Send us a text Who decides what a song is worth? In this episode, Jenny Rae speaks with Prerna Rakheja – Managing Economist at Bates White – about the landmark Phonorecords IV case that set new streaming royalty rates. For aspiring consultants, this conversation is a rare look inside economic consulting: how teams structure complex problems, build models that influence billion-dollar industries, and communicate insights to lawyers and judges. Quick note: Bates White is hiring – see open role...
Send us a text Amex just raised the annual fee on its Platinum card from $695 to $895 — a nearly 30 percent jump. In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what’s behind the increase, why Amex believes customers won’t walk away, and how the move fits into a broader strategy to protect its premium brand. We dig into questions like: Who really cares about the fee hike? Why didn’t Amex go even higher? And what does this say about the future of cre...
Send us a text Consulting hiring is up 22% year over year — the biggest surge since before the pandemic. But there’s a catch. In this episode of Strategy Simplified, Japheth breaks down 3 major shifts reshaping the consulting industry right now: The 22% hiring surge (and why entry-level roles are shrinking)How AI is transforming both client work and firm operationsWhy global performance is uneven, with some regions booming and others in declineDownload the full September 2025 Consulting Indus...
Send us a text Ram will cancel its all-electric pickup, raising questions about the EV market, the rise of hybrids, and what truck buyers really want. Was the plan ever realistic, or just peak EV hype? Jenny Rae and Namaan break down the strategy shift at Stellantis — the parent company of Ram, Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge — and why it matters. They also highlight: The risks of chasing trendsThe limits of EV infrastructureWhy hybrids may be the more practical bridge for automakersWhy doubling do...
Send us a text Bain is doubling down on Canada. In this episode of Strategy Simplified, we sit down with Jed Fallis, Bain’s Managing Partner in Canada, to talk about the firm’s brand-new Montreal office. Jed shares why Bain chose Montreal, which industries the office will focus on, and what kind of candidates the firm is looking for as it grows. Importantly, Bain is actively recruiting to staff the new Montreal office. If you’re considering consulting in Canada, now is the time to prepa...
Send us a text Jolie isn’t just selling showerheads — it’s turning your bathroom into a subscription business. In today’s episode, we break down how a simple product innovation paired with sharp marketing and a recurring revenue model is disrupting an overlooked category. From personalized water tests to DTC funnels that bypass big-box retail, Jolie shows how challenger brands are rewriting the rules of consumer products. Links mentioned in the episode: Visit Jolie's siteLearn more abou...
Send us a text Want to land a consulting role in Canada? This episode walks you through everything you need to know about breaking into consulting in 2025. We cover: The current Canadian consulting market and how it differs from the U.S. and U.K.3 recruiting power moves you can apply immediatelyKey target schools, top firms, and the hiring timeline2025 salary preview across McKinsey, Bain, BCG, and moreFor the complete playbook, download Management Consulted’s 2025 Canada Recruitment Roadmap ...
Send us a text In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack the booming business of sports betting. From DraftKings to FanDuel, they examine how sportsbooks use aggressive advertising to acquire customers, the economics behind their business models, and the role of state regulations. The conversation also highlights the challenges of user retention and the untapped B2B opportunities shaping the future of online gambling. Links: DraftKings quarterly resultsJoin ...
Send us a text Building a strong case framework is the foundation of consulting interview success. But most candidates sabotage themselves with simple, avoidable mistakes. In this episode of Strategy Simplified, Jenny Rae breaks down the 4 most common framework errors and shows you exactly how to fix them. You’ll learn how to: Avoid copy-pasting generic frameworksTake the right amount of time to build your structureAdd specific, data-driven pointsPrioritize and present your framework li...
Send us a text Grant Thornton has announced it will acquire Stax, a leading strategy consulting firm serving private equity clients worldwide. What does this deal mean for the consulting industry and the future of PE-focused advisory? In this episode, Jenny Rae sits down with Paul Edwards, Global Practice Lead at Stax, to unpack the acquisition. They discuss Stax’s growth journey, cultural DNA, and how the partnership with Grant Thornton will impact clients, consultants, and the broader...
Send us a text Kraft Heinz is splitting after a decade, and we unpack what that says about the end of “scale at all costs” in Big Food. Jenny Rae and Namaan dive into why focus beats brute scale, how zero-based budgeting collided with challenger brands, and why owning the shelf no longer locks in customers. From ketchup loyalty to cream cheese on the “taste elevation” roster, we map the split: condiments vs packaged meals, the margin math, and the acquisition targets a focused sauces business...
Send us a text Brainstorming questions are one of the trickiest and most under-practiced parts of the case interview. They can make or break your chances. In this Case Creative Masterclass, presented by Bates White - a leading economic consulting firm - you’ll learn how to spot brainstorming questions, build a structured response on the fly, and avoid the “rambling” trap that sinks many candidates. We cover the two main types of creative questions, a simple framework to structure your i...
Send us a text Getting invited to a second round consulting interview is a huge achievement, but it’s not the finish line. The final round is where the offer is won or lost. In this episode, Jenny Rae shares exactly how to prepare for 2nd-round consulting interviews, including advanced case interview strategies and fit interview best practices. Whether you’re interviewing with McKinsey, Bain, BCG, or another top consulting firm, this guide will help you turn your second-round invi...
Send us a text Dr. Pepper is making an $18 billion play in the global coffee market, acquiring Dutch giant JDE Peet’s and splitting into two standalone companies. The deal creates a new coffee contender set to rival Nestlé. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why Dr. Pepper is betting big, what the move says about synergies and strategy, and why investors sent KDP’s stock down. They also explore what this means for global beverage competition and whether Dr. Pepper can truly challenge Nestlé’s do...
Send us a text Step inside a live McKinsey-style case interview. In this episode, former McKinsey consultant and expert coach Mark Di Giorgio leads a candidate through a market entry case set in the nutrition and healthcare industry. Watch how the case unfolds, including: Structuring a US market entry problemSizing the diabetes supplement marketEvaluating retail vs. direct sales channelsAssessing risks and competitor responsesIf you’re preparing for McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, this is your chance...
Send us a text Get the insider’s view on consulting recruitment in the United Kingdom for 2025. In this episode, we cover market trends, 3 recruiting power moves, and a salary preview for top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and OC&C. You’ll learn: Why where you study matters more than what you studyThe true recruiting timeline for UK firms (hint: it starts earlier than you think)What entry-level salaries and bonuses look like across leading UK firmsConsulting demand in the UK is rising, but so...
Send us a text Chili’s just posted five straight quarters of growth and a 39% sales jump, bucking the trend in a struggling casual dining sector. On today’s Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack what’s behind Chili’s surge and why its real competition may be McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, not Outback or Applebee’s. They also explore how Chili’s is threading the needle on pricing strategy, what it reveals about consumer behavior, and why the chain has become a rare bright spot in restaura...
Send us a text Mental math is one of the most misunderstood (and feared) parts of the case interview. In this live Case Math Masterclass, we show you how to turn it into a strength. You’ll learn the 3 types of case math you’ll encounter, the 4-step process to master each one, and how firms actually evaluate your quantitative skills. Plus, watch a live demonstration to see what excellent case math looks like in action. If you’ve ever worried that math could tank your interview performance, thi...
Send us a text Too many candidates spend their prep time chasing rare case interview curveballs. The truth is, most interviews follow a predictable pattern. Over 95% of cases include the same five question types. In this episode, we break down exactly what they are and how to handle each one - from your opening structure to your final close. Skip the fluff, focus your practice, and give yourself the best shot at an MBB offer. Additional Resources: Black Belt case prep programMilestone-based C...
Send us a text Stock buybacks are hitting all-time highs in 2025, led by big banks and tech giants like Apple and Alphabet. In this episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what a buyback is, why companies do it, and what this surge signals about corporate balance sheets, sector trends, and the strength of the U.S. economy. Links: Investopedia: What is a Buyback?Wall Street Journal: American Companies Are Buying Their Own Stocks at a Record PaceChapters: 03:35 Understanding Stock Buybacks06...