Beyond MBB: Why to look outside of MBB when hiring for strategy functions this September

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate strategy, the art of hiring has taken centre stage. Traditionally, the onus has been on recruiting from the illustrious trio of McKinsey, Bain, and Boston Consulting Group (MBB), but considering a more diverse talent pool could be a strategic masterstroke.

1. Diverse Talent, Diverse Expertise

Their dominance makes it easy to forget, but there's a whole world of strategic expertise outside of MBB. The trio have surprisingly low intakes each year, meaning that thousands of talented consultants develop outside of the traditional MBB bubble. 

Additionally, many graduates join boutique firms due to their own areas of specialisation. Organisations such as OC&C have honed their expertise in retail, while Roland Berger have an outstanding reputation in consumer goods. Their specialised consultants bring unique perspectives that can prove invaluable when crafting industry-specific strategies and are often as qualified and talented as MBB consultants.

2. A Diverse Mindset for Dynamic Challenges

In today's fast-paced business environment, agility is key. Diverse teams bring a range of perspectives, approaches, and problem-solving methodologies that can be crucial when facing dynamic challenges. While MBB consultants certainly possess remarkable analytical and problem-solving skills, introducing professionals from a broader spectrum can infuse fresh ideas and adaptability into the strategic process.

3. Maximum Value for Money

MBB consultants often earn a premium of around 20% compared to consultants from other top-tier strategy firms. Looking outside of MBB can provide a significant cost advantage without compromising on quality. This is particularly useful when working within the tight salary bands of most large corporates.

4. From Strategy to Implementation

Even if we accept that MBB consultants may have an edge in strategic planning, alternative consultants can outperform in implementation. Executing strategies within a business requires not just a strategic mindset but the ability to navigate cross-functional environments and operational intricacies. Consultants from outside MBB often have more hands-on experience in translating strategic vision into tangible business results.

5. A Faster Transition to Impact

With this increased hands-on experience comes a smoother, more natural transition from strategy to execution. Consultants from specialised firms can hit the ground running faster, thanks to their prior experience in not only shaping strategies but also driving their practical implementation across different business functions.

Conclusion

While MBB consultants have long been considered the gold standard, many of the strategy directors we work with are increasingly open to expanding their horizons by hiring outside of the trio, resulting in more diverse, specialised, and adaptable teams. The skillsets, talent and often value for money of consultants from strategy firms like OC&C, Roland Berger, LEK etc. make them potential strategic differentiators that can propel organisations toward unprecedented success.

Movemeon was founded by two MBB alumni, but works with consultants from a comprehensive range of firms. Find out how we can help hire a specialised strategist for your team.

[hubspot portal="25392842" id="24161966-77f0-499d-9230-0f71cee62bf7" type="form"]