Columbia Business School Deferred Admit from Finance & Management Consulting Background Focused on helping candidates throughout the deferred MBA application process

I've helped dozens of candidates on Leland navigate the CBS admissions process. I know exactly what you need to craft a strong profile, develop your story, and write killer essays. If you bring a decent GPA and strong test scores I can help you get to the next step of securing an interview. As an undergrad English major I'm very well suited to help you craft strong stories in your essays that will make you standout from the crowd. While most of my coaching is for students applying to CBS I've helped candidates with essays to many other top programs as well such as: Stanford, Booth, Wharton, NYU, McCombs, Darden, etc. I've worked for & with colleagues that have gone to every top school and have visited most of the campus locations myself during my own appliaction cycle so I know what the different programs are looking for and can help you work that into your story. Please reach out to see how I can help you strengthen your profile and get into your dream program!

I'm a London Business School alumnus and interviewer who started A1 MBA Consultants (A1mba.com). I have helped 120+ students, including ex-Formula 1 Race Driver Nicholas Latifi, get into their dream MBA program at schools such as HBS, Stanford GSB, Columbia, Wharton, Kellogg, London Business School, INSEAD, Oxford, Cambridge, and many more. I adopt a comprehensive and much more hands-on approach than your typical consultant, leveraging my insights into what adcoms want that I gained from being an interviewer. Partner with me and I will work to make your business school application journey a successful one.

I'm an admit of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Having read over dozens of essays and resumes from prospective applicants, and drawing from my own successful application journey, I have a deep understanding of what makes a truly stellar application, including the lesser known tips and tricks that one really only picks up from having gone through the process. In my own application to Stanford GSB, and other top schools, I approached every little detail methodically and carefully. I'm committed to supporting your application with this same type of intentionality and thoughtfulness. Your success is my mission. Wherever you are in the process, whatever your background may be, I'm excited to meet you where you're at and serve as a resource for you!

I graduated from my MBA program at age 25 and joined McKinsey New York right after. Pre-MBA, I was a professional Classical Musician for 8 years, and this formed a big part of my application. So, if you are: (1) An Early Career or Deferred MBA applicant, or (2) come from a non-traditional background, or (3) are an International student, we would be a good fit to chat. I'm also an official Alum interviewer for my B-School, and have several "do's" and "don'ts" that I can share with you from my years of experience interviewing candidates.

Welcome to my profile! I was born and raised in Saint Lucia, and since leaving for University, I’ve lived across 3 cities in two continents. Over the years, I have coached several clients, helping them craft compelling applications that highlight their unique strengths and experiences. Whether you need assistance with application strategy, essay writing, or interview preparation, I'm here to help you succeed. I’m a patient, and empathetic coach who is passionate about storytelling and lifting people up. I can’t wait to help you share your story with the Admissions team at the school of your dreams. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from the University of Chicago and worked as a Trader and Investor in the competitive finance industry, both at J.P. Morgan and Goldman Sachs. As a Vice President at Goldman Sachs with a strong background in private credit and equity derivatives, I bring a wealth of real-world experience to my MBA coaching, especially for people looking to transition into a career in Finance.

As a professional MBA Consultant, I deep dive into who you are to craft a first-rate application for acceptance to a top 20 MBA program. From typical applicants who need to stand out to unconventional applicants who need to fit in, we succeed together. I have helped 100% of my full-service clients gain acceptance to the top 30 MBA programs, with an impressive 95% acceptance rate to the top 20 programs. This does not mean I only work with applicants with high test scores, great academic records, and exceptional resumes. I have assisted many people with below-average GMAT/GREs, subpar GPAs, and hard-to-quantify work experience to get into top MBA programs. In addition to M7 and other top American programs, I have extensive experience and success in helping applicants gain admission to all top European schools. I also welcome international applicants, having guided many to successful admissions at both American and European institutions. The key to this success lies in getting to the heart of who you are. It’s a simple sentence but not a simple process. We both need to invest time and energy to objectively explore your past, core beliefs, current position, and future aspirations. We then use this life theme to create a profile that enhances your personal and professional narratives, ensuring you effectively showcase your distinctive strengths and experiences. Many clients have remarked that after this journey of self-discovery, they feel they know themselves far better, bringing a fresh sense of enthusiasm and inspiration into their lives. I have developed many tools to keep you on track during the often-taxing challenge of building a successful MBA application. Documents like the MBA Application Roadmap, MBA Application Schedule, and the Dual Lens Interview Preparation Chart guide and support you between our highly productive meetings. We may work on a case-by-case basis or cover all of the following in my all-inclusive package. • Profile optimization as described in the paragraph before the last. • Tailor your school selection, application timeline, round strategy, and more to your profile and goals, ensuring a targeted approach to your MBA journey. • Craft compelling and impactful MBA essays that truly resonate with admissions committees. From initial outlines to multiple draft revisions and a meticulous final edit, we will ensure that your story is memorable for all the right reasons. • Structure and refine various MBA application components, such as work experience descriptions, affiliations, achievements, certifications, research, publications, and awards. My systematic approach results in a cohesive and compelling application package. • Elevate your resume to meet the rigorous standards of MBA applications. Constructive critiques and expert edits will help you present your accomplishments and qualifications successfully. • Secure strong letters of recommendation that amplify your strengths and potential. I can guide you in selecting the right recommenders and obtaining compelling endorsements. • Evaluate every component of your MBA application in a meticulous final review to guarantee coherence, accuracy, and impact. This last layer of polish is crucial to submitting an application that not only meets but significantly exceeds admissions standards. • Ace your MBA interviews with confidence. Realistic school-specific mock interview sessions, tailored feedback, and personalized coaching will help you refine your presentation, responses, and overall interview strategy, guaranteeing you make a lasting impression. • Navigate the critical decisions after your MBA interviews with expert guidance. Whether you're weighing multiple offers, seeking to move up from a waitlist, or deciding on the best school for your goals, I provide strategic advice to make sure you enroll in the perfect MBA program for you. I limit my full-time clients to five per application round (this number may increase or decrease slightly depending on the round and the amount of assistance my clients need), ensuring dedicated and personalized service. My expertise lies in working with international applicants and helping them navigate the challenges of applying in a second language and to a different educational system. This ‘About Jesse’ section may seem as if it’s more about you than me, but that’s the point. You are the star; I am here to help you shine. Let's work together to create the best application possible and secure your spot in a top MBA program.

I'm a recent Harvard Business School graduate with extensive experience assisting others with all things MBA (e.g., the application process including the interviews, MBA selection, using the MBA as a career pivot, and beyond). Beyond HBS, I was also accepted into Booth's Deferred MBA program with a scholarship. I'm really looking forward to working with you as you refine your MBA application strategy and think through this next phase of your life!

I was recently admitted to the Deferred Enrollment Program (DEP) at Columbia Business School. Coming from a STEM and consulting background, I bring a unique blend of technical and strategic expertise, offering a fresh perspective on how to make your application stand out. Whether you need support with application strategy, essay crafting, or interview preparation, I'm dedicated to helping you navigate the competitive MBA admissions landscape. Together, we’ll create a personalized approach to highlight your strengths and maximize your chances of success.

I’ve been a professional MBA coach for eight years, helping both US and international applicants gain admission to all the 20 top MBA programs in the US and Europe. I have a deep love for storytelling and a talent for empowering candidates to unlock their authentic voices by exploring their backgrounds, passions, and aspirations. My clients come from a wide range of industries and countries, including many with non-traditional profiles, second-language challenges, or complex stories to tell. What excites me most is aiding you in identifying the driving force that connects your past, present, and future—and turning that into a powerful, memorable, and most importantly, successful application. While MBA admissions is my primary focus, I also assist applicants pursuing other competitive graduate programs, including Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, as well as more specialized paths such as master's programs in endodontics and other niche fields. My approach is always tailored, grounded in personal branding, strategy, and a deep understanding of how to frame your background and goals for each specific discipline and audience. In my experience, the two most essential elements for being accepted to your MBA dream school are knowing yourself and knowing your target programs. Then, you must demonstrate that knowledge throughout your application. We’ll begin by examining who you are and who you want to become, and then use that foundation to build your profile. With my guidance, you will conduct deep, targeted research into your top schools, looking beyond rankings and stereotypes to understand what the institutions truly offer. You will attend events, speak with students and alumni, and reflect on how your goals, values, and experiences align with each school’s distinctive culture. Together, we’ll translate that insight into a powerful narrative that sets you apart. Every piece of your application (resume, essays, short answers, and additional components) will be carefully crafted to present a cohesive and compelling message that showcases your qualifications and the unique value you offer. I’ve developed a coaching style that is both supportive and rigorous, especially for interview preparation, which can be one of the most stressful parts of the MBA journey. You’ll practice with realistic, school-specific mock interviews and receive direct actionable feedback. We will refine your answers, strengthen your delivery, and develop an interview method that resonates with your interviewers. As AI becomes more prevalent in the MBA process, particularly in school research, writing, and even interview preparation, I help clients use it strategically. Whether you're gathering information on program culture, refining your writing to reduce redundancy and sharpen clarity, or generating questions for mock interviews, I treat AI as a tool, not a shortcut. Your voice will always lead the way. My priority is to make certain your submission remains genuine and unmistakably human. Before becoming an MBA consultant, I built a career in writing, communication, and cross-cultural instruction across various sectors, experience that directly informs my coaching today. In government, I created original content and edited colleagues’ work for the United States Information Agency (USIA). In the private sector, I wrote advertising and promotional copy for both boutique firms and Fortune 500 companies. In Thailand, I collaborated with a team to design, implement, and teach corporate training programs for non-native English speakers employed by American and British companies. As an English teacher, I created custom learning courses to facilitate learners’ success in global companies. Academically, I was invited to apply to college at age 15 based on my first-in-class ranking, strong test scores, and academic record. I left high school after 10th grade and began university early, earning a scholarship, and graduating cum laude. My methodology is thoughtful, structured, and highly collaborative. This work is personal for me, I love writing and helping people tell their stories. I believe the strongest candidacies are built on self-awareness and purpose. Clients often tell me that our sessions lead them to see their narrative in a new light and this clarity impacts their lives and how they perceive their role in the world. BONUS: My business and life partner Jesse (https://www.joinleland.com/coach/jesse-l-1/mba) is also a professional MBA admissions coach, and we regularly review each other’s clients’ applications. This means you’ll benefit from a second expert perspective at no extra cost. Ready to build your powerful and authentic MBA application together? Schedule a free intro call—I’d love to learn more about you and how I can help.