Send us a text Brainstorming questions are one of the trickiest and most under-practiced parts of the case interview. They can make or break your chances. In this Case Creative Masterclass, presented by Bates White - a leading economic consulting firm - you’ll learn how to spot brainstorming questions, build a structured response on the fly, and avoid the “rambling” trap that sinks many candidates. We cover the two main types of creative questions, a simple framework to structure your i...

Send us a text Getting invited to a second round consulting interview is a huge achievement, but it’s not the finish line. The final round is where the offer is won or lost. In this episode, Jenny Rae shares exactly how to prepare for 2nd-round consulting interviews, including advanced case interview strategies and fit interview best practices. Whether you’re interviewing with McKinsey, Bain, BCG, or another top consulting firm, this guide will help you turn your second-round invi...

Send us a text Dr. Pepper is making an $18 billion play in the global coffee market, acquiring Dutch giant JDE Peet’s and splitting into two standalone companies. The deal creates a new coffee contender set to rival Nestlé. Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why Dr. Pepper is betting big, what the move says about synergies and strategy, and why investors sent KDP’s stock down. They also explore what this means for global beverage competition and whether Dr. Pepper can truly challenge Nestlé’s do...

Send us a text Step inside a live McKinsey-style case interview. In this episode, former McKinsey consultant and expert coach Mark Di Giorgio leads a candidate through a market entry case set in the nutrition and healthcare industry. Watch how the case unfolds, including: Structuring a US market entry problemSizing the diabetes supplement marketEvaluating retail vs. direct sales channelsAssessing risks and competitor responsesIf you’re preparing for McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, this is your chance...

Send us a text Get the insider’s view on consulting recruitment in the United Kingdom for 2025. In this episode, we cover market trends, 3 recruiting power moves, and a salary preview for top firms like McKinsey, Bain, and OC&C. You’ll learn: Why where you study matters more than what you studyThe true recruiting timeline for UK firms (hint: it starts earlier than you think)What entry-level salaries and bonuses look like across leading UK firmsConsulting demand in the UK is rising, but so...

Send us a text Chili’s just posted five straight quarters of growth and a 39% sales jump, bucking the trend in a struggling casual dining sector. On today’s Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack what’s behind Chili’s surge and why its real competition may be McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A, not Outback or Applebee’s. They also explore how Chili’s is threading the needle on pricing strategy, what it reveals about consumer behavior, and why the chain has become a rare bright spot in restaura...

Send us a text Mental math is one of the most misunderstood (and feared) parts of the case interview. In this live Case Math Masterclass, we show you how to turn it into a strength. You’ll learn the 3 types of case math you’ll encounter, the 4-step process to master each one, and how firms actually evaluate your quantitative skills. Plus, watch a live demonstration to see what excellent case math looks like in action. If you’ve ever worried that math could tank your interview performance, thi...

Send us a text Too many candidates spend their prep time chasing rare case interview curveballs. The truth is, most interviews follow a predictable pattern. Over 95% of cases include the same five question types. In this episode, we break down exactly what they are and how to handle each one - from your opening structure to your final close. Skip the fluff, focus your practice, and give yourself the best shot at an MBB offer. Additional Resources: Black Belt case prep programMilestone-based C...

Send us a text Stock buybacks are hitting all-time highs in 2025, led by big banks and tech giants like Apple and Alphabet. In this episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack what a buyback is, why companies do it, and what this surge signals about corporate balance sheets, sector trends, and the strength of the U.S. economy. Links: Investopedia: What is a Buyback?Wall Street Journal: American Companies Are Buying Their Own Stocks at a Record PaceChapters: 03:35 Understanding Stock Buybacks06...

Send us a text Get the latest recruiting scoop you can’t afford to miss. In this Recruiting Intel Drop, we break down McKinsey interview timing, Bain’s creative case format rollout, and key application deadlines for MBB and top boutique firms. Whether you’re an undergrad, non-MBA master’s student, or advanced degree candidate, you’ll hear exactly what’s happening right now — and what to expect in the coming weeks. Timestamps: [01:02] McKinsey interview invites[02:35] Bain's "creative" case i...

Send us a text Interview coming up fast? Don’t panic. This episode breaks down exactly how to prepare for a case interview when you’ve got 7 days or less. Learn the 4-step plan our most successful candidates use to prep under pressure, plus what not to waste time on. Whether you're just getting started or need a reset, this is your last-minute roadmap to case success. Need help fast? Our expert coaches can prep you in under a week. Learn more. Expert Coaching Programs: 1 Hour Interview ...

Send us a text Yum! Brands beat expectations in some areas - but it wasn’t enough. Today, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down why positive same-store sales at Taco Bell still set off alarms, how KFC and Pizza Hut are dragging the portfolio, and what investors and operators often miss when they celebrate “growth.” They explore: The real meaning behind Yum’s earnings missWhy brand-level performance matters more than the headlineCompetitive pressure in fast food (and who’s stealing share from ...

Send us a text The first five minutes of your case interview matter most. In this live-recorded masterclass, learn how to structure your case like a pro and impress from the start. In this episode: What MBB firms look for in a 2025-ready case structureHow to build and deliver a tailored 4x3 structure under pressureA live demo with real-time scoring and expert feedbackDownload the free prep plan here and join Black Belt for expert 1:1 coaching to fast-track your prep. Additional Resources: Bla...

Send us a text Starbucks is ditching its pickup-only and drive-thru-only stores. CEO Brian Niccol says they “lack warmth” — but is that really the reason? In today’s Thursday Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae break down the surprising move and whether it’s a smart brand strategy or a costly operational mistake. Listen in to learn what this shift signals for loyalty, in-store experience, and the future of Starbucks' growth. Previous episodes on Starbucks: Starbucks Profits Cra...

Send us a text Watch as a former BCG consultant - Raghav - leads a candidate through a real-time case interview focused on cost reduction for a defense contractor. This live case tests structuring, market sizing, math under pressure, and strategy formulation. You’ll learn how to: Break down a cost-focused BCG-style caseHandle unfamiliar industry contexts like defense manufacturingStructure a winning recommendation with limited dataAvoid common case math pitfallsStick around for detailed feedb...

Send us a text A slow-moving popcorn line sparked today’s conversation, but what it uncovered was a masterclass in business strategy. Jenny Rae and Namaan dig into Garrett Popcorn’s iconic brand, operational bottlenecks, and surprising pricing tactics. They also explore what Garrett’s isn’t doing - and what it could - plus how SkinnyPop’s explosive growth started with the same insight: there’s real money in popcorn. From impulse buys to private equity plays, today’s episode reveals how small ...

Send us a text Katie Neff’s path to consulting was anything but typical. After 8 years in the Marine Corps, she pivoted through a dual degree at Columbia and went on to land a role with BCG in the Middle East. In this conversation, Katie unpacks how she: Built a strong consulting resumeNavigated hidden BCG networking opportunitiesMastered case interview prep with the Black Belt programNailed the offer from a nontraditional backgroundHer story is packed with BCG recruiting tips, consulting car...

Send us a text Tesla has opened a diner in Los Angeles - and it’s not just about burgers and fries. In today’s episode, Namaan and Jenny Rae explore the business strategy behind this bold move and why the diner could be more than a gimmick. They break down how Tesla might use this concept to test robotics, integrate charging infrastructure, and experiment with a new kind of customer experience - all while considering brand positioning and long‑term ecosystem plays that could shape the future ...

Send us a text Are you an engineer or in another technical field wondering if consulting could be your next move? In this episode, Jenny Rae breaks down exactly how engineers can successfully transition into consulting. She explains why firms value your analytical skills, what makes engineers both great and challenging hires, and the extra experiences that set you apart. Additional resources to make the transition from engineer to consulting: Black Belt: 8+ hours of personalized c...

Send us a text Coca‑Cola posted stronger‑than‑expected earnings, yet its stock still slipped. Why? In today’s Tuesday episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack Coca‑Cola’s latest results, from price hikes to shifting volume trends across regions and product lines. They explore how forward guidance, tariffs, and supply chain costs shape investor reactions - and what it all means for your own business or investing decisions. Join Market Outsiders live every weekday at...