Strategy Simplified

Send us a textThe 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 COVIDHow financing, hybrids, and product mix drove Ford’s outperformanceWhat Ford must change in 2026 as margins shift beyond unit salesThis 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-10Chapters:03:05 — 2025 Auto Industry Overview06:33 — Ford's Unexpected Success08:56 — Consumer Behavior and Car Buying Trends13:53 — Analyzing the Automotive Market Trends16:40 — Consumer Behavior and Financing Strategies19:51 — The Shift Towards Hybrid and Electric Vehicles22:46 — Sales Performance and Market Share Insights25:38 — Future Strategies for Automotive Companies28:30 — Monetizing Customer Relationships Post-PurchaseMaking Good: Small Business Marketing PodcastMaking Good helps you do better marketing so you can make a bigger impact. If you’re...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyConnect 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 ([email protected]) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textIn 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 chancesHow to build a focused 6–8 firm target list (with clear criteria)How to network in a way that earns real advocates + referralsWhat “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 listJoin January Black BeltBook a free 15-minute call with Katie to map out your best pathPartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Connect 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 ([email protected]) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textThe 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-10Connect 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 ([email protected]) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textThis 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 teamMore McKinsey case examplesPartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Making Good: Small Business Marketing PodcastMaking Good helps you do better marketing so you can make a bigger impact. If you’re...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyConnect 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 ([email protected]) with questions or feedback.

Send us a textWatch 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 presentationsLive Q&A / defense under pressureHow employers evaluate structure, judgment, and communication in real timeWhether 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 • SlalomAdditional 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 OffersPartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Making Good: Small Business Marketing PodcastMaking Good helps you do better marketing so you can make a bigger impact. If you’re...Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifyConnect 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 ([email protected]) with questions or feedback.