Strategy Simplified

• S20E14: The Future of Claire’s and Mall Retail (September 29, 2025)

  Send us a textClaire’s is back in the headlines after its latest bankruptcy and acquisition by Ames Watson, the firm behind Lids. Can a nostalgic mall brand really be turned around in today’s retail environment?In this episode, we unpack Claire’s challenges, the role of experience in modern retail, and what this deal signals for the future of malls.Timestamps:[07:15] What Made Claire’s a Rite of Passage[10:22] Bankruptcy and the Ames Watson Acquisition[14:17] Who Ames Watson Is and Their Playbook[16:42] Lessons from Lids and Build-A-Bear[22:36] Claire’s Second Bankruptcy Explained[25:20] Mall Traffic, Competitors, and Industry Headwinds[29:11] Can Claire’s Become an Experience Business?Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: ‘A broken business’: The company behind the makeover of bankrupt retailer Claire’sInvest in Project Management Training for your teamGet real consulting experience from your bedroom in the November 2025 Strategy Sprint project; $200 off expires October 3 Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect 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.

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• S20E13: How the NFL Turned Media Contracts Into Its Biggest Business Lever (September 26, 2025)

  Send us a textThe NFL isn’t just America’s favorite pastime. It’s also a business giant that generates two-thirds of its revenue from one source: media rights.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Namaan and Jenny Rae unpack:Why the league is considering renegotiating billion-dollar contracts years ahead of scheduleHow streaming platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube TV are reshaping the gameWhy the NFL holds more leverage than ever beforeIf you’ve ever wondered how professional sports really make money — or why your Sunday routine (and maybe your business) is tied to football — this is the breakdown you need.Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league could renegotiate media deals as soon as 2026Invest in Project Management Training for your teamPrevious episode: The Booming Business of Sports Betting (September 8, 2025)Get real consulting experience from your bedroom in the November 2025 Strategy Sprint project; $200 off expires October 3 Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect 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.

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• S20E12: MBB Digital Assessments Broken Down

  Send us a textConsulting recruiting has changed, and digital assessments are now the new gatekeeper. In this episode, we break down what McKinsey, Bain, and BCG’s digital tests look like in 2025, what skills they’re really testing, and how you can prepare with confidence.Whether you’re facing McKinsey Solve, Bain’s Gorilla test, or BCG’s CCA, this conversation gives you the latest insights and prep tips straight from candidates and firms.Additional Resources:Explore our deep dives into digital assessments across MBB, Big 4, and boutique firmsPremium client or partner student? Take the new Bain Gorilla practice test in your MC accountHelp us keep resources up to date – share your digital assessment experience anonymouslySubscribe to Management Consulted on YouTube for weekly case prep, recruiting insights, and firm updatesPartner Links:Stax is hiring! See open roles and requirementsGet real consulting experience from your bedroom in the November 2025 Strategy Sprint project; $200 off expires October 3 Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect 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.

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• S20E11: Labubu Dolls and the Business of Scarcity (September 24, 2025)

  Send us a textLabubu dolls are the latest global craze... but what makes them so irresistible?In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan break down the business model behind Labubu’s rise, from blind box marketing to luxury brand tie-ins. They explore:How scarcity fuels demandWhy repeat purchases matter more than volumeHow the resale market reinforces valueIt’s a case study in novelty vs. luxury, brand strategy, and consumer psychology — all packed into one tiny doll.Links mentioned in the episode:CNBC: How luxury brands are tapping into the Labubu crazeLearn more about Corporate Training with Management ConsultedInvest in Project Management Training for your teamMore Market Outsiders content:Subscribe on YouTubeSubscribe to the Market Outsiders feed (Apple, Spotify).Connect with Namaan and Jenny Rae on LinkedInGet real consulting experience from your bedroom in the November 2025 Strategy Sprint project; $200 off expires October 3 Listen to the Market Outsiders podcast, the new daily show with the Management Consulted teamConnect 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.

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• S20E10: How Economic Consultants Decide What a Song Is Worth (Prerna Rakheja)

  Send us a textWho decides what a song is worth? In this episode, Jenny Rae speaks with Prerna Rakheja – Managing Economist at Bates White – about the landmark Phonorecords IV case that set new streaming royalty rates.For aspiring consultants, this conversation is a rare look inside economic consulting: how teams structure complex problems, build models that influence billion-dollar industries, and communicate insights to lawyers and judges.Quick note: Bates White is hiring – see open roles at a firm known for its culture and impact.Connect with Bates White:Explore current openings and apply to roles at Bates WhiteLearn more about the work and culture at Bates WhiteLearn more about the case – background on the Phonorecords IV royalty decisionAdditional Resources:Subscribe to MC on YouTube so you never miss Strategy Simplified episodes and case tipsListen to Market Outsiders for quick insights on what’s happening in business and marketsConnect 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.

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