539: A strategy to navigate a paradox (with Wendy Smith)

Have you ever applied to a firm that wants you to interview with 7 to 12 people? They will tell you this is because they are careful or because everyone must have a say in the decision. None of that is true. In this podcast we explain why the need for multiple interviews is a symptom of a firm that does not know what it wants and therefore cannot make a decision. Increasing the number of interviewers simply removes the accountability from any one person for making a decision, because, with no clear guidelines, no one can or wants to make a decision. It is easier to be part of 12 people making a decision versus being the sole arbiter whom will be accountable. No one wants that burden when the goalposts keep moving.​ SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES HERE & RECEIVE FREE CASE INTERVIEW TRAINING COME HANG OUT WITH US: Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

8 Dec 20156min

When Booz was acquired by PwC, many consultants joined rival firms. BCG Middle East was a major recipient of Booz employees. In this podcast we explain a promotion tenure limit imposed by the BCG Middle East practice, which we believe was driven by the hiring of so many Booz consultants, and, with greatest respect to BCG, hurts the firm and its culture. We discuss the policy, why it defeats the principle of demonstrated competency and why it implies that BCG Middle East values the opinions of another firm disproportionately. We feel this policy should change. SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES HERE & RECEIVE FREE CASE INTERVIEW TRAINING COME HANG OUT WITH US: Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

1 Dec 20157min

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 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 the market never knows you may have been the world’s most ridiculous consultant. So, if you are being managed out, relax.​ You will be ok. SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES HERE & RECEIVE FREE CASE INTERVIEW TRAINING COME HANG OUT WITH US: Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

24 Nov 20156min

In this podcast we discuss the most recent experiences of Sveta, a scholarship holder in our Emerging Fellows program. Sveta hails from a tiny village in the far north-east of Siberia. We helped her join the #1 school in Moscow, moved her to a Grand Ecole in France and she recently joined MBB. In this podcast we discuss the obligations of the Fellows to spend at least 2 months per annum in their home countries to help with critical development issues. You will find that it takes an enormous amount of influencing to make this happen, and that is normal. Sveta is like any young adult. She wants it all, and we just need to guide her along. NOTE: Please note that we always change some of the details about clients to protect their identities. SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES HERE & RECEIVE FREE CASE INTERVIEW TRAINING COME HANG OUT WITH US: Facebook / Twitter / LinkedIn

17 Nov 201516min

This is an exclusive interview that Bill recently had with Firmsconsulting where he shared some counter-intuitive concepts you will not hear anywhere else. Bill was the partner who helped develop and implement the McKinsey philosophy that helped the firm pull ahead of BCG in the 1980's and 1990's. He was thereafter the partner who led BCG's efforts to overtake McKinsey. Why are we releasing this on the first day of the year? We want you to take an aggressive hold of your career this year and begin investing in your future from the first day of the year. This insightful, inspiring and counter intuitive podcast explains the steps McKinsey took in the 1980's to reposition the firm. To be exceptional, planning is meaningless unless you know what to plan. You need a point of differentiation and you need to consistently drive that difference. Related: - What is comparative advantage in your career - You can find related videos here: Strategy Library

25 Okt 20151h 7min

This podcast introduces the new and comprehensive consulting business case + financial analyses + financial modelling training we are about to release. In particular I discuss my internal consulting training and my very first study leading the business case. Contrary to what you may think, the training at McKinsey and BCG can be weak and contain many flaws. This podcast explains how we built on the training at these firms to develop something far more effective. Related: - Live-blogging a Financial Service Stratey Study - You can find related video here: Strategy Library

19 Okt 201510min

This podcast introduces the new and comprehensive consulting business case + financial analyses + financial modelling training we are about to release. In particular I discuss my internal consulting training and my very first study leading the business case. Contrary to what you may think, the training at McKinsey and BCG can be weak and contain many flaws. This podcast explains how we built on the training at these firms to develop something far more effective. Related: - Live-blogging a Financial Service Stratey Study - You can find related video here: Strategy Library

13 Okt 20159min

This podcast explains 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 publicationFirmsconsulting Quarterly

7 Okt 201510min