# case interview (podcasts) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover case interview. Page: Feed: --- ## S24E10: The Toothbrush Test: Why Most Case Frameworks Fail at MBB _2026-08-19 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail If your case framework doesn't pass the toothbrush test, it's too generic for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. Ex-Bain coach Abi Chen walks through the toothbrush test, the 3 mistakes that cost most candidates their offer, and the 4-step process to build strong frameworks. Finally, she walks through two full framework examples – an M&A case and a pharma product launch. Resources: If your… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19671018-s24e10-the-toothbrush-test-why-most-case-frameworks-fail-at-mbb.mp3) ## [876: The Lesson in Choosing to Resign (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/876-the-lesson-in-choosing-to-resign-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-08-17 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ When I was an associate and had just joined the firm from a boutique firm, many of my colleagues from the boutique firm were also looking for new roles. Some of them were outstanding and others were terrible. Shortly after I joined the firm it was announced that some of the terrible consultants had been made offers to join the firm. In this podcast I explain why I resigned, how the firm reacted… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/876_The_Lesson_in_Choosing_to_Resign.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## S24E9: Inside a Bates White Economic Consulting Case Interview _2026-08-14 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail Bates White let us inside a real economic consulting case interview. Annie Olecki, a senior consultant in Bates White's antitrust practice, ran a live case interview with a volunteer from the MC community. And economic consulting cases don't look like the strategy cases at McKinsey or Bain. The case: a phone manufacturer suing its battery suppliers for price-fixing. The candidate… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19646858-s24e9-inside-a-bates-white-economic-consulting-case-interview.mp3) ## S24E8: Private Equity Consulting Firms Have a Sameness Problem _2026-08-12 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail Namaan talked to dozens of PE practice leaders for our 2026 ranking. Almost every one said the same three things: 1) Cross-practice integration. 2) Strategy through execution. 3) Deep sector expertise. Strip the logo off 7 of 10 firms and you can't tell them apart. That's the sameness problem. And it's expensive. Sponsors stop evaluating and default to relationships, brand, and… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19638983-s24e8-private-equity-consulting-firms-have-a-sameness-problem.mp3) ## S24E7: MBA Case Prep in 2–4 Weeks: An Ex-Bain Interviewer's Plan _2026-08-11 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail Most 2nd-year MBA candidates have 2 to 4 weeks to get case interview-ready this cycle, not the usual 6 to 8. More cases won't close that gap for McKinsey, Bain, and BCG. Former Bain interviewer and LBS MBA Mitali Jalan compressed her prep into under 4 weeks and landed her offer. This session is her plan for doing it on a short runway. The fix isn't more volume. It's knowing what… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19632318-s24e7-mba-case-prep-in-2-4-weeks-an-ex-bain-interviewer-s-plan.mp3) ## [875: Using Storytelling in Cases (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/875-using-storytelling-in-cases-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-08-10 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Storytelling is a very powerful technique to ensure someone remembers you after an interview. In fact, even when we screen people at Firmsconsulting today, we use this technique I applied as a partner. The rule is simple: if I can remember your key messages from the interview the next day, I would make you an offer. That, of course, assumes you had passed all the other hurdles well enough. One way… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/875_Using_Storytelling_in_Cases_Case_Interview__Management_Consulting_classics.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## S24E6: McKinsey Solve Game 2026: What It Is and How to Prepare _2026-08-07 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail McKinsey screens candidates with a video game – McKinsey Solve – before they ever see a case interview. Most candidates either try to copy other people's answers or panic because they don't know what it's measuring. So here's the breakdown: what Solve is, what McKinsey is testing for inside it, and how to approach it. The answer isn't Solve-specific prep. It's the same… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19615476-s24e6-mckinsey-solve-game-2026-what-it-is-and-how-to-prepare.mp3) ## S24E5: McKinsey Case Interview Example: Electric Truck Market Entry _2026-08-06 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail George Cary spent five years as a McKinsey EM. In this live case, he coaches candidate Harvey through a real McKinsey market entry study: should a diesel truck manufacturer build and sell electric trucks. Harvey builds a framework, runs the full cost-of-ownership math, and lands a final recommendation. George pauses after every section to break down good vs. great in real time.… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19606609-s24e5-mckinsey-case-interview-example-electric-truck-market-entry.mp3) ## S24E4: She Bombed MBB Her First Try – Then Landed 2 Offers the Next Time _2026-08-05 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail Sharon had everything going for her. Top-tier MBA. MBB interview invites across the board. She'd done 50–60 cases – but didn't make it past a single first round. What held her back wasn't her profile. It was her approach. So she came back the next year when the stakes were even higher. This time, she did it differently – and landed McKinsey and Bain . Katie breaks down what… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19604652-s24e4-she-bombed-mbb-her-first-try-then-landed-2-offers-the-next-time.mp3) ## [874: Managed out of McKinsey & BCG? (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/874-managed-out-of-mckinsey-bcg-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-08-05 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Too many clients panic when they are managed out of McKinsey, BCG or Bain. They assume the worst and imagine a tattered reputation. This could not be further from the truth. In this podcast, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we explain why it is in McKinsey's and BCG's best interest to never disclose you were managed out. It is part of their business models that… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/874_Managed_out_of_McKinsey__BCG_e_192kb.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## [Persona-led AI publishing (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/JZ6UeZnEH3r7) _2026-08-05 · **Sponsored**_ Generate drafts, schedule subdomain publishing, and keep human review where needed. ## [873: Why consulting stars are never managers (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/873-why-consulting-stars-are-never-managers-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-08-03 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we explain how teams are assembled and the role given to consulting stars. Many assume being the manage means you are the best performer. That could not be further from the truth. Related: Learn more about consulting from our leadership publication Firmsconsulting Quarterly Here are some free gifts for you:… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/873_Why_consulting_stars_are_never_managers_e_lio_192kb.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## S24E3: 3 Questions That Kill Your Case Interview Opening _2026-07-31 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail "Any other objectives?" sounds polite. But in a case interview opening, it costs you points. Namaan breaks down the 3 questions that kill candidates in the first 2 minutes of a case. The case opening is the first section that gets scored. And it's nearly identical every single time. So if there's one part of the case you can walk in ready for, it's this one. Get the opening right,… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19581770-s24e3-3-questions-that-kill-your-case-interview-opening.mp3) ## [872: Are you a consulting leader? (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/872-are-you-a-consulting-leader) _2026-07-30 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Many of us rely on titles to determine if we becoming leaders in a consulting firm. This podcast provides a more important of definition of consulting leadership: who does the consulting firm turn to in times of crises and how do they do so? In fact, you will see that a leader in a consulting organization can be as young as an analyst and a partner may not be a leader. In fact the level of candor… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/872_Are_you_a_consulting_leader_e.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## S24E2: How Consulting Firms Really Score Case Interviews _2026-07-29 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail You can nail every case you practice and still get rejected. That's because firms aren't grading you on vibes. McKinsey scores you piece by piece – opening, structure, math, brainstorming, closing. Other firms use 3 buckets instead: structure, problem solving, communication. Either way, a 4 out of 4 in math won't save a 1 out of 4 in brainstorming. Firms want you solid across the… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19565722-s24e2-how-consulting-firms-really-score-case-interviews.mp3) ## S24E1: The Hottest Consulting Sectors to Target in 2026 _2026-07-24 · Strategy Simplified_ Send us Fan Mail McKinsey is making 12% more hires this year than last. But the jobs aren't going to the same profile of candidate. Energy and utilities is projected to grow 11% in 2026 – one of the least sexy practices in consulting, and one of the hottest right now. Healthcare, private equity, and consumer/retail are all shifting too. If you're aiming at the wrong sector or the wrong skill set,… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/1002655/episodes/19544013-s24e1-the-hottest-consulting-sectors-to-target-in-2026.mp3) ## [871: Myth of the Technology Strategy Study (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/871-myth-of-the-technology-strategy-study) _2026-07-20 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Readers in other sectors like financial services, energy, retail, automotive etc., make a massive mistake when looking at the technology strategy study training we have up on the site. They assume that the study will not train them about corporate strategy since it is about corporate strategy for technology company. That is major flaw. This podcast elaborates on some of these reasons: 1. Every… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/871_Myth_of_the_Technology_Strategy_Study_Classic.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## [870: Strategy Insight Ratio (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/870-strategy-insight-ratio-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-07-15 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Young consultants make some very common mistakes when they start out, and I explain how to use the strategy insight ratio to correct these problems. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/OverallApproach McKinsey & BCG winning resume free download: www.firmsconsulting.com/resumepdf Enjoying this episode? Get… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/870_Strategy_Insight_Ratio_e_192kb.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## [869: Misunderstanding "Being Analytic" (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/869-misunderstanding-being-analytic-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-07-13 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Aspiring and some young consultants tend to have a narrow outside-in view of management consulting. They make significant assumptions about why and how strategy studies are done, and try to replicate this assumed behavior. They think "being analytic" means analyzing things before every decision is made. Here are some free gifts for you: Overall Approach Used in Well-Managed Strategy Studies free… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/869_Misunderstanding_Being_Analytic_e_lio.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## [868: How to Network with a Senior Partner (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/868-how-to-network-with-a-senior-partner-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-07-06 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ Networking with a partner is counter-intuitive. It is much easier to network with a McKinsey / BCG partner for at least four reasons. First, partners always return emails. Second, partners are generally willing to take a call just to explore your profile. Third, partners are less hung up on things like degrees etc. since they look deeper at a profile. Fourth, partners are accessible with easy to… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/868_How_to_Network_with_a_Senior_Partner_Case_Interview__Management_Consulting_classics.mp3?dest-id=318858) ## [profullstack on Ko‑fi (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/3lpSHtEUftnz) _2026-07-06 · **Sponsored**_ Open the creator's Ko‑fi page. ## [867: Be a professional, don't be a business person (Case Interview & Management Consulting classics)](https://caseinterviewpreparation.libsyn.com/866-be-a-professional-dont-be-a-business-person-case-interview-management-consulting-classics) _2026-06-29 · Case Interview Preparation & Management Consulting | Strategy | Critical Thinking_ What is your understanding of the consulting culture or philosophy? What do you think defines and separates the top consulting firms from the others? For this episode, let's revisit a Case Interview & Management Consulting classic where we spoke about the real culture of consulting firms apart from what people think it is and what distinguishes great consulting firms from others. Here are some… [Listen](https://pdcn.co/e/pdcn.co/e/traffic.libsyn.com/secure/caseinterviewpreparation/866_Be_a_professional_dont_be_a_business_person_Case_Interview__Management_Consulting_classics.mp3?dest-id=318858)