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Work–life balance is one of the most common concerns candidates have about consulting.

It’s also one of the fastest ways to quietly take yourself out of the running.

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae explains why asking about work–life balance in an interview sends the wrong signal – and what firms are actually optimizing for instead.

Inside this episode:

• What firms really manage to (hint: it’s not balance)
• What interviewers hear when you ask about workload
• How to frame smarter end-of-interview questions that protect your candidacy

This is a mindset shift you need early – not after you’ve already missed your shot.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Take the Consulting Fit Quiz (free self-assessment)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

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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Once Upon a Farm went public, and the stock jumped. But this isn’t the standard path for a consumer brand.

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan examine why a single-brand baby food company chose an IPO instead of selling to a large CPG player - and what role Jennifer Garner’s involvement really plays in that decision.

We break down the business fundamentals behind the headlines, from refrigerated supply chains to retailer economics, and question how much of the early momentum can translate into long-term scale.

The episode closes with what comes next - and whether this business is built to stay public.

We cover:

• Why this IPO breaks the usual consumer brand playbook
• The real economics behind refrigerated, organic consumer products
• How celebrity-backed trust does - and doesn’t - scale over time

A clear-eyed look at IPO strategy, consumer economics, and where this bet could break.

Executive Presentation Training

Learn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management Consulted

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Why This IPO Is Different
• 02:30 – What Is Once Upon a Farm?
• 05:20 – The Jennifer Garner Effect
• 09:10 – Refrigerated Food Economics
• 13:40 – Retail Shelf Space and Margins
• 17:30 – Why IPO Instead of Selling
• 21:40 – Losses, Growth, and Valuation
• 25:40 – How This Business Scales
• 29:40 – What Comes Next

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 this Strategy Simplified episode, you’ll hear a McKinsey case interview example built around a real-world investment decision.

The client is a public university considering whether to add an inter-collegiate football program.

Led by former McKinsey Senior Associate Jali Packer, this case challenges a candidate to assess costs, revenues, and strategic tradeoffs for a football program at a 10,000-student university in the Southern U.S.

If you want to practice structuring an open-ended question like “Is this a good idea?” – and see how McKinsey interviewers test thinking along the way – this case is for you.

Work with Jali:

• View Jali’s 1:1 coaching calendar
• Join the Black Belt case prep program for personalized coaching with Jali and a prep strategy tailored to your goals and timeline
• Connect with Jali on LinkedIn

Additional Resources:

• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to explore coaching options
• Watch more McKinsey, BCG, and Bain case interview demos on YouTube

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.