Blog post
Every Number Needs a So-What. Use This 3-Rung Ladder
September 2, 20268 views
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TL;DR
Most candidates calculate correctly then leave the insight on the table. Use a 3-rung so-what ladder after every number.
Most candidates do the math correctly, then leave the insight on the table. They say "revenue is $40M" and move on. Interviewers hear unfinished work.
Use a so-what ladder after every number:
- Fact - what the number is
- Meaning - what it implies for the business
- Decision - what you'd do next because of it
A 30-second script
"Contribution margin is 18%. That's thin for a volume play. I'd prioritize mix shift to the higher-margin SKU before any price cut."
Want to drill so-whats under time? Start free (3 drills every week): casecrunchai.com
Practice turning numbers into decisions out loud. Reading won't stick in the interview.
Drill free (3 drills every week): Start practicing free