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In this episode of Recruiting Reality Check, Katie Neff and Japheth Mast break down the real story of “PhD Phil” – a brilliant advanced degree candidate targeting consulting bridge programs who’s fallen into a common trap: confusing reading with readiness.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why reading case books creates false confidence
• The 3 pieces of the case prep puzzle (theory, practice, feedback)
• Why smart candidates still struggle without real application
• What effective case prep actually looks like for PhDs and other APDs

Want help like Phil is getting?

The February Black Belt cohort closes Tuesday, February 10 (limited spots). Learn more and join.

Additional Resources:

• Join February Black Belt
• Book a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best path
• See upcoming Bridge Program application deadlines
• Download a free step-by-step case prep plan

Chapters:

• 01:34 – Meet PhD Phil and bridge program recruiting
• 03:00 – How bridge programs actually work (and why they’re competitive)
• 04:22 – The “reading = readiness” illusion
• 06:25 – The 3 pieces of the case prep puzzle
• 07:32 – Building business acumen as a PhD
• 08:49 – Why drills matter more than more cases
• 10:59 – The role of feedback, coaches, and blind spots
• 12:58 – A tale of two PhDs (start early or miss out)
• 14:12 – Black Belt support for APD candidates

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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Flat base pay isn’t a blip – it’s a signal.

In this episode, Namaan breaks down what new 2026 consulting salary data really means for recruiting, performance expectations, and how firms are reshaping compensation.

You’ll learn:

• Why starting base pay is staying flat (and why it’s not about weak demand)
• How firms are shifting upside into bonuses, benefits, and faster skill-building
• What this means for candidates, university career centers, and consulting firms heading into 2026–2027

If you haven’t already, download the 2026 Consulting Salary Report to see the full data behind these trends.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ consulting roles)
• Get full recruiting support with Black Belt
• Explore deeper market analysis on the Market Outsiders Podcast

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.

Send us a text

Boeing’s rebound isn’t about brilliance. It’s about not losing in a brutal duopoly.

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what Boeing’s post-crisis recovery really signals — and why its future depends less on innovation and more on execution over time.

We cover:

• Why Boeing’s biggest advantage is the Airbus duopoly, not outperformance
• How long delivery timelines distort cash flow, pricing, and leverage
• What it would actually take for Boeing to reach $10B in free cash flow

This is a case study in capital intensity, regulation, and survival in one of the hardest businesses in the world.

Episode Links:

• Boeing’s quarterly sales jump 57% as CEO says there’s ‘a lot to be optimistic about’ (CNBC)

Partner Links:

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

Chapters:

• 00:00 Boeing’s Crisis and Lost Trust
• 02:52 Boeing vs Airbus: The Duopoly
• 05:05 A “Comeback” Driven by Demand
• 08:47 Orders vs Deliveries vs Cash
• 12:04 Regulation, Quality, and Bottlenecks
• 16:22 Can Boeing Reach $10B Free Cash Flow?
• 19:56 Defense as the Real Growth Engine
• 27:50 Innovation vs Execution
• 33:26 Why Deliveries Matter Most

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.