McKinsey Unpacked (March 2026)

McKinsey Unpacked

Curious about what it’s really like to work at McKinsey? Hear “real talk” from McKinsey colleagues about firm culture, partnering with clients, and day-to-day realities through McKinsey Unpacked, a webcast series that unpacks the McKinsey experience.

Hosted by Marie Padberg and Blair Ciesil, partners at the firm, the series offers an inside look at who McKinsey is, what drives the firm, and what it’s like to build a career there.

Each session focuses on a specific topic and often features guests sharing their own journeys.

McKinsey Unpacked is non-evaluative and open to individuals from all regions and backgrounds who are interested in learning more about our firm, our people, and the work we do.

McKinsey Unpacked March 2026

What’s it like to start your career as a Business Analyst at McKinsey?

In this session, Marie Padberg and Blair Ciesil speak with two Business Analysts from different backgrounds:

• Lauren Domfe (London) studied Human, Social and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge and works with clients in banking, telecom, and retail. She is also an award-winning powerlifter and launched an organization focused on applying athletes’ competitive mindset to business.
• Ritvik Ramakrishnan (Dallas) studied computer science at Georgia Institute of Technology and chose to start his career in consulting. He works with clients across marketing, sales, education, and more, and helps clients build businesses and scale agentic AI.

They discuss the variety of work Business Analysts do, what new joiners can expect in their first months, and how personal and professional backgrounds can translate into consulting.

Our hosts

Blair Ciesil

Partner, Talent Attraction, Washington DC

One of McKinsey’s global people leaders and coleader of talent attraction teams worldwide

Marie Christine Padberg

Partner, Talent Attraction, Amsterdam

One of McKinsey’s global people leaders and coleader of talent attraction teams worldwide