Join Black BeltNot sure yet? Book 15 minutes with KatiePre-MBA program deadlines start May 3Free Consulting Prep Just Got a Whole Lot BetterCreate a free MC account for access to step-by-step learning pathways, a brand new case prep course, and more. Download the MC app to prep anywhere.Connect With Management ConsultedCreate a free MC account or download the MC app (Apple, Android) to start your prep todaySchedule a free 15min consultation with the MC TeamWatch the video version of the podcast on YouTubeFollow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTokJoin an upcoming live event – case interviews demos, expert panels, and more