Distinctive Plus - Newsletter for MBB Consultants

Distinctive Plus - Newsletter for MBB Consultants

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A powerful lesson of top executive communication
Great executive communication isn’t about saying more—it’s about knowing what to say and when to stop. Today’s post breaks down a critical mindset shift…
 • 
Rustem Karymov
McKinsey is the most cut-throat consulting firm
McKinsey is a ruthless place. I only realized this when I started coaching consultants from other firms. If you’re an experienced hire, you have very…
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Rustem Karymov
What silently kills your reputation
Making sloppy mistakes kills your productivity and reputation. You trigger more comments and unnecessary iterations. That's how you waste your time…
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Rustem Karymov
2

June 2025

A damaging mindset mistake experienced hires make
In MBB firms, doing only what you were asked is very dangerous. Partners expect you to take the lead, overdeliver, and impress. Take extreme ownership…
 • 
Rustem Karymov
How to improve your performance as an EM
This post is for EMs or senior consultants who plan to become EMs. The EM role can be the most rewarding or challenging in MBB consulting. In this post…
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Rustem Karymov
Don't lose momentum when it's needed the most - EM promotion
Losing momentum before EM promotion can be dangerous. Then, a seemingly good case can turn negative almost overnight. This may lead to a…
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Rustem Karymov
How do you coach consultants from different countries while accounting for differences cultures?
Cultural differences are significant. But fundamental skills like problem-solving are far more important. If you can work very well, you can figure out…
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Rustem Karymov
3 ways to impress your MBB partners
If you want to become successful in MBB consulting, you must learn how to impress your partners. Here are 3 ways you can do that. And the 3rd one is the…
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Rustem Karymov

May 2025

Difference between average and high performing feedback memos
Consultants often get generic feedback. But they don't know why it happens. Often, they don't even know what great memo looks like. That is why I…
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Rustem Karymov
Transitioning to an EM role at McKinsey?
Transitioning to an EM role is the most difficult one in the firm. Most consultants reduce an EM role just to process management. Then they get sorely…
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Rustem Karymov
Staffing mind games
Consultants want to get staffed on the best projects. But they often operate under time pressure and asymmetric information. It's like playing a…
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Rustem Karymov
2
Why performance reviews at McKinsey feel random and unfair
If you receive generic feedback and average ratings, most likely partners either don't like you or know you. They don't advocate for you when it's…
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Rustem Karymov
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