The Consulting Offer Blueprint: Strategy, Cases & MBB-Level Thinking

PODCAST · business

The Consulting Offer Blueprint: Strategy, Cases & MBB-Level Thinking

Custom Case Coach is founded by former BCG consultant Ian Glennon. Through coaching and training, Ian helps candidates prepare for consulting interviews at firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top consultancies.The Consulting Offer Blueprint podcast shares Ian’s frameworks, case strategies, and consulting insights, covering case interviews, market sizing, structuring, industry knowledge, and fit interviews. Episodes are generated from Ian’s proprietary training materials to make his thinking accessible to a wider audience.

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    Consulting Knowledge: Why "Banks Make Money on Interest" Is the Wrong Answer in a Case Interview

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  Financial services cases intimidate candidates because the industry feels opaque.It shouldn’t.In this episode, we simplify the logic behind banking and financial services cases:• How commercial banks generate profit• Net interest margin and spread economics• Risk, capital requirements, and regulation• Investment banking vs asset management• Why profitability cases in finance are different• Common traps candidates fall intoOnce you understand the mechanics, financial services cases become structured and predictable.Part of the Consulting Knowledge + Decoding the Interview blend — connecting industry fluency with case execution.🎓 ⁠360° Course⁠🤖 ⁠BCG Casey Chatbot Tests⁠🎯 ⁠1:1 Coaching⁠📺 ⁠YouTube⁠💼 ⁠LinkedIn

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts: The Behavioral Interview — Brilliant Candidates Freeze on Simple Questions (Here's Why)

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Monday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Candidates who can size markets and crack profitability cases go completely blank when asked "why do you want to work here?" This episode covers the psychology behind that freeze, why the behavioral portion is 50% of your grade but only needs 10–20% of your prep time, and how to treat your stories like jazz improvisation instead of a script you recite from memory.🎓 ⁠360° Course⁠🤖 ⁠BCG Casey Chatbot Tests⁠🎯 ⁠1:1 Coaching⁠📺 ⁠YouTube⁠💼 ⁠LinkedIn

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    Consulting Knowledge: Amazon Bought Whole Foods for the Wrong Reason — Here's What It Was Really About

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods wasn’t about groceries.It was about logistics, last-mile distribution, and physical infrastructure.In this episode, we unpack:• The real strategic logic behind the deal• Brick-and-mortar as logistics infrastructure• Omnichannel strategy• Last-mile economics• How to analyze strategic acquisitions in casesGreat strategy isn’t about headlines — it’s about structural advantage.Part of the Consulting Knowledge series — strengthening your ability to see second-order effects in business decisions.🎓 ⁠360° Course⁠🤖 ⁠BCG Casey Chatbot Tests⁠🎯 ⁠1:1 Coaching⁠📺 ⁠YouTube⁠💼 ⁠LinkedIn

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts: The Behavioral Interview — Why Most Candidates Prepare in the Wrong Order

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Monday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Most candidates over-invest in behavioral prep too early and end up sounding scripted by interview day. In this episode, we break down the real preparation sequence: -why you should delay story scripting until 2–3 weeks out-why networking is a numbers game (20% vs 70% interview odds)-how to build a flexible story matrix that holds up under any prompt, including curveballs designed to make you freeze.🎓 360° Course🤖 BCG Casey Chatbot Tests🎯 1:1 Coaching📺 YouTube💼 LinkedIn

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    Consulting Knowledge: Pharma Industry Deep-Dive - How Pharma Companies Actually Make Money

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  Pharmaceutical companies look wildly profitable — until the patent expires.In this episode, we break down the true economics of pharma and why the “patent cliff” is one of the most important structural risks in the industry.We cover:• How drug development economics actually work• R&D cost structures and risk profiles• The lifecycle of a blockbuster drug• Generic competition and pricing collapse• Pipeline strategy and acquisition logic• How pharma logic appears in consulting casesUnderstanding pharma builds intuition around innovation-driven industries, regulatory barriers, and capital allocation decisions.Part of the Consulting Knowledge series — strengthening the business fluency top consultants develop.🎯 Full 360° Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 Coachinghttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-ghttps://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts: BCG Platinion & McKinsey Digital Interviews: Deep Dive into Tech Cases

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts: Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================This episode is not a beginner overview.It is a high-level breakdown of how elite candidates approach technology-focused consulting interviews inside BCG Platinion, McKinsey Digital, Bain Vector, and other tech practices within top-tier strategy firms.The discussion is based on a one-hour deep dive into a real Tech Due Diligence case led by Ian Glennon, dissecting how to structure ambiguous technical problems, evaluate technology assets in private equity contexts, and balance engineering depth with commercial judgment.We go beyond surface-level “digital transformation” talk and into what actually differentiates strong candidates:• Structuring complex system and architecture discussions• Evaluating scalability, integration risk, and technical debt• Identifying red flags in software businesses during PE diligence• Translating technical insight into executive-level recommendations• Navigating ambiguity without losing commercial focusTechnology practice interviews demand sharper thinking than general strategy cases. The bar is higher. The margin for vague answers is smaller.This episode is designed for candidates targeting BCG Platinion, McKinsey Digital, Bain Vector, or tech-focused strategy roles — especially those with engineering, product, or data backgrounds who want to operate at MBB standards.=========================================Ian Glennon is an ex-BCG consultant who went 8/8 in consulting interviews and has since run 5,000+ coaching sessions, helping 500+ candidates convert interviews into offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation at that level:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Tests (modeled on real tests)https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests🎥 YouTube breakdowns and advanced case strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon📍 1:1 Coachinghttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-ghttps://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852

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    Consulting Knowledge: Build, Buy, or Partner? Strategy Choices in the EV Transition

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  When entering a new market — especially something capital-intensive like EVs — companies face a critical strategic decision:Build internally.Acquire.Or partner.In this episode, we break down:• When internal build makes sense• Acquisition logic and integration risk• Strategic partnerships and capital sharing• Control vs speed trade-offs• How this logic appears in consulting casesThis framework extends far beyond EVs — it applies to tech, pharma, manufacturing, and more.Part of the Consulting Knowledge pillar — strengthening real-world strategic thinking.🎯 Full 360° Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 Coachinghttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-ghttps://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Decoding The Interview - Case Interview Example (MBB): Who Led This Case — You or the Interviewer?

    Watch Case Leadership in Action (Ian Glennon Solving Korean OEM)Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================We take a real-style case (“Korean OEM”) and break down how leadership actually shows up in practice.Where control is gained, where it’s lost, and what top candidates do differently in real time.This builds directly on the Case Leadership mindset episode.🎯 ⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts - Case Interview Leadership: If You’re Not Driving the Case, You’re Failing

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Strong candidates don’t just answer questions — they lead the case.This episode shows how to think in pathways, navigate branches, and continuously re-structure the problem as new information appears.This is the difference between “good” and “hire”.🎯 ⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

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    The Recruiting Playbook: Mass Produce Your Cover Letters (Without Sounding Generic)

    Welcome to The Recruiting Playbook: Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================Writing 40–50 unique cover letters manually is a waste of time.But copying and pasting the same generic letter will get you rejected.In this episode, we break down how to mass produce high-quality consulting cover letters using the “Frankenstein method” — modular writing that scales without sacrificing precision.We cover:• Why writing from scratch every time is inefficient• How to build “Lego block” paragraphs• The difference between tailoring and rewriting• How to customize for firm culture and practice area• Avoiding generic AI-generated cover letters• Saving hours while increasing application volumeConsulting recruiting is a numbers game.If you want to apply to 40–50 firms, your system needs to be scalable.This episode shows you how.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation beyond resumes and cover letters:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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     Consulting Knowledge: Auto Industry Deep-Dive - The Brutal Economics of the Auto Industry

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  The auto industry looks massive — but structurally it’s brutal.High fixed costs. Cyclical demand. Price pressure. Capital intensity.In this episode, we unpack:• Why scale doesn’t guarantee profits• The role of labor and union dynamics• Platform economics and manufacturing leverage• EV transition risk• Supply chain exposure• Why autos frequently appear in consulting casesUnderstanding auto economics builds intuition around heavy manufacturing, cost structures, and competitive intensity.This is part of the Consulting Knowledge pillar — developing industry fluency beyond memorized frameworks.🎯 Full 360° Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 Coachinghttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-ghttps://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Decoding The Interview - Case Interview Math: Why “Good at Math” Candidates Still Fail

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================Math in case interviews isn’t about calculation — it’s about structure, clarity, and communication.This episode breaks down how to set up, execute, and present math cleanly under pressure.This builds directly on the Case Template episode.🎯 ⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts - Case Interview Notes: Most Candidates Use Their Paper Wrong

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Your structure isn’t just mental — it’s physical.This episode breaks down how to organize your page, track information, and avoid losing the thread mid-case.Messy notes = messy thinking.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠🔗 Connect on LinkedIn⁠

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    The Recruiting Playbook: Writing Consulting Resume Bullet Points That Actually Get Interviews

    Welcome to The Recruiting Playbook: Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================Most resume bullet points are empty calories.They sound busy.They sound impressive.But they don’t prove impact.In this episode, we break down how to write calorie-dense bullet points that signal consultant-level thinking:• The difference between tasks and outcomes• Why “responsible for” kills credibility• The structure of a high-impact consulting bullet• Quantifying results without exaggerating• Turning student experience into strategic value• How to show ownership, analysis, and decision-makingConsulting firms aren’t scanning for buzzwords.They’re scanning for evidence of structured thinking, initiative, and measurable impact — in six seconds or less.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation that converts resumes into interviews:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    LIVE Case Interview: Ex-BCG Consultant Gets Cased | Hunger Warriors

    In this episode, Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant and founder of Custom Case Coach — takes live cases from the Hunger Warriors community. No prep. No script. Just real cases, real pressure, and real-time problem solving.If you want to see what strong case performance actually looks like from the inside, this is it.The case can be found in the 360° Consulting Recruiting Course at Custom Case Coach

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    Consulting Knowledge: Don’t Burn Cash Fighting Corporate Barbarians - Smarter Competitive Strategy

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  When competitors attack, most companies respond emotionally — and destroy value.In this episode, we unpack smarter competitive strategy:• When to fight vs when to reposition• Price wars and margin collapse• Strategic signaling and deterrence• Capacity moves and defensive plays• How consultants analyze competitive battlesNot every battle is worth fighting. Great strategy preserves capital while strengthening position.Part of the Consulting Knowledge series — building structural thinking around competition and market dynamics.🎯 Full 360° Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 Coachinghttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-ghttps://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Decoding The Interview - Case Interview Charts: Most Candidates Misread Exhibits Under Pressure

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================Charts aren’t the problem — your approach to them is.This episode breaks down how to read exhibits, extract insight quickly, and integrate them into your case flow without losing structure.If charts slow you down, this fixes it.🎯 ⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts - Case Interview Flow (MBB): Most Candidates Break Down Mid-Case

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Most candidates prepare frameworks. Then collapse when the case actually starts moving.This episode breaks down the full case flow — from structuring to exhibits to synthesis — and where candidates lose control.If your performance feels inconsistent, this is the missing layer.🎯 ⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠🎥 ⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

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    The Recruiting Playbook: How to Write a Consulting Resume That Gets Interviews (MBB-Level Strategy)

    Welcome to The Recruiting Playbook: Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================Most consulting resumes fail in the first six seconds.Not because the candidate isn’t smart — but because the resume is structured like a student document, not a consulting deliverable.In this episode, we break down the architecture of a killer consulting resume:• The 6-second recruiter scan (and how to survive it)• Why formatting is a strategic decision• The difference between tasks and impact• The “light bulb” bullet formula• How to frame any experience like a consultant• Tailoring without rewriting your entire resume• Why generic corporate language kills credibilityA consulting resume is not a life story.It’s a strategic document designed to signal structured thinking, ownership, and measurable impact — immediately.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation that converts resumes into interviews:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Consulting Knowledge: Iran War & Airlines: Oil Crisis, Strait of Hormuz, Flight Disruptions Explained

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  The Iran war isn’t just geopolitical — it’s breaking the global aviation system.In this episode, we break down how the conflict is affecting the Airline industry. We use the current crisis to talk in depth about the airline industry, helping you understand the business better for your case interviews AND the current context affecting them.You’ll understand the full chain:oil → jet fuel → airline costs → flight disruptions.If you want to speak intelligently about this in interviews, this is the level expected.🎯 ⁠⁠Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Course⁠⁠⁠🎥 ⁠⁠YouTube Mock Cases & Strategy⁠⁠⁠🔗 Connect on ⁠⁠LinkedIn

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    Decoding the Interview: Frameworking - Cracking Dental & Food Delivery Cases

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================Two industries. Completely different economics.In this episode, we break down dental services and food delivery cases to show how structuring profitability cases must adapt to business model realities.We cover:• Fragmented vs platform-based markets• Pricing power and competition• Labor-driven vs technology-driven margins• What interviewers are testing in each scenarioCase interviews reward contextual thinking — not copy-paste logic.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts: The Revenue vs Cost Trap in Profitability Cases

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Most profitability cases go wrong in the first five minutes.Candidates jump into cost-cutting before diagnosing revenue.In this episode, we break down:• The structural difference between revenue and cost problems• How to avoid premature cost analysis• Diagnosing price vs volume drivers• When cost is actually the right leverProfitability isn’t about listing buckets — it’s about sequencing logic correctly.Consulting Mindset episode — designed to sharpen diagnostic thinking under pressure.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    The Recruiting Playbook: Inside a Consultant’s LinkedIn Inbox (What Gets You Ignored vs. Replied To)

    Welcome to The Recruiting Playbook: Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================Most networking messages get deleted.Not because candidates aren’t smart — but because they don’t understand how consultants think.In this episode, we dissect real LinkedIn messages sent to an ex-BCG consultant and break down:• Why generic “can we chat?” messages fail• The cognitive load mistake most candidates make• Why asking for a referral in your first message kills credibility• The “shared niche” strategy that guarantees replies• How to use the similarity filter• The 10+ touchpoint rule that can 4x your interview odds• How to lower pressure and increase response ratesWe’re not giving templates.We’re reverse-engineering reality.Networking isn’t about being charismatic.It’s about reducing friction and building social capital systematically.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation that converts interviews into offers:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Consulting Knowledge: Treat Private Equity Cases Like House Flipping - A Simple Framework That Actually Works

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  Private equity cases aren’t complicated — candidates make them complicated.In this episode, we simplify PE due diligence using a powerful analogy: house flipping.We break down:• The 3 core questions in any PE case• What actually drives returns• How to evaluate entry price vs. value creation• Operational improvement vs. financial engineering• Exit logic and multiple expansion• Why most candidates overthink PE frameworksIf you treat a PE case like buying, improving, and reselling a house, the logic becomes clear.This episode is part of the Consulting Knowledge pillar — building the business intuition top consultants develop over time.If you want structured preparation that converts interviews into offers:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Decoding the Interview: Frameworking - Cracking EV & Pharma Growth Cases

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================Growth cases look similar on the surface. They aren’t.In this episode, we compare electric vehicle and pharmaceutical growth cases to show:• Industry-specific growth constraints• Capital intensity vs regulatory barriers• Scale economics vs innovation cycles• How to tailor structure to contextInterviewers aren’t testing generic frameworks — they’re testing industry sensitivity.Decoding the Interview series — focused on what’s actually being evaluated in the room.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

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    Consulting Mindset Shifts: The Physics of Growth & Market Entry (Beyond Frameworks)

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Growth isn’t a buzzword. It’s math.In this episode, we break down the “physics” behind growth cases — market size, penetration, pricing, product expansion — and how consultants think through market entry structurally.We cover:• Organic vs inorganic growth logic• Market expansion vs share capture• Unit economics and scalability• Why growth cases collapse without structureThis episode reframes growth from vague ambition to mechanical logic.Part of the Consulting Mindset series — how consultants structure ambiguity before touching numbers.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  27. 11

    The Recruiting Playbook: Quadruple Your Consulting Interview Odds (The 10 Touchpoint Networking Strategy)

    Welcome to The Recruiting Playbook: Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================Submitting your resume and hoping for the best is a losing strategy.In this episode, we break down the data-backed networking strategy that can quadruple your odds of landing consulting interviews.Drawing from Custom Case Coach research (including 1,500+ recruiting data points), we cover:• Why 0 touchpoints = ~20% odds• Why 10+ touchpoints = 80%+ interview probability• Why networking gets you interviews (but not offers)• How to use the “similarity filter” to send better cold messages• The “play tag” method to turn one call into five• How to hint at referrals without awkwardly asking• Why networking isn’t schmoozing — it’s job simulationNetworking is not luck.It’s math.And if you treat it like a numbers game instead of an emotional one, your funnel changes dramatically.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation that actually converts interviews into offers:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  28. 10

    (Early Release) Consulting Knowledge: Hormuz on the Brink - Iran, Oil Shock & the 2026 Energy Crisis Every Consultant Must Understand

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.============================================== The Strait of Hormuz is only 21 miles wide.But right now, it’s holding 20% of the world’s oil supply hostage.Following the late February 2026 U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran — and Iran’s retaliation across the Gulf — global energy markets are absorbing the shock in real time. Tankers are anchored. War-risk insurance is soaring. Brent crude is spiking. And the ripple effects are hitting inflation, equities, freight rates, and central bank policy.In this Knowledge Series deep dive, we break down:How the oil & gas value chain actually works (upstream, midstream, downstream)Why the Strait of Hormuz is the most fragile choke point in the global economyThe three risk scenarios: baseline, prolonged conflict, and tail-risk regional warWhat $85 vs $100 vs $130 oil actually means for inflation and interest ratesWhich sectors get crushed (airlines, petrochemicals, consumer discretionary)Which sectors win (upstream energy, defense, non-Gulf LNG, infrastructure)How to structure this analysis in a consulting case interviewIf you’re preparing for consulting interviews, this episode gives you something most candidates lack: macro-level pattern recognition. When you can connect geopolitics, supply chain vulnerability, energy economics, and sector impact in a clean framework — you immediately stand out.If you want structured preparation:🎯 Full 360° Course⁠https://customcasecoach.com/⁠🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Tests⁠https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests⁠📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: ⁠https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g⁠PrepLounge: ⁠https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116⁠MConsultingPrep: ⁠https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852⁠🎥 YouTube⁠https://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon⁠🔗 LinkedIn⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/⁠

  29. 9

    Consulting Knowledge: Airline Industry Deep-Dive - Why Full Planes Don’t Guarantee Profits

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.==============================================  Airlines are one of the most misunderstood industries in consulting cases.High revenue. High utilization. Massive brand presence.And yet — razor-thin margins.In this episode, we break down how airlines actually make money:• Fixed vs variable cost structure• Load factor and yield management• The role of ancillary revenue• Fuel exposure and hedging• Hub strategy vs point-to-point models• Why scale doesn’t guarantee profitabilityUnderstanding airline economics builds business intuition that applies to heavy manufacturing, capital-intensive industries, and beyond.This episode is part of the Consulting Knowledge series — strengthening the business fluency interviewers expect.If you want structured preparation:🎯 Full 360° Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  30. 8

    Decoding the Interview: Frameworking - Doubling Rare Disease Revenue in Six Years

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================How do you double revenue in a niche, regulated pharmaceutical market?In this Decoding the Interview episode, we walk through a rare disease growth case and break down:• Revenue decomposition in pharma• Market expansion vs penetration trade-offs• Pricing power in regulated markets• Pipeline and lifecycle considerations• How interviewers evaluate your structureThis is a real-time breakdown of how growth logic is tested in consulting interviews — especially in healthcare-heavy offices.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  31. 7

    Consulting Mindset Shifts: The World of Frameworks — Why Most Candidates Get Lost

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Frameworks aren’t the problem.Misusing them is.In this episode, we map the ecosystem of consulting frameworks — profitability, growth, market entry, M&A — and explain why most candidates treat them as scripts instead of strategic tools.You’ll learn:• Why memorized frameworks fail under pressure• How frameworks are meant to function (as project plans)• The difference between structure and recitation• How partners instantly detect robotic thinkingThis is a Consulting Mindset episode — focused on how real consultants think, not how students rehearse.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  32. 6

    The Recruiting Playbook: The New Rules for Breaking Into Consulting (Why the Old MBB Playbook Is Dead)

    Welcome to the Recruiting Playbook. Our weekly series where we discuss tactical strategies to get interview invites, referrals, and ultimately, offers.==============================================The old consulting playbook is dead.If you're still following advice from five years ago — polished resume, a few MBB applications, memorized frameworks — you’re already behind.In this episode, we break down the new reality of breaking into consulting:• Why recruiting timelines now start in March of junior year• The MBB-or-bust fallacy (and why it kills offers)• Why you should apply to 40–50 firms, not three• How to mass-produce high-quality applications (Light Bulb Resume + Frankenstein Cover Letter)• The regression data showing networking is the #1 controllable predictor of interview invites• How to use the “similarity filter” and play tag to build real referrals• Why memorized frameworks get you rejected• How to treat cases like live project plans, not textbook quizzes• Why AI should polish your work — not think for youMost candidates treat consulting prep like a test to hack.That mindset is wrong.Consulting interviews are simulations. The casing, the math drills, the ambiguity — that is the job.If you try to shortcut the interview process without building the underlying skill set, you might sneak in — but you won’t survive.This episode walks through the Custom Case Coach methodology for navigating today’s hyper-accelerated recruiting environment — and preparing at the level firms now expect.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured preparation aligned with the new recruiting reality:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  33. 5

    Consulting Knowledge: Winning in Fragmented vs Consolidated Markets: Strategy Changes Everything

    Welcome to Consulting Knowledge: Our weekly series where we Deep dive into industries, business models, and core concepts you need to understand to ace your interviews and thrive as a consultant.============================================== Not all markets behave the same.A fragmented market requires a completely different strategy than a consolidated one — and consultants must recognize the difference instantly.In this episode, we break down:• What defines fragmented vs concentrated markets• Pricing power and competitive dynamics• M&A strategy in fragmented industries• Scale advantages in consolidated markets• Barriers to entry and capital intensity• How this logic appears in case interviewsIf you can identify market structure quickly, your case strategy becomes sharper immediately.This episode is part of the Consulting Knowledge series — building structural thinking beyond memorized frameworks.If you want to prepare like a consultant, not a case book:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  34. 4

    Decoding the Interview: Solving a Korean OEM Profitability Case

    Welcome to Decoding the Interview:A weekly behind-the-scenes breakdown of what interviewers are actually testing in case and fit interviews, and how to ace your interview.==============================================Watch Ian Glennon solve the full case live here: https://youtu.be/tJ3a_iUY2H4=============================================Manufacturing profitability cases punish vague thinking.In this episode, we walk through a Korean OEM case and break down:• Revenue vs cost drivers in heavy manufacturing• Fixed vs variable cost dynamics• Capacity utilization logic• Competitive pricing pressure• How to prioritize under time constraintsThis episode demonstrates structured case leadership in capital-intensive industries.🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Testshttps://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎥 YouTube Mock Cases & Strategyhttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon🔗 Connect on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ianglennon/

  35. 3

    Consulting Mindset Shifts: Stop Memorizing Frameworks - Think Like a Real Consultant

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================Most candidates preparing for consulting interviews make the same mistake:They memorize frameworks.Profitability. 3Cs. Market entry. Risks at the end.And then under pressure, they sound generic. Robotic. Replaceable.In this episode, we break down why memorized templates fail — and what real structured thinking actually looks like.This is Part 1 of a mindset shift around frameworking. Instead of treating cases like a script to recite, you’ll learn how to treat them like mini-projects:• Why memorization is a trap• The difference between a process and a true analytical structure• How to define the primary and secondary objective before solving• What MECE actually means in practice (not just in theory)• How to build custom workstreams from messy information• Why buckets like “Risks” and “Other” instantly weaken your caseFrameworking isn’t about listing buzzwords.It’s about designing a logical project plan that an analyst team could execute independently.That’s what top firms are actually testing.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant (8/8 in interviews), 5,000+ coaching sessions delivered, and 500+ candidates guided to offers across MBB and Tier-2 firms.If you want structured, deliberate preparation beyond this episode:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Tests (modeled on real tests)https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests🎥 More case strategy and breakdowns:https://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennonIf you’re serious about landing an offer, stop memorizing templates.Start thinking like a consultant.

  36. 2

    Consulting Mindset Shifts: How to Answer Impossible Market Sizing Questions

    Welcome to Consulting Mindset Shifts:Every Sunday we bring big ideas and mental models to reshape how you think about your consulting recruiting journey and your interviews.==============================================If you’re serious about landing McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, this is where you sharpen your edge.I’m Ian Glennon — ex-BCG consultant, founder of Custom Case Coach, and I’ve run 5,000+ coaching sessions helping 500+ candidates turn interviews into offers. I personally went 8 for 8 in consulting interviews, and I now teach candidates how to replicate that level of performance under pressure.This show breaks down what actually moves the needle:• Getting interview invites• Structuring cases at an elite level• Market sizing with clarity and confidence• Fit interviews that convert• How to stand out against top-tier MBA and undergrad candidatesNo fluff. No generic frameworks. Just the thinking that wins offers.If you want deeper, structured training, here’s where to go next:🎯 Full 360° Consulting Recruiting Coursehttps://customcasecoach.com/🧠 BCG Casey Chatbot Practice Tests (modeled on real tests)https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-g/p/master-the-bcg-casey-chatbot-5-practice-tests-modeled-on-real-bcg-tests🎥 YouTube: Case strategy, breakdowns, and live exampleshttps://www.youtube.com/@Coach_IanGlennon📍 1:1 CoachingLeland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-gPrepLounge: https://www.preplounge.com/en/case-coach/profile/228116MConsultingPrep: https://mconsultingprep.com/coaching/21852🎓 Courses on Udemyhttps://www.udemy.com/user/ian-glennon-2/If you’re preparing right now, don’t just listen — execute.Take notes. Practice. Refine. Improve.And when you’re ready to accelerate, I’ll see you inside the program.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Custom Case Coach is founded by former BCG consultant Ian Glennon. Through coaching and training, Ian helps candidates prepare for consulting interviews at firms like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top consultancies.The Consulting Offer Blueprint podcast shares Ian’s frameworks, case strategies, and consulting insights, covering case interviews, market sizing, structuring, industry knowledge, and fit interviews. Episodes are generated from Ian’s proprietary training materials to make his thinking accessible to a wider audience.

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Custom Case Coach | Ian Glennon

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