Strategy Simplified

Management Consulted

Strategy Simplified is here to demystify the consulting industry and help you land your dream job in management consulting. Hosted by the expert team at Management Consulted - the world's largest resource for consulting news and interview prep - each episode covers topics related to the consulting world, from interview preparation and case study techniques to networking strategies and industry trends. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a transition, Strategy Simplified is the go-to resource for anyone looking to break into the consulting industry. With actionable advice, insider tips, and real-life success stories, this podcast is the ultimate guide to simplifying your career strategy and landing your dream consulting job.

  1. S22E1: Saks Is Bankrupt. Now What?

    3 HR AGO

    S22E1: Saks Is Bankrupt. Now What?

    Send us a text Saks Fifth Avenue has filed for bankruptcy. After years of warning signs – including its Neiman Marcus acquisition and Amazon’s investment – the iconic luxury retailer is officially on life support. In this Market Outsiders episode, Namaan and Jenny break down what actually went wrong behind the headlines. They cover: Why the Neiman Marcus deal failed to deliver real synergiesHow junk-bond financing and cash-flow missteps pushed Saks into bankruptcyWhat happens next – and whether Saks can realistically be rebuiltThis isn’t just a retail story. It’s a case study in leverage, dealmaking, and what happens when strategy can’t outrun structural change. Episode Links: Amazon says its Saks investment is now worthless (CNBC)How the Neiman Marcus acquisition pushed Saks into bankruptcy (CNBC)Previous episode: Saks on Amazon Signals Luxury in Crisis – Our original breakdown of Amazon’s stake and why the strategy looked fragile from the startPartner Links: Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Saks Fifth Avenue's Bankruptcy02:31 Understanding the Acquisition of Neiman Marcus05:47 Revenue and Cost Synergies Explained09:33 The Role of Cash Flow in Business13:24 Amazon's Investment and Its Implications16:47 Potential Paths for Saks's Revival21:36 The Future of Luxury RetailConnect 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.

    28 min
  2. S21E28: Ford’s Surprise Comeback: Why $50K Cars Still Sold

    7 JAN

    S21E28: Ford’s Surprise Comeback: Why $50K Cars Still Sold

    Send us a text The 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 Overview 06:33 — Ford's Unexpected Success 08:56 — Consumer Behavior and Car Buying Trends 13:53 — Analyzing the Automotive Market Trends 16:40 — Consumer Behavior and Financing Strategies 19:51 — The Shift Towards Hybrid and Electric Vehicles 22:46 — Sales Performance and Market Share Insights 25:38 — Future Strategies for Automotive Companies 28:30 — Monetizing Customer Relationships Post-Purchase 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.

    36 min
  3. 19/12/2025

    S21E24: Cava Growth Strategy — Live MBA Case Competition Finals

    Send us a text Watch 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 • Slalom Additional 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-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 (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

    1h 2m

About

Strategy Simplified is here to demystify the consulting industry and help you land your dream job in management consulting. Hosted by the expert team at Management Consulted - the world's largest resource for consulting news and interview prep - each episode covers topics related to the consulting world, from interview preparation and case study techniques to networking strategies and industry trends. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to make a transition, Strategy Simplified is the go-to resource for anyone looking to break into the consulting industry. With actionable advice, insider tips, and real-life success stories, this podcast is the ultimate guide to simplifying your career strategy and landing your dream consulting job.

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