Market Outsiders

Cannabis just moved from Schedule I to Schedule III — and the biggest implications have nothing to do with lifestyle or politics.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down what reclassification means for the market: who benefits, who loses, and why cannabis stocks dropped on “good” news.They unpack the real unlocks behind the headlines — Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, federally funded research, banking access, and why Big Pharma, consumer giants, and even beer companies may now have the edge.This is a regulatory shock case study: how one policy change reshapes competition, pricing power, supply chains, and long-term winners across healthcare and consumer markets.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 10% off with code SIMPLIFIED-10Chapters:01:05 — What Cannabis Reclassification Actually Changes03:15 — Schedule I vs Schedule III: Why It Matters05:45 — Banking, Taxes, and the Industry’s Hidden Constraints08:20 — Medicare, Medicaid, and the Real Demand Unlock11:10 — Why Cannabis Stocks Fell on “Good” News13:30 — Big Pharma, Big Beer, and New Market Entrants19:40 — Supply Chains, Compliance, and Rising Costs25:00 — Who Wins, Who Loses, and What Comes NextLearn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management ConsultedMore Market Outsiders: Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedIn Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube

Thrive Market just became the first major online grocer to drop alcohol completely, and the internet is cheering… but the business case isn’t what it seems. In this episode, we break down the real reasons behind the move, what the data actually says about drinking trends, and why households, not individuals, tell the true story.We cover:Why “54% of adults drink alcohol” is the wrong metric for retailersThe hidden logistics + regulatory friction behind alcohol shippingHow Thrive’s branding strategy earns attention, even if the business case is thinThe one customer-insight mistake we see companies make again and againA fascinating look at strategy, consumer behavior, and the storytelling behind business decisions. Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025 Chapters:03:19 Consumer Trends in Alcohol Consumption06:23 Business Model Analysis of Thrive Market09:05 Logistical Challenges in Alcohol Sales12:07 Market Size and Consumer Preferences15:38 Branding and Business Storytelling17:30 How Great Strategists Think Past the Press Release21:00 Households, Not Individuals: Why the 54% Stat Misleads23:30 Takeaways on Strategy, Storytelling & Alcohol’s FutureLearn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management ConsultedMore Market Outsiders: Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedIn Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube

Netflix just shocked Hollywood with a $72B bid for Warner Bros, the biggest media deal of the decade. But behind the headlines is a fight over market share, regulation, and the future of streaming.In this episode, we break down:Why Netflix is suddenly willing to buy instead of buildHow HBO, Warner Bros, and gaming change Netflix’s strategyThe regulatory risk (and why Trump and Paramount matter)Whether this deal can ever pay for itselfWhat this means for the future of streaming bundles and pricingPartner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Episode Links:Netflix press releaseNetflix set to buy Warner Bros. in deal valued at $83 billion (ABC News)Netflix Co-Founder LinkedIn PostChapters: 01:20 Christmas tree banter and setting the stakes 03:05 What Netflix is actually buying from Warner Bros 07:00 Why Netflix wants Warner Bros and HBO 11:45 Can this $72B deal ever pay off? 16:30 Ads, bundles and the future Netflix business model 20:50 Antitrust risk, Trump factor and hostile bids 24:30 Disney, YouTube and the real competitive set 28:10 When M&A stops being rationalLearn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management ConsultedMore Market Outsiders: Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedIn Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube

Best Buy was supposed to be dead. Instead, it just raised its full-year sales and earnings outlook.In this episode, Jenny Rae and Namaan dig into why Best Buy is outperforming in a “K-shaped” economy, even as everyone keeps blaming the consumer and inflation.They break down:How Best Buy is still winning on laptops, gaming, and smartphonesWhy AI-enabled laptops and new consoles are quietly driving an upgrade cycleThe role of predictable sale moments (Prime Day, back-to-school, Black Friday)What Best Buy is doing in-store vs. online that pure e-commerce players can’t matchHow services and better execution matter more than macro excusesThey also talk about what this says about the American consumer, why sentiment and spending keep telling different stories, and what levers they’d pull if they were running Best Buy for the next five years.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Chapters:02:10 Black Friday: From Chaos Day to 2-Month Season 04:45 Best Buy’s Unexpected Earnings Beat 07:20 What’s Actually Selling: Phones, Laptops, Gaming, AI Devices 10:05 Why Best Buy Wins In-Store (When It Shouldn’t) 13:00 Digital Channel Strength: Website, Pick-Up, Inventory, UX 15:40 The Consumer Is Fine (Again): Spending vs Sentiment 18:25 Best Buy’s Revenue Declines & Store Footprint Questions 21:05 Margin Breakdown & Where Best Buy Really Makes Money 24:10 The Future: Services, Smaller Stores, and Growth LeversLearn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management ConsultedMore Market Outsiders: Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedIn Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube

Bath and Body Works used to own the mall fragrance space. Now traffic is shrinking, margins are squeezed and a new CEO is blaming the old playbook.In this episode, we break down what went wrong and whether the turnaround plan has a real shot.We cover:How chasing “adjacent” categories like shampoo and laundry backfiredWhy discounting destroys price integrity in a brand-led businessThe missed opportunity in e-commerce and Amazon resellersWhat Bath and Body Works can learn from Walmart, Target and TJXHow to think about profit from the core in your own businessIf you want to sharpen your operator brain and see how a real consumer brand tries to pull out of a stall, this one is for you.Partner Links:Learn more about NordStellar's Threat Exposure Management Program; unlock 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20 until Dec. 10, 2025Chapters: 00:30 Introduction to Bath and Body Worksv06:37 Analyzing Bath and Body Works' Strategy11:40 Challenges in Product Expansion17:32 E-commerce Strategy and Customer Engagement27:34 Future OutlookLearn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management ConsultedMore Market Outsiders: Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedIn Follow Management Consulted on LinkedIn and subscribe on YouTube