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The average new car now costs over $50,000, with monthly payments nearing $760.

So how did Ford post its best U.S. sales year since 2019?

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down how Ford defied expectations in 2025 – despite tariffs, high rates, and weakening EV demand.

They cover:

• Why 2025 may have been the first “normal” auto year since COVID
• How financing, hybrids, and product mix drove Ford’s outperformance
• What Ford must change in 2026 as margins shift beyond unit sales

This is a forward-looking strategy conversation on how automakers adapt when cars start behaving more like platforms than products.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Chapters:

03:05 — 2025 Auto Industry Overview
06:33 — Ford's Unexpected Success
08:56 — Consumer Behavior and Car Buying Trends
13:53 — Analyzing the Automotive Market Trends
16:40 — Consumer Behavior and Financing Strategies
19:51 — The Shift Towards Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
22:46 — Sales Performance and Market Share Insights
25:38 — Future Strategies for Automotive Companies
28:30 — Monetizing Customer Relationships Post-Purchase

Connect 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.

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In the debut episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down the real story of “Sophomore Sally” – a strong candidate at a fringe target school who’s panicking about junior-year recruiting and ready to apply everywhere (the “spaghetti at the wall” trap).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why applying to everything hurts your chances
• How to build a focused 6–8 firm target list (with clear criteria)
• How to network in a way that earns real advocates + referrals
• What “commitment” actually looks like (and why recruiting started yesterday)

Want help like Sally is getting?

The January Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, January 13 (limited spots). Learn more and join.

Additional Resources:

• Use the Firm Directory to create your target firms list
• Join January Black Belt
• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best path

Connect 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.

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The 2026 Consulting Salary Report is coming later this month — and this episode is your first look at what to expect.

Japheth shares why this year’s report matters more than ever, how it’s built using real offer data from 100+ firms, and what candidates need to understand about consulting compensation heading into 2026.

Join the waitlist to get early access to the report and register for a seat at the live January 23 walkthrough.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Connect 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.

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This is our most-listened-to episode of 2025 — and for good reason.

In this replay, you’ll hear a live McKinsey-style M&A case interview where a candidate evaluates whether a global bubble tea chain should acquire a fast-growing coffee brand.

Led by former McKinsey consultant and Management Consulted case coach Divya, the case walks through how to structure an acquisition decision, assess synergies and cannibalization risk, and pressure-test profitability — followed by concise interviewer feedback on what to refine.

The candidate went on to land an MBB offer shortly after this case, making this a must-listen for anyone prepping for consulting interviews in 2026.

Additional Resources:

• Purchase the Black Belt case prep program for 1:1 coaching with our expert MBB team
• More McKinsey case examples

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Connect 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.

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Watch the top MBA teams in the 2025 MBA Case Competition World Cup Finals go head-to-head in a live, high-pressure strategy showdown.

Five finalist teams take on The Cava Challenge: build a 3–5 year growth strategy to scale Cava nationally — without sacrificing the flavor, quality, and culture that made the brand.

You’ll see:

• 5-minute executive-style presentations
• Live Q&A / defense under pressure
• How employers evaluate structure, judgment, and communication in real time

Whether you’re recruiting for consulting, strategy, or business roles, this episode is a front-row seat to what “top-tier” thinking looks like.

Judging employers: Accenture • L.E.K. • Netflix • OC&C • Simon-Kucher • Slalom

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about running a case competition for your university or club (Career Services & Club Leaders only)
• Get your copy of Marc Cosentino's newest book: Case In Point - Case Competition: Creating Winning Strategy Presentations for Case Competitions and Job Offers

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect 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.

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Cannabis just moved from Schedule I to Schedule III — and the biggest implications have nothing to do with lifestyle or politics.

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what reclassification means for the market: who benefits, who loses, and why cannabis stocks dropped on “good” news.

They unpack the real unlocks behind the headlines — Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, federally funded research, banking access, and why Big Pharma, consumer giants, and even beer companies may now have the edge.

This is a regulatory shock case study: how one policy change reshapes competition, pricing power, supply chains, and long-term winners across healthcare and consumer markets.

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Chapters:

01:05 — What Cannabis Reclassification Actually Changes
03:15 — Schedule I vs Schedule III: Why It Matters
05:45 — Banking, Taxes, and the Industry’s Hidden Constraints
08:20 — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Real Demand Unlock
11:10 — Why Cannabis Stocks Fell on “Good” News
13:30 — Big Pharma, Big Beer, and New Market Entrants
19:40 — Supply Chains, Compliance, and Rising Costs
25:00 — Who Wins, Who Loses, and What Comes Next

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect 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.

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AI is everywhere in TMT — but in 2026, the hype is fading and the real question is simple: what’s the ROI?

Rick Wilmot (ex-McKinsey) sits down with leaders from Bain (Ron Kermisch), Capgemini Invent (Karl Bjurstrom), Strategy& (Dan Hays), and Altman Solon (Gregor Eichler) to unpack what TMT clients want now — and what it takes to win offers in this space.

You’ll hear what’s changing across tech and telecom: the post-hype AI reality check, shifting talent strategy, telco capex monetization pressure, and the growing role of regulation in growth strategy.

The panel also gets practical on recruiting: what makes candidates stand out, how to show real depth in TMT, and how to start strong once you land the role.

Each firm is hiring now. Click here to see open roles and prep resources to help you land your next offer.

Additional Resources:

• Explore open roles at Altman Solon, Bain, Capgemini Invent, and Strategy&
• Join Black Belt for personalized coaching, digital assessment practice, and targeted prep to break into education consulting

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Connect 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.

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Where do McKinsey, Bain, and BCG consultants go after they leave?

We analyzed 1,600+ MBB exits to build a live map of where opportunity is compounding — and which skills the market is paying a premium for.

In this episode, Namaan breaks down the 2025 MBB Exit Opportunity Analysis and the 5 trends shaping where consultants go next.

You’ll learn:

• The top industries hiring ex-MBB in 2025
• Why most exits go private (not public)
• Which roles accelerate the move into operating leadership
• How to choose: product, capital, or CEO proximity

Download the full report for free here.

Additional Resources:

• Download free 2025 MBB Exit Opportunity Analysis report
• Reach out to Namaan: namaan@managementconsulted.com

Partner Links:

• Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10

Connect 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.