
Melanie E.
5.0
🚀 Ad Comm | 🎯200+ M7 Admits | 🎓 Columbia MBA Expert | ✍️ Essay Whisperer
Studied at Columbia Business School

Worked at McKinsey & Company
Admissions Committee Experience
Available tomorrow at 6:00 PM UTC
Usually responds within 3 hours
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Melanie’s MBA Qualifications
Coaches professionally
100+ people coached for MBA
Open to working with clients outside the U.S.
Melanie has helped clients get into these schools:
✨WHY CHOOSE MELANIE? When you work with me, you're partnering with an insider who has firsthand knowledge of what top MBA programs like Columbia, Harvard, and Stanford are looking for. As a Columbia MBA alumna, current Admissions Interviewer, former McKinsey consultant, and professional ICF-certified Executive Coach, I offer a holistic coaching approach that combines admissions expertise with expert storytelling, giving you an edge over the competition. Here’s why I’m the best choice for your MBA journey: • 🎓MBA & COLUMBIA EXPERT: As a Columbia MBA alumna and current MBA Admissions Interviewer, I have insider knowledge of what top-tier schools seek. My experience in admissions interviewing gives me the unique perspective of understanding how to effectively position applicants for success. • 🚀PROVEN RESULTS: I’ve helped over 200+ applicants secure spots at M7 schools (as well as top 25 programs), and I’m proud to be part of the top 4 ranked firm on Poets & Quants for 2025. My clients’ success stories are a testament to the tailored strategies and guidance I provide. • 🎯PROFESSIONAL COACH: With over 10 years of coaching experience, I’m not just an admissions consultant—I’m an ICF-certified Executive Coach & Life Coach. My approach goes beyond getting you into business school; I focus on your MBA branding, leadership development, and executive presence to prepare you for the journey ahead. • ✍️ESSAY WHISPERER: With an innate talent for writing and storytelling, I guide my clients in creating MBA applications that highlight both their achievements and personal journey with clarity and authenticity. Through powerful storytelling, I help them build a brand that truly stands out in the MBA admissions process. We fine tune every written piece of your application, including essay, resumes, short-answers, and even LinkedIn profiles! ✨WHO I WORK WITH: • Traditional and Non-Traditional Candidates • Diverse Applicants including POC, Veterans, and LGBTQIA+ • Candidates with High and Low Test Scores • Full-Time, Part-Time, Columbia's J-Term, and EMBA (Executive MBA) Candidates ✨PROVEN SUCCESS AT THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: • Columbia Business School (CBS) • Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) • Harvard Business School (HBS) • University of Pennsylvania Wharton • Northwestern Kellogg School of Management • Chicago Booth School of Business • MIT Sloan School of Management • NYU Stern School of Business • London Business School • INSEAD • University of California, Berkeley (Haas) • Yale School of Management • Michigan's Ross School of Business • Darden School of Business (UVA) • Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth • Duke's Fuqua School of Business • Cornell University Johnson School of Management • Emory University Goizueta Business School • Jones Graduate School of Business (Rice) • University of Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business • University of Texas, Austin, McCombs • University of California, Los Angeles, Anderson ✨LET'S GET YOU INTO YOUR DREAM MBA PROGRAM: Ready to transform your MBA aspirations into reality? Contact Melanie Espeland for your free consultation today. With my insider knowledge, executive coaching expertise, and essay-writing mastery, I’ll help you craft a standout application that positions you for success—both in admissions and beyond.
Melanie can help with:
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Editing
Recommendations
Interviews
Ding Analysis
Waitlist Strategy
School Selection
Secondary Review
Application Strategy
Essays
Resume
Melanie also coaches for Executive, Career Development, Communication, and Life. View all.
About Melanie
✨ Melanie is a highly experienced, multi-disciplinary coach featured in Forbes, NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, TEDx, and more. Through Leland, she offers her expertise in MBA Admissions Coaching & Executive Coaching, tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of each client.
Why do I coach?
✨Coaching and mentoring is my calling! I've been a natural mentor since childhood, and I’m incredibly grateful to have built a career as a professional coach. 💼 I am ICF-Certified at the PCC level, and have completed a variety of certification and enrichment programs in coaching and storytelling. My journey has allowed me to blend my passion for helping others with my deep expertise, and every day I’m inspired to help clients achieve their personal and professional growth. 🙏
Work Experience

MBA Admissions Interviewer
Columbia Business School
2020 - Present
Admissions Committee Experience
Member of the MBA Alumni Ambassador Program, actively interviewing candidates for CBS.

Executive Coach
Espeland Enterprises
2015 - Present

MBA Admissions Coach
Espeland Enterprises
2015 - Present
Senior Lead, Strategy & Innovation
Macy's
2019 - 2020

Consultant
McKinsey & Company
2016 - 2018
Education
Columbia Business School
MBA
2015 - 2017

London Business School
MBA, Study Abroad
2016 - 2016

Cornell University
BS
2004 - 2007
54 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Knowledge
5.0
Value
5.0
Responsiveness
5.0
Supportiveness
5.0
Melanie has helped clients get into these schools:
Melanie has helped clients get into these companies: