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The 2026 Top Consulting Firms Ranking is officially live.

After months of research, surveys, and industry analysis, we’ve narrowed the global consulting landscape down to the top 40 firms based on prestige, market positioning, growth prospects, candidate outcomes, and standing within the broader consulting market landscape.

See the full 2026 ranking.

In this episode, we break down:

• How we evaluate firms – and why this ranking is different
• The biggest 2026 consulting industry trends
• How candidates should actually use this ranking to build a target list

Consulting isn’t “dead.” It’s evolving. And the firms that are winning right now may not be the ones you expect.

Additional Resources:

• 2026 Top Consulting Firms Ranking – Explore the full list and see how firms stack up
• Black Belt: Get expert coaching to build your target firm list and win your offer
• Consulting Salary Report: Compare compensation across top firms
• Consulting Job Board: Browse open consulting roles updated daily

Join the last-ever Strategy Sprint (March 7-14)

Build consulting experience, boost your resume, and make a real impact on this 1-week consulting project (the last-ever project)

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.

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I went to the beach (literally) during my first month at Bain.

Technically, I was allowed to. Strategically, it quietly hurt my early trajectory.

In this episode of Consulting Unpacked, Jenny Rae breaks down the biggest mistake she made in her first month – and what she wishes she had done instead.

You'll learn:

• Why “unstaffed” is a career opportunity – not time off
• How early visibility and eagerness shape who gets the best projects
• What to do in your first weeks to position yourself for rapid promotion

This is the reality no one tells you before you start.

If you’re about to join a consulting firm, this is how you avoid falling behind before you even realize it.

Additional Resources:

• Create a free profile + access the Job Board (1K+ jobs)
• Get the free Case Prep Plan (step-by-step guide to win case interviews)
• Get full prep support with Black Belt

Join the last-ever Strategy Sprint (March 7-14)

Build consulting experience, boost your resume, and make a real impact on this 1-week consulting project (the last-ever project)

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.

Send a text

In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan unpack one of retail’s most unexpected survivors: Build-A-Bear. Build-A-Bear is a mall-based stuffed animal retailer in an AI-driven world – and yet it’s a profitable public company with rising stock performance.

We cover:

• What the company really sells – and how customization drives pricing power
• What the financials reveal about profitability and scale
• The next move: U.S. focus, international expansion, or partnerships

A sharp look at retail economics, defensibility, and what it actually takes to survive.

Episode Links:

• Annual Report - SEC Form 10-K Filing for Fiscal Year 2024 (Build-A-Bear)

Executive Presentation Training:

Learn more about Executive Presentation and Storytelling Training with Management Consulted

Chapters:

00:00 – Should Build-A-Bear Be Dead?
01:45 – The “Pay Your Age” Hook
04:30 – Chipotle for Teddy Bears
06:40 – Public Company Surprise
09:00 – Breaking Down the Financials
12:30 – Retail vs AI Disruption
16:45 – Growth Levers That Matter
22:30 – U.S. Core vs Global Expansion
29:00 – What Would You Do Next?

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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.