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I went to the beach (literally) during my first month at Bain.

Technically, I was allowed to. Strategically, it quietly hurt my early trajectory.

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the biggest mistake she made in her first month – and what she wishes she had done instead.

You'll learn:

• Why “unstaffed” is a career opportunity – not time off
• How early visibility and eagerness shape who gets the best projects
• What to do in your first weeks to position yourself for rapid promotion

This is the reality no one tells you before you start.

If you’re about to join a consulting firm, this is how you avoid falling behind before you even realize it.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Join the last-ever Strategy Sprint (March 7-14)

Build consulting experience, boost your resume, and make a real impact on this 1-week consulting project (the last-ever project)

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 episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack one of retail’s most unexpected survivors: Build-A-Bear. Build-A-Bear is a mall-based stuffed animal retailer in an AI-driven world – and yet it’s a profitable public company with rising stock performance.

We cover:

• What the company really sells – and how customization drives pricing power
• What the financials reveal about profitability and scale
• The next move: U.S. focus, international expansion, or partnerships

A sharp look at retail economics, defensibility, and what it actually takes to survive.

Episode Links:

• Annual Report - SEC Form 10-K Filing for Fiscal Year 2024 (Build-A-Bear)

Executive Presentation Training:

Learn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management Consulted

Chapters:

00:00 – Should Build-A-Bear Be Dead?
01:45 – The “Pay Your Age” Hook
04:30 – Chipotle for Teddy Bears
06:40 – Public Company Surprise
09:00 – Breaking Down the Financials
12:30 – Retail vs AI Disruption
16:45 – Growth Levers That Matter
22:30 – U.S. Core vs Global Expansion
29:00 – What Would You Do 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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Watch the top undergraduate and master’s teams in the 2026 Case Competition World Cup Finals go head-to-head in a live, high-pressure strategy showdown.

5 finalist teams take on The Waymo Challenge, presented by Grant Thornton Stax: build a 3–5 year growth strategy to scale Waymo’s autonomous ride-hailing business – without sacrificing safety, strong unit economics, or public trust.

You’ll see:

• 5-minute pitches from undergrad/MS competitors
• Live Q&A and evaluation from Celebrity Judges at EY-Parthenon, Grant Thornton Stax, KPMG, L.E.K. Consulting, and Simon-Kucher
• How top employers assess structured thinking, judgment, and storytelling

Presented by Grant Thornton Stax, a strategy consulting firm specializing in analytics-driven growth strategy and commercial diligence.

Stax partnered to develop the case and is actively hiring talent interested in strategy, data, and real-world impact.

Helpful Stax Links:

• Careers site
• Life at Grant Thornton Stax
• Contact: recruiting@stax.com

Additional Resources:

• Learn more about running a case competition for your university or club (Career Services & Club Leaders only)
• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to explore Management Consulted prep support options

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.