Leland+ for Management Consulting

Interviewer-Trained ex-McKinsey & Bain Consultants | Ask Us Anything [8/6/2026] (Recording)

Have questions about consulting recruiting that you can't find clear answers to? This open Q&A session is your opportunity to get candid advice from former MBB interviewers who have evaluated candidates and know what it takes to earn an offer. Whether you're preparing for networking, case interviews, behavioral interviews, or recruiting strategy, you'll leave with practical guidance tailored to your biggest questions. Join live to hear from interviewer-trained former consultants from McKinsey and Bain who have firsthand experience on both sides of the interview table. Bring your questions and get honest, actionable advice on recruiting, interview preparation, and the strategies that consistently help candidates stand out in today's competitive consulting hiring process.

How to Nail the Consulting Case Interview [6/17/2026] (Recording)

Strong candidates often know the basics of casing, but high-level consulting interviews require a more structured and polished approach under pressure. This session is for candidates who want to strengthen their performance in consulting case interviews and understand what separates good answers from standout ones. You’ll learn how to structure complex problems, communicate your thinking with clarity, and navigate the types of challenges that commonly appear in top consulting interviews. Join live to hear from a panel of experts with MBB backgrounds and ask questions about your own case prep. The panelists have extensive experience both interviewing and coaching candidates and will share the patterns they see across strong performances and common mistakes. Expect practical frameworks and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 case coaching

Fit Is Not a Freebie: How Firms Actually Evaluate Your Behavioral Interviews [8/11/2026] (Recording)

Most candidates spend 90% of their prep time on cases and assume fit will take care of itself. It doesn't. Fit is evaluated with the same rigor as the case at every MBB firm, and the interviewers asking behavioral questions are trained to score them. As a former BCG interviewer, I've sat on both sides of that table, and the gap between what candidates think they're being evaluated on and what's actually happening is significant. This session covers what firms are actually looking for and how to build a fit preparation strategy that works. How Fit Is Actually Scored at MBB: This isn't a casual conversation, it's a structured evaluation with specific criteria. -Why fit isn't just about whether your interviewer likes you, but it's a scored component with defined qualities -The qualities that interviewers are looking for in every fit story, regardless of firm Telling Fit Stories That Actually Work: The format most candidates use produces weak answers. -Why STAR produces flat, unmemorable answers and what to do instead -How to structure a leadership, impact, or conflict story so it actually lands -What makes a fit story memorable vs. one that interviewers forget before the next candidate walks in Building Your Story Bank Before Recruiting Season: Having one good story is not enough. -How many stories you actually need and how to choose which experiences to use -Why most candidates recycle the same stories across question types and how to avoid it -How to adapt a single experience to multiple fit questions without it sounding rehearsed Live Example: A strong fit answer, broken down for what makes it work, and the common version of the same story that doesn't.

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

Master Frameworks, For Real: Win Over Your Interviewer in the First 5 Minutes [8/26/2026] (Recording)

In this highly-requested session, I cover key principles for creating an original, air-tight framework for whatever case interview question comes your way. Stop memorizing dozens of inflexible frameworks for each possible theme (cutting costs, growth, acquisitions, etc.) and start re-wiring your thinking so you can design custom frameworks on the fly. You'll impress your interviewer by showing the skills that actually matter most on the job -- *thinking," creatively and deeply -- not regurgitating answers to practice questions.

Ask Me Anything: Foundations for Breaking into Consulting  [8/19/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to position yourself as a competitive consulting candidate from the start, what recruiters actually look for when screening resumes and cover letters, and how to structure your preparation timeline for case interviews. These are the decisions that separate candidates who move forward from those who stall early. Attending live means you can ask directly about your background, your timeline, or the specific gaps you are trying to close, and hear how those details change the answer. The coach works with consulting candidates regularly and brings a clear sense of the patterns that show up across successful applicants, which makes even a short conversation worth your time.

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/9/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

AMA with a Former BCG Partner & Interviewer [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Interested in consulting? Curious about how top firms actually evaluate candidates? Join this interactive AMA with a former BCG Partner who progressed from Associate to Partner and spent years interviewing 100+ candidates, leading experienced-hire recruiting, and helping shape hiring decisions. This is not a presentation. There are no slides and no scripted agenda. Instead, you'll have the opportunity to ask candid questions and get direct, insider perspectives on the topics that matter most to you. The conversation will be driven entirely by your questions, allowing us to focus on the areas where you need the most guidance. Topics may include: * Building an effective application strategy * CV positioning and standing out from the crowd * Referrals and networking that actually make a difference * Choosing the right office * Avoiding the mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates * Case interview preparation * Behavioral and fit interviews * What interviewers are really looking for * How to maximize your chances of receiving an offer Having served as an anchor interviewer and led recruiting efforts, I have a unique perspective on what separates successful candidates from those who fall short—and what it takes not only to break into consulting, but to thrive once you're there. Whether you're applying this cycle, preparing for interviews, or simply exploring consulting as a career path, this is an opportunity to get honest answers and practical advice from someone who has been on the decision-making side of the table. Please RSVP to secure your spot.

Inside the Interview Room: Live McKinsey Case, Ex-McKinsey & HBS MBA

⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & introductions 14:08 Why smart people still fail the McKinsey case 17:22 The 4 things your interviewer is scoring 19:04 Live case: XYZ Holiday Parks 59:55 Next steps The McKinsey case interview is one of the highest-stakes 45 minutes in consulting recruiting. Most candidates walk in without ever having seen what the interviewer is actually scoring. In this live session, I'll walk you through a real McKinsey-style case from start to finish. Clarifying questions, structure, data analysis, the math, and the recommendation. Along the way I'll show you what McKinsey interviewers are really listening for at each stage. The things that separate a good answer from a great one, and where most candidates lose points without realizing it. I've been on both sides of the table. I worked at McKinsey across Johannesburg, New York and San Francisco, did my MBA at Harvard, and I've coached friends and classmates into McKinsey, BCG, Bain and other top firms. Whether you've got an interview in three weeks or you're just starting to think about consulting, you'll leave with a clear picture of how MBB interviews actually work and a much sharper sense of what your own prep should focus on next. One thing worth checking before you post: YouTube only auto-links timestamps into clickable chapters if the first one starts at 00:00 and there are at least three total, both true here, so this should render as a proper chapter bar under the video. No dashes or brackets needed, just time then a space then the label.

The MBB Reapplication Playbook [6/24/2026] (Recording)

Getting rejected from McKinsey, Bain, or BCG is discouraging, especially when consulting is a goal you've worked hard toward. If you're considering reapplying, know that what you're feeling is completely normal, and you're far from alone in this situation. The good news is that MBB firms regularly extend offers to candidates on their second attempt. Reapplication is not just accepted; it's common, and firms genuinely want to see candidates grow and try again. Many consultants currently at MBB firms have a rejection somewhere in their story. The difference between those who succeed the second time and those who don't usually comes down to a few deliberate steps taken between applications. In this webinar, we'll break down exactly what those steps are, from strengthening your profile to refining your case prep approach, so you can put your best foot forward and turn that rejection into an offer.

Ace the Case: Case Interview 101 [6/27/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into consulting is one of the most competitive career moves you can make and the case interview is the gatekeeper! In this live session, Jonathan Diaz, a BCG alum and Tuck MBA, will walk you through everything you need to know to walk into your next case interview with confidence: from understanding the two case delivery styles used by top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, to building airtight frameworks, cracking exhibits, performing live math, and delivering a sharp, CEO-ready recommendation. Whether you've never cased before or you're looking to sharpen your edge, you'll leave this session with a clear understanding of the end-to-end case flow, proven strategies for each stage, and the mindset shifts that separate good candidates from the ones who get offers.

What MBB interviewers really want to see (and how to demonstrate them) [7/22/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for a management consulting interview and wondering what MBB interviewers are really looking for? Join me for an insightful session where we'll dive into the key skills and attributes that top consulting firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain value most in candidates, and more importantly, where to best demonstrate these qualities during the interview. With my experience as a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group and a member of the recruiting team, I have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed in these competitive interviews. Whether you're just starting your consulting recruiting journey or a veteran, this session will equip you with the insights you need to stand out. I look forward to helping you succeed in your consulting career!

McKinsey, Bain and BCG: What It Actually Takes to Get the Offer [8/4/2026] (Recording)

Landing an offer from a top consulting firm takes more than a strong resume—it requires understanding what firms are evaluating at every stage of the recruiting process. This session is designed for consulting candidates who want a clearer picture of what it takes to earn an offer from McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, or Boston Consulting Group. You’ll learn how candidates are assessed throughout recruiting, the qualities that consistently stand out across successful applicants, and how to strengthen your approach to networking, interviews, and overall positioning. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own recruiting strategy and get real-time guidance on the challenges you're facing. The speaker works closely with consulting candidates and will share the patterns they see across successful hires, along with what they look for when evaluating readiness for top consulting roles. If you want a clearer understanding of what it actually takes to earn an offer, it’s worth joining live.

The Dos and Don't for Using AI in Case Prep [6/25/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you'll know exactly where AI accelerates your case prep and where it quietly works against you. We'll cover how to use AI tools to build structured practice frameworks, why AI-generated feedback often reinforces bad habits in structuring profitability cases, and how to spot the difference between useful output and confident-sounding noise. Attending live means you can describe your actual prep situation and get a direct answer calibrated to where you are right now, not a general response a recording can offer. The coach works with consulting candidates daily and will share the patterns that separate candidates who use AI as a crutch from those who use it to sharpen real case judgment.

AMA - Journey from McKinsey consulting to small business ownership [7/15/2026] (Recording)

Over the past three years, I have acquired 3 businesses and looked at dozens of others while transitioning from McKinsey to small business ownership. There are thousands of ways to go about this successfully and many pitfalls you can fall into. This is an AMA designed to discuss my personal experience and those I have personally witnessed and share some of that knowledge.

Crack the Quant: A Framework for Case Math and Exhibits [7/1/2026] (Recording)

Case math and exhibits are where most candidates lose points, and most prep resources gloss over them. As a former Ross peer coach and BCG interviewer, I know what interviewers are actually looking for, and this session will help prepare you to excel. We'll walk through a custom framework for tackling quant questions and chart reads with structure and confidence, then apply it live to a real exhibit so you can see exactly how it works in practice. A Repeatable Framework for Case Math & Exhibits: Stop reacting to exhibits and start working through them with a repeatable process from the moment the chart hits the table to the moment you drive toward a recommendation. -How to orient yourself to any exhibit quickly: what to read, what to flag, and what to ask before you share insights -A structured way to surface insights at two levels: what the chart shows and what it actually means for the case -A three-part calculation approach that keeps you from doing math aimlessly, so every number you solve for has a purpose and a payoff -What interviewers are actually evaluating when they hand you an exhibit Live Walkthrough: Watch the framework applied to a real exhibit from start to finish.

Building a Case Prep Game Plan: How to Structure You're Prep to Land an Interview. [8/21/2026] (Recording)

In this session, you will walk away with a clear, week-by-week framework for structuring your consulting case prep from first exposure through final-round readiness. You will learn how to prioritize case types based on your target firms, how to self-diagnose the gaps that most commonly stall candidates in the screening stage, and how to build a practice rhythm that compounds over time rather than plateauing. Attending live means you can describe your actual timeline and target list and hear a direct response to your specific situation, not a generic answer a recording cannot adapt to. The coach works with consulting candidates daily and will share the patterns that consistently separate structured, hirable thinkers from candidates who prepare hard but still fall short.

From Analysis to Answer: How to Build a Confident Case Recommendation

Case frameworks and exhibit reads get most of the attention in consulting prep. The synthesis almost never does. Knowing the answer isn't enough. Being able to drive toward a clear, confident recommendation under time pressure, with ambiguous data, is a skill, and most candidates haven't practiced it deliberately. As a former BCG interviewer, I've watched strong cases fall apart at the end and mediocre ones recover because of a sharp synthesis. This session is focused on one thing: how to close. What Interviewers Are Evaluating at the End of a Case: The synthesis is the moment where everything you've done comes together — or doesn't. -Why synthesis is harder than it looks and why interviewers weight it as heavily as they do -The difference between summarizing what you found and actually making a recommendation -What "structured" means in the context of a synthesis A Framework for Building Your Recommendation: How to land on a clear answer even when the data isn't clean. -What to lead with and what to leave out when you're synthesizing under time pressure -How to structure a recommendation so it sounds decisive without overstating certainty -How to handle it when you're genuinely unsure what the answer is, and what interviewers are looking for in that moment Live Walkthrough: A full synthesis applied to a real case, from the data on the table to the final recommendation, including a side-by-side of what a strong synthesis sounds like vs. a weak one.

Slides for Fit Is Not a Freebie: How Firms Actually Evaluate Your Behavioral Interviews

Most candidates spend 90% of their prep time on cases and assume fit will take care of itself. It doesn't. Fit is evaluated with the same rigor as the case at every MBB firm, and the interviewers asking behavioral questions are trained to score them. As a former BCG interviewer, I've sat on both sides of that table, and the gap between what candidates think they're being evaluated on and what's actually happening is significant. This session covers what firms are actually looking for and how to build a fit preparation strategy that works. How Fit Is Actually Scored at MBB: This isn't a casual conversation, it's a structured evaluation with specific criteria. -Why fit isn't just about whether your interviewer likes you, but it's a scored component with defined qualities -The qualities that interviewers are looking for in every fit story, regardless of firm Telling Fit Stories That Actually Work: The format most candidates use produces weak answers. -Why STAR produces flat, unmemorable answers and what to do instead -How to structure a leadership, impact, or conflict story so it actually lands -What makes a fit story memorable vs. one that interviewers forget before the next candidate walks in Building Your Story Bank Before Recruiting Season: Having one good story is not enough. -How many stories you actually need and how to choose which experiences to use -Why most candidates recycle the same stories across question types and how to avoid it -How to adapt a single experience to multiple fit questions without it sounding rehearsed Live Example: A strong fit answer, broken down for what makes it work, and the common version of the same story that doesn't.

Consulting Written Case Practice Pack

Two original written consulting cases with candidate prompts, exhibits, calculations, worked solutions, interviewer guidance, and scoring rubrics. The cases are fictional and designed for realistic, self-directed practice.