The Top 25 Coaches on Leland: 2022 Edition

When you’re trying to reach your goals–whether it’s admission to a top business school, landing a coveted venture capital role, getting into MBB, or anything else–it can make a world of a difference to have people in your corner. Each one of us stands on the shoulders of giants– those who support you, encourage you, help you up when you’re down, show you your potential, and celebrate with you when you succeed.

Great coaches are the foundation of Leland. We believe that expertise lies in the minds of many and that it deserves to be affordable. Though we hold the highest standards for all the coaches on our platform (over 250 and growing!) and are beyond grateful for each of their contributions, we would like to honor 25 who went above and beyond to deliver exceptional coaching this past year. Please join us in congratulating and celebrating the top 25 Leland coaches of 2022.

The 8 Best MBA Admissions Coaches

Andy P.

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. Since 2022, Andy has worked with three top-rated admissions firms and helped over 200 people get into top schools.

Andy specializes in helping clients differentiate themselves. Everyone has a story to tell and he is able to help applicants find the right one. At one of the largest admissions firms, he was the sole “essay doctor” for over 100 consultants. Now, he continues to support Stanford as an alumni interviewer.

Why do you coach?

I love helping applicants think about their core strengths and learn new things about how awesome they are.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

Aside from getting that ecstatic email or phone call about being admitted to their first-choice school, of course, I love hearing that they learned something new about themselves that had never occurred to them.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My mom; despite being a single parent with a full-time job, she taught me more than anyone else about writing, being persistent and relentlessly optimistic, and choosing to look for and stay focused on the best in people.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Anyone who really wants to work hard as part of a team effort to identify and tell the best possible version of their story. True collaboration is what makes this fun, not to mention successful!

View Andy's coach profile here.

Arielle A.

Arielle graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Business Economics before joining PwC as a Management Consultant. Shortly after, she applied and was admitted to Harvard Business School, along with a handful of other top programs. Her work experience spans healthcare, corporate strategy, and social impact. She is currently the Associate Director at Teledoc Health.

As a coach, Arielle is experienced with helping applicants submit the highest quality applications possible. She co-led an MBA admissions prep program for Black prospective students at HBS and served as a student admissions fellow. She got into HBS with only three years of full-time work experience, so she knows what it takes to stand out.

Why do you coach?

I coach to help people share their stories and achieve their dreams

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite coaching moment was when a client, who initially struggled with sharing his story, crafted an amazing essay that beautifully incorporated both vulnerability and his sense of humor

Who is an influential coach in your life?

I have several coaches who have inspired me and accelerated my career. But my original and forever coach is my mom. She’s always there to listen with compassion, give a word of wisdom, or push me with tough love.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with clients who are open to incorporating reflection in our coaching process. Reflection and self-awareness are key to telling an authentic and compelling story through MBA applications. I also want to work more with applicants who may otherwise not be able to afford coaching services given the cost.

View Arielle's coach profile here.

Camden R.

Camden completed his undergraduate at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, where he received a BS in Economics and a BA in Spanish Studies. He applied to the deferred MBA program at Harvard Business School and was accepted. Upon graduation, he joined McKinsey & Co. as a Business Analyst and then Springboard as the Head of Business Strategy & Operations. He has since matriculated at Harvard as an MBA candidate.

Camden has been lauded for his writing skills, attention to detail, high responsiveness, and candid feedback. He is uniquely talented at helping applicants self-reflect on their values and aspirations and then use them to craft a unique story. He is especially adept at supporting those who feel like overrepresented candidates.

Why do you coach?

When I was applying to programs, I benefited immensely from the help of my older brother who had just graduated from business school. I'm motivated to give access to great coaching to people from all backgrounds, helping them put their best foot forward in their applications.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite moment with every client is the moment they get excited about writing their essay; it’s a sure sign that it’s the right topic. It's as if a light switch has been flipped: suddenly, this big, ambiguous, daunting task of writing an essay suddenly doesn't seem so scary anymore. To their surprise, they can't wait to get started!

Who is an influential coach in your life?

When I was applying to HBS, my older brother Chris gave me the hard feedback I needed to hear. My essay was too surface-level and failed to get at the core of who I am, what motivates me, and what I have to offer. His honesty forced me to answer the difficult questions about myself, and I ended up dramatically rewriting my essay as a result.

Who do you enjoy working with?

My favorite clients are those who are ambitious, thoughtful, self-aware, and coachable. It's important to have a strong sense of who you are and what you want to accomplish in the world. You also need to be open to feedback, not in the sense that you unquestioningly accept everything your coach tells you, but that you have the humility to see room for improvement and are willing to work towards it.

View Camden's coach profile here.

Orly M.

Orly graduated cum laude from Columbia University with a BA in Creative Writing. Her professional background spans editing and nonprofits and she is now a Consultant at Boston Consulting Group. She graduated from the Stanford Graduate School of Business with her MBA in 2022.

Orly was admitted into six top MBA programs with over $600K in scholarships. As a published author and former editor, she is highly adept at helping clients find ways to tell their stories in a unique way that makes them stand out. Her coaching approach is very people-first. She was selected as an Arbuckle Fellow at Stanford and received a year of coaching training, so she knows how to work with applicants to highlight their strengths and keep cool when the going gets tough. Lastly, as former Co-President of Stanford's Women in Management club, Orly is particularly passionate about helping more incredible women get into business school.

Why do you coach?

So many people helped me on my journey to get an MBA–friends, family, coaches, and students at the schools who took time to tell me about their experiences. After having a phenomenal two years at business school, I want to help give others that opportunity.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

There's a magic to having someone share their personal life and biggest dreams with you, and helping them find the unifying threads. I love those first essay brainstorming sessions with clients, where they share the jumbled vignettes in their brains and together we unravel them into a story they can tell.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My husband, Ben (also a Leland coach and GSB '22 grad) is the first person I turn to for guidance. He'll role-play hard conversations with me, brainstorm solutions, be a listening ear–and even sometimes, be an extra pair of eyes for my Leland clients when I need his expertise.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I love working with clients on the essay writing process, particularly those from atypical backgrounds (like mine!).

View Orly's coach profile here.

Sowa I.

Sowa is currently an MBA candidate at Stanford GSB where she is also the Student Body Co-President. She began her journey at Northwestern University, where she studied Economics, Psychology, and Creative Writing. In undergrad, Sowa worked across a number of different industries, from education to publishing to tech at companies such as Google and Harvard Business Publishing. After graduating, she spent a year lecturing at Hong Kong Shue Yan University as a Princeton in Asia Fellow before joining Accenture as a Management Consultant and Innovation Specialist. 

Sowa has over five years of experience as an admissions coach. Her approach is structured, honest, and tailored to each individual applicant. She works with applicants to help them tell their most authentic experiences in a compelling manner, no matter how untraditional the path.

Why do you coach?

I love coaching because I love helping people tell their stories. We are all capable of more than we think we are. My goal is to help people realize, and believe, this for themselves and then have the confidence to share that story with others.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

This past fall, one of my clients got into her dream school - with a scholarship! She sent me a video of her opening her acceptance letter. Since then, she has also gotten into her #2 choice with an even bigger scholarship; she now has a hard choice to make, but one that will be an incredible option either way. It was an honor to have partnered with her on her journey.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

In my last role, I worked in the Innovation Hub at Accenture. The Innovation Hub Director and Client Innovation Services Lead led our team and were the types of coaches that not only invested in each of us, but made us believe in ourselves. In partnership with them, I found my stride as a leader and was encouraged to begin coaching and mentoring others as well, to continue the virtuous cycle. Their commitment to helping me grow and learn is something that continues to stick with me at each stage in my journey and I feel incredibly blessed to have each of them in my life.

Who do you enjoy working with?

My best clients are open to reflection, receptive to feedback, and ready to commit to the process. Even if you are early in your journey, especially as it relates to telling your story and writing your essays, if you are ready to put in the work to outline, draft, and iterate, I am the partner for you. Also, if you want someone in your corner to celebrate with you on the other side of this journey!

View Sowa's coach profile here.

Brennen F.

Brennen graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in Education Leadership, Literacy, Learning, Business Management, and Entrepreneurship. He currently serves on the National Board of Directors for the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, the W.A. Franke Honors College Advisory Board, and the Alumni Advisory Board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. As a deferred applicant, Brennen was accepted to Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, and Darden.

Brennen is passionate about helping people achieve their potential through education. He specializes in school selection, application strategy, essay review, recommender selection and prep, resumes, and interviews.

Why do you coach?

To empower others to reach their full potential and help my clients authentically and articulately tell their stories.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite moment was when one of my clients was accepted to every single M7 school that they applied t

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My mentor, Chris, who pushes me to be my best self, strive for progress over perfection, and live my life to the fullest.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with clients who teach me about their passions and exude a love of their hobbies. I value working with candidates from diverse backgrounds with unique perspectives. I learn just as much from my clients as they do from me.

View Brennen's coach profile here.

Danielle D.

Danielle received her BA in American Studies and Africana Studies from Williams College and her MBA and MA in Education from Stanford University. She’s also an alumna of Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). Professionally, her work has spanned education, nonprofits, and fintech, where she's focused on leadership, business development, and client success.

Danielle was accepted into 7 of the top 10 MBA programs, so she knows what it takes to get in. She specializes in helping clients with their story, brand, cohesion, and clarity across the different parts of the application. While uniquely suited to underrepresented, nontraditional, and joint-degree candidates, she has helped clients from a variety of backgrounds.

Why do you coach?

I coach for equity, empowerment, and joy. I want to create greater access to gated information. I love helping others discover and share their truth. And I enjoy meeting new people, learning their stories, and designing programs to meet their needs. For me, coaching is the ideal balance of intellectual challenge and interpersonal fulfillment. That’s why I go for depth over breadth, and intentionally keep my business small so it stays “fun” for me. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't having fun.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

I try to keep my client's best interests in mind, even if that means losing business. I helped one client navigate her self-doubt when applying for Management Leadership for Tomorrow's MBA Prep program — she got accepted. Another client decided to not pursue an MBA after we spoke frankly about their goals and interests. In both cases, that meant we ended our coaching relationship, in service to their own goals and aspirations.

For all my clients, it’s not about choosing me — it's finding the best way to choose themselves.

For those I do get to see through the full MBA application journey, I still love their "aha" moments — often that's connecting the dots of their own stories, but sometimes it's finding someone to believe in their story, and realizing they can believe in themselves too. One client recently shared: "I talk about you a lot with my friends... I tell them, 'Danielle believes in me.'"

Who is an influential coach in your life?

Dikla, my Leadership Coach at Stanford GSB, saw my unique strengths and encouraged me to step up and into my power. I still remember how she lovingly challenged me to take up more space for my own growth and leadership, as a way to serve my communities. She is the first person I seriously discussed creating my own coaching business with — that business exists today, on Leland.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Whether or not you have a traditional journey (I certainly didn’t), I love working with people who are willing to put everything on the table, and helping them connect the dots of where they have been and want to go.

I particularly enjoy the nitty gritty work of polishing writing (my packages reflect this). For those I can’t get to know deeply through 1:1 conversations, I love meeting people on the page to help refine their stories and create greater clarity.

View Danielle's coach profile here.

Drake P.

Drake has received a BS from Auburn, an MS from UVA, an MSc from ESADE (in Barcelona), and an MBA from Stanford GSB. At the GSB, he was the Student Body President and also received the Arbuckle Award. He’s worked in consulting at Kearney, an HR tech unicorn in San Francisco, Emirates, and now in venture capital at General Catalyst. He’s been featured on CNBC and published in the New York Times.

Drake is the only one from his hometown and undergrad to get into the GSB his year. His coaching style is fun, exploratory, and insightful. He provides candid advice and helps you understand how an MBA can fit into your career and life. Fun fact: his answer to Stanford's “What Matters Most?” and “Why Stanford?” essay questions was "understanding what makes people successful in the world."

Why do you coach?

I coach because of structural issues in our educational system that limit access to networks that carry huge benefits. I went through much of my life not knowing how these systems work and once I became aware, I had so many more opportunities I could compete for.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

Most of my clients typically view themselves as unexceptional and boring. I make almost all of my clients go through a life survey that often helps surface things for them that they don't always remember. Though different for every client, my favorite moment is when they realize and appreciate what makes them different and hold that revelation close to their heart… nothing is better.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My undergrad finance professor helped me navigate the unknown world of NYC finance–it was totally unknown to me but she continually pushed me and without that, I wouldn't have taken so many leaps.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Underdogs!

View Drake's coach profile here.

Bonus: The Best Coach for Master’s Degree Admissions

Debby C.

Debby has ten years of graduate admissions experience at Stanford’s University of Engineering and School of Education. She has been a professional graduate admissions coach since 2013 when she founded her consulting firm. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology and has coached 100+ people into graduate programs at the best universities in the country.

Debby is particularly skilled at helping applicants who don’t feel entirely confident in their ability to get into graduate school. She helps them find and highlight their strengths while empowering them to believe in their potential. She provides individualized support to her clients who are interested in an advanced degree in areas of engineering, the natural sciences, social sciences, education, and policy.

Why do you coach?

To bring clarity and purpose to the graduate application experience. I want to help as many people reach their academic goals as possible. I love that my work allows students to discover their full potential, increase their self-confidence, and improve their communication skills.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

One of my student's dream schools was Harvard (GSE). She didn't think she would be competitive because of her GPA and she lacked confidence in her ability to submit a strong statement of purpose. Through our work, I made sure to help her highlight her strengths and contributions. She submitted a strong application and was admitted!

Who is an influential coach in your life?

Two women I worked with at Stanford have inspired me greatly for the past 10+ years. Their dedication to higher education, diversity, representation, and equity has become a hallmark of my work with my clients.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I am passionate about educational empowerment for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree and also enjoy working with those who want to play a role in society’s advancement through graduate education. I am especially skilled at working with those who don’t feel confident in their candidacy. Everyone has a unique story to tell, and I make it my mission to help clients showcase their strengths... even if they can't see them. I show my clients what is possible and work with them to make their dreams a reality.

View Debby's coach profile here.

The 4 Best College Admissions Coaches

Amanda W.

Amanda has 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 and at a management consulting firm.

Amanda has had a wide range of experiences, both professionally and personally, so she is able to help students from a variety of backgrounds. She is especially adept at helping them shape and mold their stories in a way that helps them stand out from the crowd.

Why do you coach?

I love being able to take the mystery and stress out of the admissions process and watch the evolution of applicants' writing as we work together and strengthen their personal stories.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

I love helping clients who didn’t think they have anything unique to share in their college essays pull a unique, compelling narrative about something that seemed ordinary to them. 

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My former colleague, Hollie, who has overcome so many challenges in her life to become a rockstar human being and expert in her field. She is always the first one I turn to with professional and personal questions because of her research and empathy for whatever problem I'm trying to tackle. She has been one of my biggest cheerleaders and her thought partnership has helped me grow and develop in ways that I never knew were possible. So grateful to have her in my life!

Who do you enjoy working with?

I love working with clients who are open to and trusting of feedback. Many times, clients will come to me thinking they are almost to the finish line and are afraid to take feedback, thinking it will take too much time to implement. I learned a long time ago that exceptional writers are open to putting a copy of their "best work" in their journals and then allowing someone else to take it apart to make it exponentially better.

View Amanda's coach profile here.

Christian H.

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.

Christian has reviewed and interviewed thousands of applicants so he knows what it takes to help a student stand out from the crowd. His approach involves helping applicants re-examine how they view themselves, their purposes, and their futures.

Why do you coach?

To help students strategically stand out and get chosen for college… and beyond.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

When a student realized that the power and potential of her life rested in HER hands, and not where she went to school.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My dad and uncle–both for helping me to think BIG about what is possible.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Students (and parents!) who have momentum, but lack direction and vision. They are working hard but don't believe in what is possible for themselves and their lives. Nothing is more remarkable than when a student finds clarity in their purpose.

View Christian's coach profile here.

Bruce J.

Bruce graduated magna cum laude from Brown University with degrees in History of Art and Classics and then received a Master’s in History of Art from Johns Hopkins. He has worked as an alumni interviewer for Brown, an adjunct professor at Long Island University, and a writer and creative director for global companies like American Express, T-Mobile, and AT&T.

His coaching style uses an innovative “spoken writing” approach that has helped his students craft a cohesive story and gain admission to prestigious universities. He treats students as collaborators and focuses on taking the pressure off so that the focus can be completely geared toward putting together a compelling narrative.

Why do you coach?

To improve students' chances of getting accepted while teaching them to think and write more clearly so they're also better prepared to succeed in college.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

When students tell me they got accepted and received a full scholarship. Also, when their eyes light up because they start to see things in a new light.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My freshman-year professor who told me how bad my first paper was–and set me on the path to writing well.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I love working with students who are curious and motivated. Whether they're a first- or sixth-generation applicant, or starting or polishing their essay, the process of improvement requires openness to new ideas. That's what makes working with a student rewarding for me and it's also what produces a more successful essay for my students.

View Bruce's coach profile here.

Francesca F.

Francesca received her AB from Princeton and her MBA from Harvard Business School. She is the founder and CEO of ConiferCo, a marketing and branding consultancy. Previously, she worked in corporate strategy at Clark Construction, served as Marketing Director at a non-profit social enterprise, and was a Content & Marketing Lead at a creative agency.

At heart, Francesca is a storyteller and this allows her to support applicants in writing powerful and concise essays. As a coach, she gets to know her clients well in order to help them choose the right stories to tell.

Why do you coach?

I coach to pay it forward! I benefited so much from great mentors and coaches. I also coach to empower women with career-changing education.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

Hearing that a client got into their dream school never gets old!

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My long-time friend (and former college roommate) Kerry Brodie is an influential coach in my life. She runs a successful social enterprise, and I turn to her for a lot of life and business coaching.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with a range of clients; in particular, women who are exploring using business school as a way to switch careers.

View Francesca's coach profile here.

The Best Management Consulting Coaches

Sushmitha R.

Sushmitha started her career in chemical engineering at Marathon Petroleum, which first prompted an interest in climate tech. She then transitioned into product management and sales/marketing, before attending the MIT Sloan School of Management for her MBA. She is now a full-time Consultant at Boston Consulting Group where she specializes in climate strategy.

As a coach, Sushmitha is hands-on, experiential, and collaborative. She provides her clients with actionable feedback and encourages the use of examples, drills, and real cases to elevate strengths and work on areas of improvement. She also has first-hand experience in transitioning into consulting and entrepreneurship from technical roles. Her ultimate goal is to help applicants uncover their maximum potential.

Why do you coach?

I love coaching because it is a way for me to give back to the community. When I teach or coach my students or clients, I barely notice the time go by because we have such an incredible discussion and I can see my mentees learn so much in that session. When I coach, it's a fulfilling experience to be able to draw attention to an aspect of my mentee's progress in a light they hadn't seen before, and as a result, see them grow in ways they didn't even think was possible.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite coaching moments are when we go through a detailed feedback session and I can see all the lightbulbs going off in my mentee's head. It's always so rewarding when I have a session where I teach the tools, the next session there is tremendous growth. At the end of the day, my mentee's success is my success too, so anything I can do to help them achieve their goals is my priority.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

When I was applying for b-schools, I had a very inspirational coach who was so selfless in what he taught me. He opened my eyes in so many ways, had the utmost faith in my success, and really pushed me to be better than who I was yesterday. Every revision was filled with intense feedback, and he was always available at any time. He is the type of coach I strive to be.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I love working with ambitious people who have a growth mindset. This means, they are open to learning new skills and they LOVE feedback. Most of my coaching time is spent on feedback and really dissecting your thought process, assessment of the question, and also other potential answers or methods to achieve the same answer.

View Sushmitha's coach profile here.

Sam A.

Sam graduated from Brigham Young University with a BS in Finance before landing a role at Bain & Company where he stayed for nearly five years, working heavily with Associate recruiting. He then led the strategy team for a tech unicorn in Utah and has since transitioned into venture capital.

As a high-performing consultant at Bain and lead recruiter for a core school, Sam has hundreds of hours of experience helping students prepare for and navigate the interview process. He’s been in the room during decision-making conversations and keenly understands what makes candidates stand out.

Why do you coach?

I coach to stay in touch with the broader consulting network, use the skills developed during my time at Bain, and help students whose schools or careers didn't naturally open the doors to top firms.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

Seeing the huge change in a candidate over the first couple of sessions. From a practice case or a particularly sharp resume review, there is a lot of progress made very quickly and early on in a candidate's journey. Their confidence increases as well; it's very rewarding.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

I have many managers and partners from my time at Bain & Company who continue to be strong coaches, mentors, and friends.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Anyone firmly committed to applying to Bain or other major consulting firms.

View Sam's coach profile here.

Elena A.

Elena graduated from college with degrees in Finance and Economics before joining EY-Parthenon as a Consultant. After reapplying to top MBA programs, she was admitted to Stanford GSB, HBS, Wharton, Columbia, and Darden. She is currently an MBA candidate at Stanford.

At EY, she worked on recruiting teams for undergrad and MBA programs and has worked with over 50 applicants on case and behavioral interviews. She has first-hand experience with applying to business schools as a first-generation student, from a state school, from an “overrepresented” background as a management consultant, and as a reapplicant.

Why do you coach?

I coach to empower others to accomplish their goals, whether it be landing their next job or attending the MBA program of their dreams. Through Leland, I want to expand access to professional coaching at a fraction of the cost that many traditional consulting and MBA services charge, so that more people have the opportunity to win these roles. As the first person in my family to hold a corporate job or attend an MBA program, I've leaned on many mentors who have helped me achieve my goals, and I strive to pay that forward.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My consistent favorite coaching moments are the final mock interviews I do with my clients before they go do the real thing. I always do an initial diagnostic with my clients before we start working on their personalized case or behavioral interview roadmaps, and seeing the growth between initial and final mock interviews is always so rewarding for both of us!

Who is an influential coach in your life?

Whenever I need advice either professionally or personally, I turn to my “Board of Directors”–a group of people I trust including my parents, grandparents, and closest friends. I can count on them to give me honest feedback and advice. Though their experience may differ from mine in certain ways, I find their perspectives to be incredibly valuable and I am able to apply them to the situation at hand.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with clients who are excited about the path they're pursuing and invested in the process. When working with those who are committed to their goals, I’ve found that we can overcome most obstacles together! I have specific exercises and assignments to help clients craft their strategies and move forward in their application processes, and those who complete these thoughtfully typically see the most success. If you're thinking about a new job or applying to business school, I would love to meet you!

View Elena's coach profile here.

Sang-Ho L.

Sang-Ho graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with degrees in Economics & Strategy and Entrepreneurship before joining Bain & Company where he quickly became a Senior Associate Consultant. After Bain, Sang-Ho attended Wharton for his MBA before joining Ladder Life where he is currently a Senior Product Manager.

While at WashU, Sang-Ho became the President of the Consulting Club as a Sophomore and, once at Bain, he led the WashU recruiting team. He also helped create a case consulting club for Minerva University while he was living in Seoul during his externship. He has done over 500 mock case interviews with applicants and helped countless people land their dream jobs at top consulting firms.

Why do you coach?

I find it deeply rewarding to help others achieve their career dreams. I also really enjoy teaching, so being able to teach a skill I’ve worked long and hard to develop myself is quite enjoyable.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

I was working with a new university that had never sent someone to an MBB consulting firm. After working with the students as a coach and creating a peer-led Consulting Club, I heard back a year later that several of the students had landed offers at top consulting firms for the first time in the school’s history, despite not having alumni at the firm to vouch for them. I found this to be really special because it created a pipeline for future students to get the job they deeply deserve.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My manager from Bain has been a really important life coach for me. I especially appreciate that even though we both aren’t at Bain anymore, we still make time to catch up. That lifelong mentorship is really something special.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Highly motivated clients that are willing to learn from their mistakes and are open to feedback.

View Sang-Ho's coach profile here.

The Best GMAT/GRE Prep Coaches

Marie B.

Marie got her BA in English Literature from Georgetown University and her Master’s in Math Education from Columbia University. She is a professional GMAT/GRE coach who has been helping students get into top MBA programs for 18 years.

Marie is a self-described “test junkie” who loves puzzles. She has personally scored in the 99th percentile for the GMAT (790) and was trained by Kaplan as a GRE tutor. Though her real passion lies in the quantitative portion, she has helped clients massively improve their scores for all sections of these tests.

Why do you coach?

I love when my students have that “aha” moment—it’s exciting and I love being a part of that.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

One of my students wanted to gain admission to b school partly so she could extend her student visa. Not only did she get in, but her GMAT score was so high, she earned a free ride, something she never even dreamed of. That was an amazing moment!

Who is an influential coach in your life?

I have teacher friends who I consult with when I get stuck.

Who do you enjoy working with?

It varies, but I do like a stressed-out, motivated, and organized student. Stressed out works for me.

View Marie's coach profile here.

Josh B.

Josh is a professional coach with over 20 years of test prep experience. He worked at Manhattan Prep for 16 years, as an Instructor Trainer, Head of Curriculum Development, and Instructor/Teacher. Over the course of his career, he has helped thousands of students massively improve their scores and get into their dream business schools. Josh has also scored in the 99th percentile for both the GMAT (780) and the GRE (170Q/170V).

His approach to coaching is a highly personalized one. He works with students to make sure that they are incorporating the proper balance of content mastery, correct processes, and strategy in a way that suits their personal learning styles. In working with clients, he also hopes to inspire curiosity and critical thinking skills that will serve them beyond the exams.

Why do you coach?

I coach to help people tap into their “inner master” and realize that they have the power to achieve anything to which they put their minds.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

Last year I had a student who put a ton of effort into her GMAT studies both before and after working with me. We got her to an amazing place in terms of her knowledge and level of mastery of the material and strategies. We also did a lot of work on the mental side of the game because, as is usually the case, that was a big part of her struggle. After a couple of repeat 680s, her GMAT journey ended with a satisfyingly wonderful 760. She headed to Stanford this past fall with her fiance. I couldn't have been happier for her.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

A teacher from whom I have learned for close to 30 years.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with people who are at any stage of their journey–as long as they are hard-working, open-minded, and honest (primarily with themselves).

View Josh's coach profile here.

Sage P.

Sage graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in Philosophy and honors distinction before starting to teach English, Math, Music, and Philosophy in St. Petersburg, Russia. He then joined Manhattan Prep as a GMAT and EA tutor, where he worked on curriculum, question, and resource development.

Sage has been helping students improve their GMAT scores for ten years and has developed a number of creative strategies to help students overcome the intellectual and emotional challenges of taking the test. Personally, he enjoys the GMAT, both its puzzles and the skills required to solve them. He has coached over 400 students and on his most recent test, he scored a 780.

Why do you coach?

I coach to help others reach their potential.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite moments are when people change their perceptions; for example, when they realize that they don't need to be scared of an exam, or that they can be good at math, or that there are new possibilities open to them.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My old piano teacher - he taught with a care and intensity that I aspire to.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Everybody!

The Best Investment Banking & Private Equity Coaches

Edgar C.

Edgar holds an MBA from Kellogg (Northwestern University). Previously, he graduated from Universitat Pompeu Fabra with degrees in Economics and Business during which he completed an exchange program with the Haas School of Business at Berkeley. Edgar started his career as an Investment Banking Analyst and Associate at Barclays; after 5 years in banking, he moved to a private equity role as Sr. Associate at Pamplona Capital Management. He is now the Managing Director of Surca Capital, a search fund based in Madrid, Spain.

Edgar has been coaching applicants through the investment banking and private equity interview processes for over ten years. He led the annual recruiting for Barclays for four years, so he knows what it’s like to sit at both sides of the table. He has helped people from all different backgrounds break into top-tier investment banks and PE funds and has first-hand experience with applicants from non-target universities.

Why do you coach?

To me, it is a way to fields back. For over 10 years now, I have been helping people break into highly competitive positions such as finance (more recently also top-tier MBAs). It is something that I really enjoy doing, supporting others in their careers the same I was offered help when I needed it at various stages in my career.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

I really enjoy it when a client gets an offer they have been dreaming about and working very hard to get it. Also, it is very rewarding when you are going over career options and there is an "aha" moment - when you can tell that you are providing a new perspective on an issue that was bothering them for a while.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

Over the course of my career, I have had several coaches and mentors and I am extremely grateful to all of them. It is important to realize that you can benefit from the experience of others, especially when advancing toward new challenges - and the people who can provide you with advice inevitably change as your path and objectives keep progressing.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I love working with different kinds of people. Which gives me the benefit of being exposed to a diverse set of perspectives. Above all, I enjoy working with people who are extremely motivated and driven to achieve their goals.

View Edgar's coach profile here.

Chas F.

Chas graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in Finance before heading to Credit Suisse as an Analyst. He then joined Dodge & Cox, a mutual fund, and opened a career coaching business on the side. He graduated from Stanford GSB with his MBA in 2022 and is now starting his own investment firm.

Chas specializes in helping clients tell their stories and maximize their letters of recommendation. He enjoys helping clients find and convey their “why” across the different pieces of an application. His feedback style is direct and he is particularly helpful to applicants from non-target schools.

Why do you coach?

Every major accomplishment in my life has come with the aid of a coach, mentor, or teammate. It brings me great joy to serve in these roles and help friends/strangers unlock goals they previously didn't think were achievable.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite coaching moments occur when my clients feel that their core values are reflected in the stories they tell in their essays. Recently, I had a client connect family health issues, foreign language, and investing into a clear narrative around helping others achieve tough goals. Helping folks connect their past around a central "why" is a fun and rewarding puzzle to solve.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My dad; he taught me the importance of integrity and commitment. Also, my old manager, Jim, who taught me the importance of humor/fun in almost any setting.

Who do you enjoy working with?

Dark horses, grinders, and people with imposter syndrome.

View Chas' coach profile here.

The Top Coaches for Product Management

Neha S.

Neha graduated from Brown University with her AB in Economics before joining Boston Consulting Group as a Consultant. She then transitioned into Product Management at Facebook/Meta where she worked on WhatsApp and Facebook Avatars. She is currently an MBA Candidate at Harvard Business School.

Neha has personally transitioned from a non-technical field into product management, so she has first-hand experience navigating this difficult pivot. She enjoys working with students from all different backgrounds to make the application and recruitment process as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

Why do you coach?

I truly believe no one achieves anything alone, and I want to pay it forward to the next generation.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

All my clients are special to me, but I confess to feeling extra happy when candidates from non-technical backgrounds successfully transition into product management roles, because I remember how difficult it was for me to make the switch from consulting to product management.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My friends have been my most influential coaches. They inspire me every day and have always stepped up and helped me with things like mock interviews, essay review, etc.

Who do you enjoy working with?

The best part of my job is the diversity of clients I get to work with - it's exciting to help such different people tell their stories well.

View Neha's coach profile here.

Julia A.

Julia graduated with greek honors as an NCAA Division 1 student-athlete from Northwestern University. She began her career at LinkedIn in Business Operations then transitioned into Product Management where she led the Pages Admin experience enabling organizations to create, grow, and scale their presence on LinkedIn. She then applied to and was accepted to Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton.

As someone who didn’t originally start out in product management, Julia is especially adept at helping applicants transition into PM from another field. She’s an expert at teaching applications to speak like a PM and ace the product interview process. As a three-school admit, she has also helped candidates review their business school essays and frequently conducts mock interviews.

Why do you coach?

I coach to help people achieve their dreams.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite coaching moment was with a client who went from not knowing what Product Management was to landing a big tech PM role. She nailed her pivot and is now thriving in her new role.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

My fencing coach who transformed me from an uncoordinated klutz into a world-ranked athlete. He demonstrated the power of a coach believing in me before I ever believed in myself.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I enjoy working with committed clients who are ready to put in the work to make their dream a reality.

View Julia's coach profile here.

Zane H.

Zane graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in Commerce and concentrations in Finance & Analytics. He then worked for JP Morgan and Capital One before transitioning into Business Operations at LinkedIn. There, he worked his way up through various functions and is now a Product Manager focused on eCommerce and AI.

Zane has spent the last five years coaching across the spectrum of business, from early-career planning to technical interviewing, and more, and specializes in empowering underdogs.

Why do you coach?

To pay it forward. I can say with 100% confidence that I would be nowhere without the mentors and coaches that pointed me in the right direction over the years. The world is too big, and the opportunities too plentiful to be able to tackle it all on your own - I coach to be a part of each person's team & journey.

What is one of your favorite coaching moments?

My favorite coaching moment was a phone call I received earlier this year. I had been working with someone on her aspirations to land a product management job, and after months of interview prep, resume reviews, and behavioral interview coaching, she got her dream job. I will never forget her words, "WE did it!" Remembering her ups and downs, I was so touched to have been a part of her journey. To see it culminate so well was absolutely a highlight. Good things really do come to those who work for it.

Who is an influential coach in your life?

Dillon Stuart. Dillon and I connected when I was first exploring job opportunities with LinkedIn. She completely demystified what "Business Operations" truly was, educated me on the pros and cons, opened my eyes to what opportunities lie ahead, and offered counsel as I made decisions. As I grew within LinkedIn, she was my #1 confidant as I weighed options and navigated my career. She offers me the most nuanced and specific advice - tailor-made for me - because she has been along for the ride. Beyond that, she's moved beyond only coaching my career choices and has offered me guidance on numerous aspects of my personal life. Dillon is caring. Dillon is a realist. Dillon is a tough-love believer. Dillon is one of the most influential coaches in my life.

Who do you enjoy working with?

I only care about a few traits among the people I work with: humility, curiosity, and hunger. Any skill gap can be overcome, any presence can be polished, and any confusion can be clarified; all that leaves is the character and attitude of the person who wants to make a change. I often spend my time on earlier career professionals or those seeking to break into roles in technology. Having made similar jumps myself (and coached others through them), I have a deep appreciation for the challenges and, of course, the sweetness of the reward.

View Zane's coach profile here.