The Top 50 Coaches on Leland: 2024 Edition
In 2024, more than 100,000 people worked with one of the thousands of Leland coaches to reach their goals. Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the top 50 coaches of the year, chosen for their impact, outcomes, and reach.
Posted December 18, 2024
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Coaching changes lives. It’s a phenomenon that we’ve witnessed over and over with our 100,000+ Leland users, and it’s a recurring theme across the greatest figures in history. Alexander had Aristotle, Oprah had Maya Angelou, Yves St. Laurent had Christian Dior, Bill Gates had Warren Buffet, and Barack Obama had Michelle Robinson, to name just a few.
Historically, however, coaching has been exclusive to those with the wealth and connections to access top-tier experts. With Leland, that is no longer the case. Now, anyone can acquire the expertise they need to level up in their careers, break into a competitive industry, get into a top school, ace a test, learn new skills, and challenge themselves. As Benjamin Disraeli, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated, “The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.”
Coaches are the foundation of Leland. We hold the highest standards for all the coaches on our platform (now with over 1000) and are beyond grateful for each of their contributions. Please join us in congratulating and celebrating 50 of them who went above and beyond to make a real impact on the lives of their coachees in 2024.
Allie K.
Coaches for: MBA
Allie earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science at the University of Pennsylvania, a Master's in Business Administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Master's in Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. Professionally, she has worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and as a management consultant at the Boston Consulting Group. She is also an experienced impact investor, having worked at the Rockefeller University Endowment, Omidyar Network, and Jonathan Rose Companies.
Why do you coach?
I coach because I love helping students connect the seemingly unrelated dots across their lives into a powerful, cohesive narrative. Having navigated my own journey through banking, consulting, and impact investing, I deeply understand the uncertainty of those early post-college years - and I'm passionate about helping others find clarity not just for their applications, but for their broader professional journey. I take a "business school therapy" approach because I deeply understand the soul-searching that comes with crafting an MBA application - it's not just about presenting achievements, but about making meaning of their journey so far.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My mom has been the most influential coach in my life. She has taught me that patience is a virtue and dealt with all of my late-night calls as I was applying to business school, uncertain of myself and what I wanted for the future. She was my first editor, and she is such a creative person who inspires me to think outside of the box. She takes an everything, everywhere, all at once approach to life that somehow works while also reminding me to prioritize important relationships. Plus, she's a tad quirky in ways that make everything more fun.
Amanda W.
Coaches for: College, Master’s Programs, Career Development, Management Consulting
Amanda received a BS in Sociology from BYU and an EdM from Harvard in Human Development and Psychology. Right out of her master’s program, she worked for Google’s HR department. Then, she joined Kaplan where she developed a national curriculum for K-8th graders and co-authored a textbook. She has since worked as a Director of Admissions, at a management consulting firm, and as an Advisor over Education and Opportunity at the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
When I had a client who thought she was a terrible writer and not academically inclined fall in love with her essays and the writing process.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I love working with clients who are just starting into the college application process, especially first-generation students, or clients who want to change their job mid-career or are re-entering the workforce.
Amy Ru
Coaches for: Product Management
Amy is an ex-designer and engineer turned PM. She started her career at Amazon as a developer and then joined LinkedIn’s APM program as an intern. Now, she is a product manager at LinkedIn and runs their APM onboarding committee. She went viral on LinkedIn and TikTok’s #careertok for having been recruited by all the big tech APM programs (Google, Meta, Salesforce, Uber, LinkedIn). She holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
It always warms my heart to watch clients slowly gain confidence over multiple sessions, and I love having the honor of being the first person they run to when they land an offer with a dream company! The same people who tell me in their first session "I'm unsure if I can land a job in product - it's so competitive, I need a visa, I don't have direct PM experience, etc." are the ones who are asking me "which company should I choose?" It's extremely heartwarming and they deserve every bit of it.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
When I first joined LinkedIn, I had a Business Operations partner (Hi Ken) who taught me a lot about what it meant to be a great leader. He was well-liked and respected by his team, and his number one priority was to make his teammates look good. I feel like this is a mindset that has shaped how I operate daily: how can I make the jobs of the people around me easier? Everything else is secondary. Once you uplift and grow those around you every chance you get, people put you first when it comes to new opportunities as well.
Andy P.
Coaches for: MBA
Andy has over 20 years of experience working with applicants and training other coaches. He has worked with three top-rated admissions firms and helped over 250 people get into top schools. Andy studied economics at Stanford where he served as a writing tutor for the university’s most rigorous and selective humanities track and as the Managing Editor of The Stanford Review. After graduation, he worked with an e-commerce startup and as a screenwriter in LA before transitioning to MBA admissions full-time.
Why do you coach?
Most of us don't spend much time thinking about what makes us exceptional, and when we try, we're not very good at it because truly objective introspection is way too hard. For me, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is helping clients ask tougher questions, find better answers, and learn to better understand and articulate the unique value they have to offer
Who is an influential “coach” in your life?
My wife and my mom are the two most inspiring people in my life. I'm constantly amazed by how hard they work, basically around the clock, giving 100% of themselves to make me and so many others feel seen, cared for, and unconditionally supported.
Anna G.
Coaches for: Law School, Legal Practice, College
Anna is a public defender living in New York and an alum of Brigham Young University and Harvard Law School (HLS). At HLS, she worked as a legal research and writing advisor and received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership. She then clerked for a federal district judge before landing her current role as a Staff Attorney at Queens Defenders. Outside of her legal practice role, she’s always been passionate about helping folks get into their dream undergrad and graduate programs.
Why do you coach?
I love mentoring people like my younger self—excited about pursuing a legal career but feeling overwhelmed by the application process. I also love working with my undergrad applicants who have so much of their lives and so many big dreams ahead of them! I coach because I love getting to hear my clients’ unique and inspiring stories.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Having a client who came to me with nothing on paper for her personal statement turn it in a statement she felt proud of.
Asha T.
Coaches for: Private Equity, Investment Banking, Venture Capital, MBA, Career Development
Asha is a Harvard Business School graduate with over seven years of experience in finance (including investment banking, venture capital, and private equity at firms like Apax Partners, J.P. Morgan, and Deutsche Bank). Over the last 5+ years of coaching, she has helped several candidates get into the school, fund, or bank of their choice.
Why do you coach?
Coaching is my way of paying forward the countless people who supported me on my journey. I’ve had mentors and coaches who believed in me, providing guidance and encouragement that transformed my life. Not everyone has the same opportunities or support; by coaching, I aim to offer candidates the chance to level up, providing them with the resources, knowledge, and encouragement I received. It’s incredibly fulfilling to empower others, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential just as others did for me.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My dad - he's always been there to help me navigate so many decisions, but I also try to regularly find as many people as I can to learn from.
Avi L.
Coaches for: GMAT, GRE, College, MBA
Avi has taught the GMAT + GRE for almost 20 years. More importantly, he has written actual questions for the test and knows the hidden patterns and strategies to teach you in order to be successful. Additionally, Avi is a former Application Reader for the University of California–Berkeley and spent eight years as the Director of Admissions Consulting at the University of Southern California. He’s also worked as a professional writer and editor at the LA Times.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Referring a client to Lazaroff and one to Dione who I thought would be a better fit given their respective backgrounds. Both wrote me later about the success they experienced with those coaches and thanking me for leveling with them.
Who do you enjoy working with?
Applicants whose story, aspirations and desire for future impact are more captivating than their GMAT/GRE scores.
Ben L.
Coaches for: MBA, Management Consulting, GMAT, Career Development, Life, Master’s Programs
Ben holds a BA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He has an extensive and varied work history, from consulting at McKinsey & Co. to Economic Development Policy at the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office and investing at Beyond Capital and Bain & Co.’s Private Equity Group. He is now the Founder and CEO of TownSqare Chess.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Less a moment, more an arc. Helping someone who was ready to give up on themselves -- feeling they shouldn't even bother applying -- to feel confident enough to buckle down, put in the work, and get into Stanford. They didn't have anyone in their immediate circles who thought they could do anything even close to that. The outcome has nothing to do with Stanford, or any school really. It was about someone -- for the first time in a long time -- reminding themselves that they had it in them to fully dedicate their days, and make what seemed an unrealistic future a reality.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My grandma -- her words, even after she's gone, have staying power. She didn't speak unless it was absolutely necessary -- her actions were the story. She always showed up. Bitingly funny. Kind. Humility implied.
Beth G.
Coaches for: GMAT, GRE, Biology
Beth is a molecular biologist (PhD in Animal Biology), educator, and illustrator living in Seattle, WA. She has over 15 years of experience as a standardized test prep tutor and has taught biology at the college level. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Biology and a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education from Stanford University. Outside of test prep, art, and biology, Beth is extremely passionate about educational equity.
Why do you coach?
I coach because helping people perform to the best of their abilities enables them to maximize their future opportunities. I also enjoy helping people develop their skills and self-confidence until their fear of test-taking gives way to a sense of accomplishment and fun.
Growing up, I don't think I'd ever heard of private tutors. I'm from a low-income, primarily Mexican-American town in Southern California. I participated in school math clubs and studied for the SAT using books. In high school, I was recruited by Stanford University as part of a program that identified promising students from underserved populations based on their PSAT scores. I was also a National Merit Scholar. As a result, I understand how empowering high test scores can be.
My experiences with the GRE and GMAT were similar: I studied for the tests using books and felt like achieving a high score gave me greater control over my future.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with clients who need a boost in confidence because they deal with test anxiety or stereotype threat.
Bruce H.
Coaches for: GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT
Bruce has been tutoring for the GRE, GMAT, ACT and SAT for over 10 years - both as the founder of a test prep admissions firm and at UCLA as a Curriculum Developer and Test Prep Instructor. Bruce trained as a teacher at Grinnell College and graduated with his high school teaching certificate prior to launching his career as a musician. Then, he taught himself how to crush the GMAT and went on to receive his MBA from The Wharton School (UPenn). He has helped over 300 students receive top test scores.
Why do you coach?
I just flat out love to teach. It's been my superpower ever since I can remember. If I can do it - I can teach you to do it. Top that off with helping people reach their goals and change their lives and coaching the most genuinely satisfying and fun thing I could possibly do with my life. Nothing else even comes close.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
There is one client who stood out. She had been studying for the GRE for nearly a year. She studied on her own. She took classes. She hired tutors. She just couldn't get her score to go up. By the time she found me she was exhausted and beyond frustrated. She was seriously thinking about quitting and giving up on her dream of going to a top business school.
When we started working together, she started making progress. As she started getting better, her energy and enthusiasm started to return. Pretty soon she was just tearing through the curriculum.
She was a blast to work with because she was really starting to believe in herself again and she was having so much fun learning how to kick the GRE's ass.
The next time she took the test her score went up 15 points and she hit her target score. Even when she saw the score she didn't really believe she had done it. And that is the most satisfying feeling - when you help someone unlock their very best.
Caitlin B.
Coaches for: Management Consulting, MBA, Career Development
Caitlin graduated from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management Full-time MBA program in 2018 and spent 3.5 years at Bain & Company's Chicago office as a post-MBA Consultant and Manager. Caitlin received full-time offers from Bain, McKinsey, & BCG in Chicago (only 1 of 2 Kellogg students who received offers from all 3 MBB firms). After joining Bain's Chicago office, she was chosen to lead Kellogg’s on-campus recruiting where she helped 100+ students prepare for the consulting interview process. Now she is the Director of Merchandising Strategy & Transformation at Albertsons Companies.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
A former manager of mine helped shape me into a better consultant and strategist by showing me the tools and best practices of the job, and their own expertise.
Who do you enjoy working with?
Clients at all points in their journey! It’s rewarding to see someone go from zero to 100 with intentional prep and also be the “icing on the cake” for clients would just want a practice case, similar to how the interview will be.
Christian H.
Coaches for: College
Christian holds an MSc in Management, Organizations, and Governance from The London School of Economics and is a full-time college prep coach. Previously, he was a member of the BYU Admissions Committee, the Associate Director of the MBA Program at UC Irvine, and an Internship Director for LG Electronics in South Korea and China. He is the bestselling author of The Influence Mindset: The Art & Science of Getting People to Choose You and has coached thousands of students on college admissions.
Why do you coach?
I work with people who want to stand out and be the obvious choice, no matter the situation. The skills I teach my clients help them stand out not just for college, but more importantly, for the rest of their lives. Helping a person see themselves (and their value) in a new compelling way is an honor that I cherish. That’s why I coach. Walking alongside a person rediscovering their potential and opening new doors of opportunity for themselves? Now that’s a fire that can light up any day.
Who do you enjoy working with?
High school students and their families who are wondering, "Can I even do this?" or even, "I don't know what makes me special compared to everyone else... where do I even start?" You are my tribe. I was once in your exact same shoes, felt stuck and lost. However after working behind the scenes in several admissions offices, I learned the secret to breaking past that. I can't wait to show you how to truly "stand out" for your college apps and for the rest of your life.
Christina B.
Coaches for: Management Consulting, Business Strategy & Operations, Career Development
Christina started working at McKinsey and Company as a Business Analyst in 2017. Since then, she’s also been a Senior Business Analyst and an Engagement Manager prior to leaving the firm in 2024 to work in Healthcare. While in her consulting roles, she interviewed and mentored over 150+ candidates globally, so she knows what it takes to stand out in the process. While in college, she interned at Deloitte and PwC.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
When four of my clients landed their MBB offers in a span of two weeks!
Who do you enjoy working with?
Clients who are just as committed as I am in making their journey meaningful, fun, and successful.
Christina P.
Coaches for: Product Management, MBA, Career Development, College
Christina is a Lead Product Manager at Deel, where she has scaled products to over $150M in ARR while hiring and managing high-performing teams. She earned her MBA from Michigan Ross on a full scholarship, supported by MLT, Consortium, Forte, and Toigo fellowships. Before joining Deel, she held roles at Amazon, SimpliSafe, Bessemer Trust, and the U.S. Congress, honing her expertise in building strategic narratives. Christina is a proud Latina and was the first in her family to graduate from college.
Why do you coach?
In 2012 I became the first person in my family to graduate from college. The mentorship and coaching I received during my MBA admissions process completely changed how I told my story, helping me get a full scholarship and pivot into the tech industry.
I enjoy the challenge of pulling disparate experiences into a compelling story, strategically building applications, and preparing for interviews.
Ultimately, education has been the great equalizer of opportunity in my life and that is why I coach.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Helping a client land a PM role at Capital One after they had been laid off.
Conor A.
Coaches for: Law School, LSAT
Conor is a graduate of UVA and Harvard Law School. He has been tutoring and coaching for law school admissions for the past 7 years, working with five of the top admissions before starting coaching on Leland. He has extensive experience helping students increase their LSAT scores extensively and a strong record of working with clients to gain admission to top schools, including each of the T14. Outside of test prep and admissions coaching, Conor is an Acting Director at the Investigations and Compliance Division of the Office for Civil Rights over Diversity & Inclusion.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I worked with a client for over a year on his application to NYU Law. It was his dream school, and his numbers were well below their medians. He just forwarded me his acceptance letter earlier this week.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I like working with clients who are creative but need a way to tell their stories; people who are hard workers who just need direction; ambitious people who know what they want and will work hard to achieve it.
Daniel M.
Coaches for: Product Management, Career Development
Daniel is a Forbes 30-Under-30 Founder and experienced product manager. He began his career at Uber through the Associate Product Manager (APM) program, where he led tech teams in operational contexts (scooters and bikes), shipped design systems for the core rider experience, and 3x-ed revenue and team size for a new Uber Eats business line (takeout). While at the University of Texas, he founded the campus's first PM-focused peer mentorship and recruiting organization.
Why do you coach?
I wouldn't be in the position I am today without the people who mentored me – taking my coffee chat invitations, answering every dumb question, and helping me understand how to navigate everything from job searches to interviews. Coaching allows me to give back and often represents the highlight of my week – nothing beats the feeling of empowering individuals who used to be in my shoes feel more confident about their career prospects!
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I took on a last-minute client who wanted a brief mock session before an interview for a PM role at a top tech company. We quickly diagnosed a few issues, one of which was her tendency to be overly comprehensive in her answers, diminishing her obvious ability as a communicator and grasp of the subjects at hand. I enjoyed being able to coach her through a few answers, but even more deeply, I relished the chance to build her confidence up so she could crush her interview... and the payoff when she told me she got the role was absolutely immense!
Debby C.
Coaches for: Master’s Programs, PhD, Life, Physician Assistant (PA), Higher Education
Debby is a former Director of Graduate Admissions at Stanford University, where she spent nine years deeply entrenched in reviewing thousands of applications. After Stanford, she started an independent admissions consulting firm helping students apply to top graduate programs across the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe. Her specialty is helping applicants present the most favorable, compelling, and accurate pictures of what they have to offer.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
The managers I worked with at Stanford taught me to lead with purpose, share my knowledge generously, and uplift those around me.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with clients who are excited to start their journey. I particularly appreciate supporting individuals who may not yet feel confident in their potential to stand out in the review process but are eager to begin and are open to discovering their true potential. One of my key strengths is helping clients recognize their strengths and help them highlight these in their applications.
Devery D.
Coaches for: College, MBA
Devery graduated from Harvard College in 2007. She later went on to receive her MBA on a full Consortium Fellowship at The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business. Devery has been working in the admissions field for over 15 years serving as a former admissions officer at Harvard University, application reader at the University of California Berkeley, and high school college counselor. She has worked with 100s of students, read well over 25k essays, and has helped students be admitted to nearly all the top 100 US colleges. Devery is a lifelong advocate of education as a means of mobility and loves working with students from all backgrounds.
Why do you coach?
Admissions is a nebulous process and is an art and not a science. Shedding some light on this process and helping students think introspectively about themselves drives me to coach in this field. I was a first-generation college student myself and I know how daunting the process can be and how students and parents alike can overlook important aspects of the college research process. My aim is to help students apply to a balanced list of colleges where they will thrive, think deeply about what they want and need out of the 4-year experience, and come back with more admits than denies.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My college roommates. Successful women who are supportive, brave, vulnerable, brilliant, and inspiring.
Dione C.
Coaches for: MBA, College
Dione is a full-time professional MBA and career coach with over 12 years of admissions experience, specializing in guiding applicants of top 10 MBA programs. She has successfully coached hundreds of diverse candidates, drawing on her expertise as a trusted, dedicated coach. The first in her family to graduate college, she earned her BA in Economics and Communications (Phi Beta Kappa) and her MBA from Stanford GSB, where she remains an active alumna, interviewer, and volunteer leader. Her professional background spans startups, corporations, and nonprofits across the US, Asia, and Europe.
Why do you coach?
I love helping great individuals achieve their educational (and personal, career) dreams through identifying and communicating their values, experiences and goals! It's so interesting – and inspiring – to learn, then empower them to communicate their "stories" in an authentic, powerful (and yes, strategic) way. I'm able to leverage my professional experience in writing, communications, and international marketing. As a first-gen college student and active Stanford alumna, I find it very rewarding to help others to successfully navigate the application process.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I feel lucky to have worked with diverse clients from different countries, backgrounds, walks of life, and career fields (both traditional and non-traditional). I most enjoy working with clients who are open to working together as "partners," who want to invest in what I think of as the 3 R's: Research, Reflection, and (Re)writing to craft compelling application materials. It's great to work with clients with whom I can share a laugh.
Emily L.
Coaches for: MBA
Emily is a Princeton undergrad and Berkeley Haas MBA who is passionate about marketing, writing, and mentoring. She has long been involved with admissions, having served as a co-VP of admissions and new student orientation at Haas, a college admissions mentor for financially disadvantaged youth in San Francisco, and a long-time Princeton alumni interviewer. She discovered a talent and love for admissions consulting after graduating from Haas in 2015. Outside of admissions coaching, she is a Vice President of Marketing at a global-leading asset management firm.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I had a client apply Round 1 to Columbia, Sloan, and Stern. Columbia and Sloan were reaches given test scores, and despite putting together a strong application she was dinged at both. She was put on the waitlist at Stern and I gave her a fairly comprehensive list of things she could do to increase her chances. She diligently did all of them, was invited to interview, and was ultimately offered admission a full 6 months after being waitlisted. Perseverance can truly pay off!
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with a wide variety of clients - it keeps things interesting and helps keep me sharp and creative. I enjoy helping clients who have a specific weakness to overcome (low GPA/test score, unemployment, etc.). I also enjoy working with non-traditional clients -- I once had a 47-year-old orthodontist as a client -- as figuring out how to position them can be a fun challenge. Lastly, I enjoy working with clients who need to do some exploration on career options, such as deferred clients.
Geri T.
Coaches for: MBA
Geri is a former Associate Director of Admissions at Harvard Business School, where spent eight years reviewing and evaluating applications, conducting interviews, and marketing the program. She also helped launch and manage the HBS’ 2+2 Program for deferred admissions. Geri holds a degree from the University of Delaware and has spent the majority of her life in higher education.
Why do you coach?
I coach because I love working with smart, eager, and dedicated people who are excited about their academic goals. I enjoy utilizing my expertise to help deserving people present themselves to the admissions committees in the best possible light. I also coach because I get joy from helping people through what can be a stressful and anxiety-ridden process. I serve as an open and honest partner who can offer a reassuring voice when needed or a plan of action when things get hairy. Coaching gives me the opportunity to help people through an important journey in their life and I feel lucky to be able to do so!
Who do you enjoy working with?
I love working with military clients (unbelievable experience), college seniors (eager, ready to take on the world), and anyone who is excited to do the personal deep dive necessary for the process.
Ian G.
Coaches for: Management Consulting
Ian has helped over 100 candidates land jobs in management consulting - combining his personal experience interviewing, his training at BCG, and his years of developing world-class recruiting prep materials. While pursuing his MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business, he passed interviews for all eight of the consulting and tech firms at which he interviewed, ultimately deciding to work at BCG.
Why do you coach?
I love teaching! Seeing a mindset shift occur and that lightbulb moment in a candidate is what it is all about.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Running a 6-day training workshop with PwC London for their consultants. Great group, but also enjoy working on the same skill sets that so many candidates struggle with for their interviews - it's all a scale!
Indrani S.
Coaches for: Law School, Career Development
Indrani worked at Stanford University on their admissions committee for eight years, where she managed all aspects of admissions cycles in schools and departments including Stanford Law School (Associate Director of Admissions) and Mechanical Engineering. Since then, she has worked at several top admissions firms and coached over 75 students in their law school application processes. Throughout her career, she has read thousands of applications front to back and has a deep understanding of what top law schools are looking for. She has also been a career coach for over a decade.
Why do you coach?
I coach because there is no better feeling than knowing I have been instrumental when a student attains admission to their dream school! Working collaboratively through the sometimes stressful and overwhelming process, gaining the trust of my clients, and experiencing success together is a wonderful experience. Using my master's in counseling, I can also help my clients get through this challenging time emotionally, helping through the stress with unwavering support and motivation.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with clients who are feeling overwhelmed with the admissions process and becoming their thought partner for several months. People who think they don't have a compelling story to tell find one with my help.
Jeremy S.
Coaches for: Management Consulting, Career Development
Jeremy holds a BA in Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from MIT Sloan. He is a former Consultant at Bain & Co. (4 years), where he spent time as an on-campus interviewer, interviewing 60+ candidates and reading 400+ applications. Jeremy has more than eight years of experience successfully coaching clients into elite consulting firms and helping them navigate career transitions.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One client wanted a job at Bain so badly I think he would have run through twenty brick walls to get it. He was one of the hardest workers I have ever met, and poured every ounce of energy into landing this offer. He networked skillfully, cased every day with me and his friends from school, and showed up to his interviews with such passion I'm certain the interviewers could feel it. Getting a call from him after he landed a Bain offer was one of the best moments of my year.
Who do you enjoy working with?
People who are devoted to landing an MBB offer, and who are intent on mastering the case. I love working with people who are set on going into management consulting, and are full steam ahead on landing a top offer. These people make my job fun and easy because I can give direct and honest feedback, and know they will do all they can to implement and integrate it.
Jonathan H.
Coaches for: Investment Banking, Private Equity, MBA, Career Development
Jonathan is originally from the Riverdale section of the Bronx in New York City. He attended SUNY Binghamton for undergrad, and then spent two years in the M&A and Restructuring Investment Banking Analyst Program at Moelis & Company; here he also led the NY office recruiting efforts. After investment banking, he joined American Securities, where he spent three years on the Investment Team. Now he is pursuing his MBA at Harvard Business School.
Why do you coach?
I've found coaching and mentoring to be the most rewarding part of my professional career. When I was applying to HBS, Stanford GSB, and Wharton for business school, my essays for each school focused on the guidance I received from some truly special mentors, and how I try to pay that forward each day. I'm certain that was what got me in everywhere I applied.
I look forward to helping you achieve your career goals.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
The many mock interviews with clients just before their real interviews, where it is just so obvious that they are going to crush it and land an offer.
Karla M.
Coaches for: Master’s Programs, MBA, Investment Banking, Management Consulting
Karla completed a concurrent MBA/MPP at the University of Chicago and Harvard, respectively, then joined JP Morgan’s Technology coverage group in the Investment Banking division in San Francisco. She was accepted into five M7 MBA programs with over $1 million in scholarship offers. Karla was also recently identified as a Rising Star by the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA).
Why do you coach?
As an admissions and career coach, I am driven by a steadfast belief that individuals have the potential to achieve their goals with the right skills and guidance. My own background as an immigrant from a resource-constrained but determined family has given me perspective on the barriers that many people face in achieving their goals. Despite my humble beginnings, I was able to earn admission to five top MBA programs and the Harvard Kennedy School, receiving over $1 million in scholarship offers along the way. I am passionate about helping others overcome obstacles and achieve success without having to rely on luck to lead meaningful lives of consequence.
I coach to help people realize their potential and stretch themselves beyond what they believe is feasible for themselves. It’s about guiding them to uncover strengths they may not see, tackle challenges with confidence, and achieve goals that once felt out of reach. Seeing individuals grow and unlock new possibilities is both inspiring and deeply fulfilling.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my applicants achieved a clean sweep, gaining admission to all four top MBA programs they applied to — 4 for 4!
Karthik R.
Coaches for: Management Consulting
Karthik is a passionate case coach with over a decade of experience coaching and mentoring across capacities, but most specifically for the management consulting interview process. He has prepared over 100 candidates for the management consulting process, through his time leading the case preparation organizations at UT Austin's McCombs School of Business (Undergrad), the Wharton School (MBA), and at a few top consulting prep firms. He worked at BCG as a Consultant and Project Leader and now is the Director of Finance at JCPenny.
Why do you coach?
Mentorship and teaching are core to my family history: My grandfather was the first in his family to go to college and became a Chemistry Professor, my mother runs a tutoring academy, and my father is an Accounting Professor. They instilled in me a core belief that while an individual's hard work and aptitude ultimately drive their outcomes, a well-timed, knowledgeable coach can be the unlock to setting an individual up for their desired path. I firmly believe in the value of the saved time that comes from a coach "guiding" you towards the right work to do. There's no silver bullet for getting consulting offers, and I know that. However, my north star is carefully listening to and observing my mentees, identifying the (sometimes subtle) behaviors and tendencies that act as blocks in their performance, and coming up with a systematic, replicable, and efficient process so you see progress each and every "rep" you go through. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than the "aha" moment, when you see that the dots have connected, and your mentee has learned a skill that previously seemed out of reach
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My chess coach, Babakuli Annakov, taught me the importance of consistent work, enjoying the process, and always respecting those that came before us and the lessons we can learn from them. He instilled in me a love for chess culture, and I think that extends to other coaching domains as well - making the time to really understand the experience of those who paved the way prior to you.
Kathryn W.
Coaches for: Venture Capital, MBA, Management Consulting
Kathryn is a Stanford GSB alumna currently working in VC. She grew up in Texas, went to Vanderbilt for undergrad, and started her career in management consulting at Deloitte. She joined NerdWallet in Business Operations before matriculating at Stanford for business school. At GSB, she led the Tech Club and spent time getting to know the venture capital landscape. She spent six years as an investor at Norwest Venture Partners and recently joined FirstMark as a Principal.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
When someone I was working with signed a competitive job offer in venture! Felt great to have a candidate I worked with on Leland become a colleague in the industry.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I love working with ambitious candidates who are ready to take a big step in their lives. I bring my all to coaching and am most energized by candidates who bring their A-game so that we can achieve something amazing together.
Kerry P.
Coaches for: MBA, Marketing
Kerry is a former Assistant Director of the MBA Admissions Board at Harvard Business School where she evaluated thousands of applications and helped launch its 2+2 deferred MBA program. She holds an MBA herself from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, after which she spent eight years in brand marketing at Nestlé, managing iconic brands like Häagen Dazs, Dreyer’s, and Edy’s.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
A client who had grappled with a lot of self-doubt throughout the process was admitted across all four M7 schools to which she applied, several with scholarships!
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
I've been fortunate to have many great bosses, mentors, friends, and coaches who have supported me throughout my professional and personal life. But my most influential "coaches" by far are my parents, whose support, guidance, and example have inspired me and made me who I am.
Kirsten S.
Coaches for: College
Kirsten brings over 20 years of experience in storytelling, crafting compelling narratives, and building impactful marketing and branding experiences. She is a former Princeton University Admissions Reader and a Certified Life Story Coach. She also holds a Master of Science in Journalism from Columbia University. With over a decade as a professional journalist, she combines deep storytelling expertise with a passion for helping individuals articulate their unique stories and achieve their educational goals.
Why do you coach?
Working for Admissions at Princeton University, I had the great honor of reading thousands of essays, guidance counselor letters, teacher recommendations, resumes, and extracurricular activity accounts. I still feel such excitement knowing many of the outstanding candidates I recommended went on to receive and accept offers. It also validated my judgment and intuition. I could apply my journalist's instincts to objectively assess which students were great fits.
Even today, as I counsel privately, I still enjoy the world of narratives and storytelling and guiding students to tell their authentic stories and even discover them in the process. Knowing what story packages work in the application, I love working with students to unlock what is already inside of them and helping to bring to life their personal stories.
I appreciate the goal is to get accepted into a great college or university and create options. I was very driven to achieve that too, and I did - four times. I also appreciate that something deeply special emerges from this very intense process of creating a complete personal narrative. The story you craft about yourself is a living manifesto.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Seeing teens feel excited, take agency, and become inspired and proud of themselves.
Krysta F.
Coaches for: Master’s Programs, PhD, Medical School, Physician Assistant
Krysta holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western Michigan University and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Lawrence Technological University. She is the Associate Director of Creative Services at Michigan State University, where she develops career education programs for science students. She also co-leads research focused on career education’s impact on STEM student success. Krysta has over five years of professional coaching experience, having helped hundreds of students through the medical school and graduate school application processes.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I think it goes without saying that seeing your students thrive & get acceptances is every coach's favorite thing... so instead, I'll share this: I actually got to meet one of the applicants I was working with IN PERSON when she visited a graduate school she was applying to that is close to where I live. We met up for coffee and talked about her application, but also just had the chance to connect on a very human level. I LOVE that coaching helps to connect me with people I might have otherwise never met.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
When I changed my major from architecture to business at the end of my first year of college (a really entertaining story that we don't have room for here!), I felt SO lost. I thought about transferring to a different school, but once I met the business program advisor, Dr. Karen Liska, I knew I had found someone who could provide me with the resources and support I needed to be successful. Not only did she shepherd me into, and through, the business program, she supported me through some of the most challenging moments of my life during college. I'll always be grateful for her empathetic, enthusiastic support of me, both personally and professionally.
Machmud M.
Coaches for: Law School, Master’s Programs, Legal Practice, Public Service
Machmud is currently pursuing a JD at Stanford Law School, where he is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. He has also earned an MPhil in Political Theory from the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, and a BA in Politics from Oberlin College, where he was a Truman Scholar. Machmud has extensive experience in both public service and corporate law, having worked at The White House on the COVID Response team, as a policy analyst for the Biden campaign, and as a summer associate at top law firms like Alston & Bird. He also founded Law School Democrats of America and formerly served as Chief of Staff to a Georgia State Representative.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my clients is a non-traditional law school applicant. Having grown up in poverty across Appalachia and struggled in college due to having to simultaneously work multiple manual labor jobs to make ends meet, he found inspiration in creative writing and is now a writing instructor at one of the country's preeminent HBCUs. He has gotten accepted to a top 20 law school despite low grades, and I think we still have more good news to come! It was an honor to help him tell his story and have admissions officers see what he could bring to their classrooms.
Who do you enjoy working with?
Maybe this is a cop-out, but I've enjoyed the very wide spectrum of clients I've been able to work with this year because they've all taught me something different and new about how people think and live. I had first-gen clients; international clients from countries as far-flung as China, Afghanistan, and Ghana; clients who are coming straight from college; and others who have worked for over a decade. They all have their own stories to tell and I learn something from each of them.
Marie B.
Coaches for: GMAT, GRE
Marie is a professional test tutor with over 20 years of experience helping students achieve great scores. She completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Georgetown University and her Master’s in Math Education at Columbia University prior to becoming a test prep instructor and tutor at Kaplan. While she enjoys all sections of the test, her real passion is in teaching Quantitative strategies.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my students thanked me for pushing him past what he ever hoped for himself. The score on the GRE went from a 315 to a 333.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I love working with clients who are hopeful, optimistic, and have a positive attitude about learning.
Matt K.
Coaches for: Master’s Programs, MBA
Matt earned a dual MBA and MS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT, following an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Matt currently works as a Senior Operations Engineer at SpaceX, was previously a Project Leader at BCG, and has served as a Nuclear Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy. With over six years of experience in admissions coaching, Matt has helped candidates gain admission to top MBA programs like Harvard, Wharton, MIT Sloan, and Chicago Booth. He specializes in crafting powerful application stories and interview preparation, with experience working with non-traditional applicants.
Why do you coach?
Going to business school was so transformational for me and to be able to help others achieve that same feeling is beyond rewarding. Getting the "I got in!" texts and seeing the excitement on clients' faces is awesome
Who do you enjoy working with?
All clients! The engineering nerd inside of me loves working with those with technical or non-traditional backgrounds and bringing out the powerful stories that are unique to these fields. As a veteran myself I also love working with fellow veterans making the transition to the civilian world via an MBA.
Matt O.
Coaches for: Investment Banking
Matt is a current MBA candidate at The Wharton School, where he specializes in finance. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from BYU, graduating Magna Cum Laude. With experience at top IB and PE firms like Evercore, Piper Sandler, and Tower Arch Capital, Matt understands the ins-and-outs of recruiting for finance. His coaching focuses on preparing non-target school candidates in IB, offering comprehensive support.
Why do you coach?
Investment banking is a notoriously difficult field to break into. Mentors play an integral role in preparing candidates for the rigors of the recruiting process and helping them put their best foot forward. A huge chunk of my success is directly attributable to my own mentors. These individuals have become lifelong friends and people I continue to look up to. I coach because I am indebted to the role these mentors have played in my life, and it's something I try to pay forward. I find joy in connecting with the remarkable individuals this field attracts and fulfillment in helping people achieve their goals.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I most enjoy working with clients who have that unstoppable drive, and don't let hard work or long hours stand in their way.
Mattijs B.
Coaches for: Management Consulting
Mattijs is a former Associate at Bain & Company, specializing in strategy consulting for top-tier companies in the private equity and energy industries. Mattijs holds a Master’s in Management from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School and a Master’s in Engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Mattijs brings a unique perspective as a former start-up founder and hiring manager, with over 250 client successes.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Confirmation from a candidate she received 3 MBB job offers.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My mother and father.
Max A.
Coaches for: Private Equity, Investment Banking, MBA
Max is a finance professional with extensive experience in IB and PE. Max is currently pursuing his MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business and MPA at Harvard Kennedy School. Max previously worked as a Senior Associate at Vector Capital Management and as an analyst at Qatalyst Partners and Lazard. He has coached over 250 individuals, helping them secure positions at top firms like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my clients coming from a military background was so dedicated to learning his technical finance skills that he put in five hours of work every day for months. His dedication inspired me to give 110% to my coaching, and he landed a great offer!
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with anyone who is 100% dedicated to their goal. Regardless of where they start in the process, if they are willing to put in the work and recognize the difficulty of their ambition, I love to assist in the journey.
Max M.
Coaches for: Private Equity, Investment Banking, Hedge Fund, MBA, Career Development
Max is a crossover tech investor and current MBA candidate at Wharton, specializing in public and private equity deals in enterprise software. Max previously worked in buyout private equity at Thomas H. Lee Partners and TMT Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs and Stifel. With experience across multiple top-tier financial institutions, Max has mentored over 300 professionals and students, helping them land jobs at leading investment firms and top banks.
Why do you coach?
My goal in coaching is to help my clients land their dream jobs and realize an incredible ROI on their time and money spent with me. During my time on Leland, I've seen clients achieve goals they would have never dreamed of completing, pivot careers, and get back on their feet. The ability to empower clients and equip them with the necessary tools and confidence gives me great joy when they accomplish what they set out to do.
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with motivated clients who put in the work between our sessions. I always tell my clients that I will give you "homework," and you can choose whether to complete it or not. My most successful clients put in the time between sessions, and the exponential progress we make leads to more successful outcomes. If someone is willing to work hard with me, they will accomplish their goals quickly.
Michael G.
Coaches for: Master's Programs
Michael is an alumnus of the 7th cohort of Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University, where he earned a Master’s of Management Science, in Global Affairs. Michael currently works as a Public Health Analyst at SwipeRx and has previously worked as a Senior Data Analyst at the Utah Supreme Court and as a Research Assistant at the United Nations in China. With firsthand graduate fellowship experience, Michael has helped his clients gain admission to prestigious programs like Schwarzman Scholars, Cambridge, and KTH Royal Institute of Technology.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
My favorite coaching moments of 2024 came during the week of November 18th, when the Schwarzman Scholars program began notifying accepted candidates one by one over the phone. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for those I had worked with to receive the official news, many of whom said that I was the first person they called to tell, even before family, partners, and friends. We laughed, cried, and screamed at the top of our lungs in celebration after countless hours of hard work and dreaming big together paid off. In fact, what I felt that week easily exceeded the happiness I had when I got my own acceptance call several years ago.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
Dr. James Teufel has been the most influential coach, mentor, and advocate for my success in my life. We've known each other for the better part of a decade now since I first took his classes as an undergraduate student, and there are immeasurable ways in which his guidance, support, and actions have uplifted me and been directly tied to my educational, professional, and personal advancements and achievements. Since becoming a coach myself, I've gained an even more profound appreciation for all that he has done for me over the years, feeling firsthand what it is like to bridge potential and self-actualization by investing in helping others secure the right opportunities to grow.
Mike H.
Coaches for: MBA, Leadership Development
Mike is an MBA graduate of Stanford GSB, where he later served as Director of the Stanford MSx Program and Admissions, overseeing the admissions process for the mid-career business degree. Mike has also held the role of Executive Director at the Center for Leadership Development and Research at Stanford GSB, where he introduced key leadership programs, taught leadership electives, and also co-founded the LOWkeynotes public speaking program. Mike’s career has also included co-founding New Bohemia Brewing, serving as VP of Programs at the American Leadership Forum, and working as a Peace Corps volunteer.
Why do you coach?
I was drawn to leadership development and coaching because I find it gratifying to work with impactful leaders--as well as with those on the path to becoming one. I like working with people that aspire to do something that matters. Some clients achieve more than others, but enough have gone on to greatness to make it all worthwhile. These experiences motivate me, help me to recognize and encourage the potential for greatness in all my clients.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my clients had faced big setbacks in recent years, dropping out of college and struggling with trauma. Her courage and resilience, however, was remarkable, eventually allowing her to turn tragic experiences into wisdom and empathy. That wisdom and empathy, along with her hard work, recently got her admitted to Stanford GSB.
Naila C.
Coaches for: Investment Banking
As an incoming IB analyst at Bank of America, Naila provides coaching perspectives as a recent recruit. Naila received multiple superday invites from top bulge-bracket firms, including Morgan Stanley, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. Naila has also interned at leading firms like BofA, VMG Partners, and Sixth Street. She is currently finishing up her degree in Accounting and Finance at Miami Herbert Business School.
Why do you coach?
Having been through the process myself of finding an internship and job in banking, I know firsthand the difficulty and rigour it takes to break in. My goal with coaching has always been to provide a resource to students who may not have access; whether it be because of their school or other reasons. I believe that I have the skills, and most importantly, I know I have the passion to mentor and teach others which is what drives my coaching.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
One of my favorite coaching moments of 2024 was with a student that I had been coaching for around 3 months. After 3 months of coaching, she had decided to take a break from recruiting as it wasn't going successfully. Two weeks later she got an interview and decided to give it a final try... we did one final coaching session together and she ended up getting the job, securing her dream post-grad role!
Prabha D.
Coaches for: Product Management, Product Marketing Management
Prabha is a Senior Product Manager at Grow Therapy, where she develops high-impact features to enhance the user experience and drive business growth. She previously worked at Meta, where she transitioned from Product Marketing to Product Management through the prestigious RPM program. Prabha has interned at Microsoft, and worked at Accenture and PwC. Through her coaching, Prabha has helped clients secure roles at top tech companies including Meta (4 clients within the last year), Microsoft, and Uber.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I had a strong year coaching this past year, with many clients landing their dream jobs. But for me, my favorite moments are always the small ones. When you see a client conquer a challenge with an interview they were nervous about. There's a sparkle that people have when they tackle what they didn't believe they could, and I love being able to witness those moments.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
I believe that a good coach is willing to share the uncomfortable truths with you, even when you may not be willing to confront them yourself. For me, that person has always been my husband. He has spent so much time being a sounding board for me to consider different career paths and options. I couldn't do it without him!
Pravesh S.
Coaches for: Medical School
Pravesh is a Resident Physician at the University of Southern California, where he is completing his training. Pravesh graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Psychobiology from UCLA and earned honors from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine. Pravesh has served on medical school admissions committees, has gone through more than 20 medical school and residency interviews, and has coached over 400 students through the medical school application process.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
A third-time applicant coming to me for help, eventually gaining acceptance in a top 20 MD program in the country. Their excitement and gratitude were unforgettable. Dreams do come true!
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My 9th-grade Biology teacher, who believed in me more than anyone. Because of her, I am a physician now.
Rubee S.
Coaches for: Dental School, DAT
Rubee graduated this year from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine where she was also a Board Member of Student Admissions. She was admitted into the dental programs of nine other prestigious schools, including Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Pennsylvania. She has experience with test tutoring for DAT Bootcamp and as a coach for students and doctors transitioning into the American medical/dental industry.
Why do you coach?
I coach because I want to be the type of support system that I lacked when I went through the application process for both college and dentistry.
I have coached and mentored students since high school and It truly brings me joy to help others achieve their goals. I did not have a coach to lean on during my process, which made it all the more nerve-racking and scary. I want to be the person for others that I did not have, and this is what drives me to be a dedicated and committed coach for my mentees
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
In my current and professional life, my boss Dr. Mark is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. His presence and focus on giving me the best and most pertinent advice has truly changed both my perspective - and life!
Spencer B.
Coaches for: Product Management, Career Development
Spencer is a Rotational Product Manager at Meta, with a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Northeastern University, where he also earned a Bachelor’s in Information Technology. Spencer has worked as a PM Co-op at Bevi, where he led the redesign of user interfaces, resulting in a 30% increase in customer satisfaction. He has also interned at Anodot as a Software Engineering Intern and landed offers from Meta, Microsoft, and JPMorgan Chase.
Why do you coach?
I coach because I want to help people achieve their true potential in life.
Coaching is a way for me to give back. I have been incredibly fortunate to have many mentors and coaches in my life who have helped guide me along my way. My coaches have brought out the best in me, and believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. I wouldn't be where I am without them. I know the value of developing a personal relationship where the best is brought out in you. I don't see my coaching as a means to an end, I see it as a mission to make my clients the best they can be.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
My favorite coaching moment was kicking off the Product Management Bootcamp this past Summer!
Steven A.
Coaches for: Management Consulting, College
Steven is a former consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he spent nearly five years working across the U.S. and Latin America. Steven held roles as Senior Business Analyst and Acting Engagement Manager, focusing on M&As and the travel/logistics industries. Steven has extensive experience in the consulting recruitment process, having interviewed over 40 candidates for Analyst and Associate roles. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania's Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business, and is trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
I worked with a client who had a week to go before his McKinsey first-round interviews and had done very little prep, because he had a variety of life situations converging that prevented him from dedicating the time that's typically needed to prepare for McKinsey interviews. In the span of one week we worked together and went from low confidence to passing the first round with flying colors, and he eventually got his offer and signed! It was amazing to see the transition in such a short period of time, and the relief and excitement once he finally received his offer.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
My grandfather, before he passed in early 2020, was always my biggest coach and cheerleader. He had lived such an intriguing life, both personally and professionally, and was always there to guide me in major decisions and junctures.
Susie B.
Coaches for: College
Susie graduated from BYU in English and German before beginning a career teaching. She has since become a published author and college essay coach of 17+ years. Being on all sides of the writing process has given Susie a unique perspective on the admissions essays and how to make them excellent.
Why do you coach?
Several years ago, I was involved in a life-altering accident. In the blink of an eye, I went from life as I had always known it to facing a complicated recovery journey that ended with a frightening unknown: there was a chance I’d never fully recover. To top it off, I was unable to find anyone else who had experienced my unique set of injuries and symptoms. It felt like I had been dropped off at the bottom of Mount Everest — completely alone — and expected to climb it without any training, or even a clear picture of what the summit looked like. In a word, impossible.
And it surely would have been, if not for indispensable support and mentorship from scores of family, friends, neighbors, doctors, and therapists. I began to regard them as my Sherpas, the literal backbone of my summiting expedition.
At the beginning of their college application and essay writing journey, most students feel like they’ve been dropped off at the bottom of Mount Everest and expected to climb it without a clear picture of what the summit even looks like. Not only are they expected to climb and summit, but they’re expected to do it better and smarter and with more panache than most of their fellow climbers.
I coach because I know what it feels like to be at the bottom of a mountain and in desperate need of a Sherpa. I coach because my years of accumulated knowledge and experience have equipped me to be this guide. And finally, I coach because I love helping students succeed in writing compelling, memorable college essays that get them one step closer to achieving their dreams.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Helping a client write a complicated and emotionally difficult essay. It took hours and hours of work, and I loved watching her face light up when she realized that she had arrived. The essay she had initially told me would be impossible to write was absolutely remarkable.
Timothy F.
Coaches for: MBA, Management Consulting, GMAT, Artificial Intelligence
Timothy graduated with a degree in Economics and Finance before starting his career at Goldman Sachs. After several years there, he headed to the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to pursue an MBA. At Booth, Timothy worked as an Admissions Fellow, reviewing applications and interviewing almost 100 applicants across multiple quarters. He is now a Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group, advising mostly on Gen AI, enterprise transformation, and organizational design.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Countless moments like this: "TIMMM I JUST GOT COLUMBIA AS WELL. I LITERALLY GOT INTO ALL 4 SCHOOLS I INTERVIEWED FOR! THANK YOU for believing in me from Day 1"
Who do you enjoy working with?
I enjoy working with clients at pivotal moments of transition – when they're on the cusp of discovering a new version of themselves or stepping into their full potential. Helping them recognize the bigger picture of who they are and translating that into an authentic and impactful narrative is incredibly rewarding.
Victoria G.
Coaches for: MBA, Law School
Victoria is a Stanford GSB graduate and brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Salesforce, Migo, and Callity, where she led strategic transformations and startup ventures. Victoria now works at Octopus Group, focusing on strategy and M&A in financial services and fintech. With a degree in English from the University of Cambridge, Victoria has successfully coached over 40 applicants into top business schools by helping them tell their most authentic stories.
Who is an influential "coach" in your life?
Rob E. Siegel - my favorite Stanford professor, honorary American pops, best cheerleader, trusted advisor, and crisis counselor for years - even years after graduating. Always honest, never cruel.
Who do you enjoy working with?
Underdogs, international students, veterans, entrepreneurs, reapplicants, low-GMAT/GREs, and self-critics. Listen to me: you are good enough. You do deserve this.
Yash G.
Coaches for: MBA
Yash is a Stanford GSB grad, who has helped over 15 clients gain admission to M7 business schools including GSB, Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, and Columbia. He was accepted into both GSB and HBS through their deferred enrollment programs. Before attending GSB, Yash worked at BCG for three years, where he was promoted to a post-MBA role. He is currently back at BCG as a Consultant and the founder + CEO of Sight Learning.
Why do you coach?
I want to provide access to amazing opportunities to people who may not know how to get there on their own. I want to inspire my clients.
I spent more than 10 hours a week coaching at Stanford. It gave me deep fulfillment and seeing my clients grow and learn as coachees was super rewarding.
I had mentors and coaches throughout my life. They showed me my full potential and gave me the tools to succeed. I want to give that to as many people as possible.
What is one of your favorite coaching moments of 2024?
Working with a student who got into HBS; tremendous growth and grit to get there.
Rising Star Coaches of 2024
Meet the 20 coaches who are quickly rising through the ranks. Though newer to the platform, they have all already demonstrated their incredible expertise and coaching skills. We're excited to continue watching them grow on Leland!
Amy C.
- Coaches for: Marketing, Leadership Development, Career Development
- Former Head of Global SMB Product Marketing Managers at TikTok, Marketing at Google (10+ Years), Global Field Marketing Manager at Cisco, Berkeley Haas MBA
Alejandro A.
- Coaches for: Investment Banking, Career Development
- Former Investment Banking Associate at Goldman Sachs, Private Equity and M&A Director at Fanatics, Senior Consultant at Deloitte, and NYU Stern MBA
Damon C.
- Coaches for: MBA, Career Development
- Stanford GSB MBA, Former Investment Banker at Credit Suisse and Lehman Brothers, 15+ Years of Admissions Coaching Experience
Eric V.
- Coaches for: GRE
- Stanford GSB Research Fellow, Scored 170/170 in GRE Quant, Math and Econ BS at BYU
Faisal K.
- Coaches for: MBA
- Former Admissions Officer at Chicago Booth, 100+ Clients Admitted to Top MBA Programs, Over $500k in Scholarship Offers, Booth MBA
Garrett W.
- Coaches for: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Business Strategy & Operations
- Former Investment Banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley, Growth Equity Investor at TZP Group, Business Operations at UnifyGTM, Duke BS
Harsh C.
- Coaches for: Dental School
- Columbia DDS Student and Admission Committee Member, Former Pre-Dental at Nova Southeastern
Isamar V.
- Coaches for: College
- Former Assistant Director of Admissions at Stanford University, Former Admissions Fellow and Alumni Interviewer at Harvard University, 60+ Clients Admitted to Top U.S. Universities
Jane W.
- Coaches for: Law School, Management Consulting, College
- Stanford Law Student, Former McKinsey Business Analyst, Fulbright ETA in Taiwan, Emory Full-Ride Scholar
Jasmine H.
- Coaches for: MBA
- Stanford Deferred GSB Admit, Accenture Senior Analyst, Expert in MBA Essay Storytelling
Jennifer P.
- Coaches for: GMAT, SAT, College, MBA
- 770 GMAT, Perfect Verbal Score, 10+ Years of Experience in Test Prep and Mindset Coaching, Former Executive VP of Madison Region Economic Development
Julia M.
- Coaches for: Investment Banking, Private Equity
- Private Equity Associate at Thoma Bravo, Former Restructuring Analyst at Lazard, Founder of CPG Businesses, Coached 200+ Students Through IB Recruiting
Karthik R.
- Coaches for: Product Management
- Director of Product at LinkedIn, Kellogg MBA, Co-Leader of LinkedIn’s APM Program, Former Product Leader at Glassdoor and YP
Lindsay S.
- Coaches for: Marketing, Sales, Leadership Development, Career Development
- Ex-Google Business Development Manager, Founder of Feed Your Can, Former Strategic Planner at BBDO Worldwide, 20+ years in Marketing and BizDev
Michelle B.
- Coaches for: Software Engineering, Communication
- Senior Software Engineer at Netflix, Host and Creator of From The Source Podcast, Hosted 30+ Conferences, International Public Speaker
Saleem H.
- Coaches for: Management Consulting, MBA, Private Equity
- Deferred MBA Admit to Wharton, MIT Sloan, and Yale SOM, Private Equity Associate at Gryphon Investors, Former Strategy Consultant at EY-Parthenon
Ty F.
- Coaches for: Medical School
- PhD in Adult Learning & Development, Former OBGYN Medical Education Division Manager at UNC, Expert in MMI & Traditional Interviews, Admissions Committee Experience at UNC and UMass Medical School
Vaithish V.
- Coaches for: Medical School, PhD
- Stanford MD, Cambridge PhD, Gates Cambridge Scholar, Knight-Hennessy Scholar, Former Research Fellow at University of Cambridge, Admissions Committee Experience at Stanford and Cambridge
Veronika F.
- Coaches for: Product Management, Management Consulting, Business Strategy & Operations, Career Development
- Incoming BCG Consultant, ex-Oliver Wyman, Deloitte, and Product Leader at The RealReal, Former VP of Strategy & Operations at Stealth Startup
Yvette R.
- Coaches for: MBA
- Harvard MBA, Former Deloitte and UBS, 300+ Clients Coached with Top MBA Program Acceptances
