Dhivya A.
Studied at Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Works at Various companies
Available Friday at 2:00 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
About Dhivya
Math-nerd-turned-people-person here. I studied math, econ, and chemistry in undergrad at UNC-Chapel Hill, and then spent the past 15 years turning that logic into GMAT coaching (3.95 / 4.00 average rating across 1000s of students), corporate-strategy work, and L&D roles at Google, McKinsey, and Teach For America. I went to Kellogg for business school, and have helped countless others get into top 10 business schools. My brain loves analytics; my heart loves people. I see both the big picture and the feelings underneath—and I’m happiest when those worlds collide to spark real growth. If you’re grinding for the GMAT, plotting a career pivot, or just feeling stuck, I’ve been there and can guide you through the complexity. Curious? Book a quick, free call and let’s see if we click. TESTIMONIALS: “Dhivya does a FANTASTIC job of teaching, probing, and persisting. She empathetically works through problems with the people who are struggling, knowing that it actually benefits the entire group. I feel more alive and more challenged in your class than I ever have at work.” “Dhivya’s extremely confident, approachable, and relatable. Connected with us through her honest, thoughtful stories. Terrific as a female mentor." “Dhivya is an amazing instructor - can handle a very advanced student but also a lower-level one with respect and care. Her down-to-earth style makes it feel like you’re learning from a peer.” “Very well-prepared, articulate, and knowledgeable - provides clear, concise explanations. She’s really funny and relatable, and brings a lot of energy to some mundane topics”
Why do I coach?
I coach because I know what it’s like to live in the in-between—to straddle identities, expectations, and ambitions that don’t always align. I’ve been the high achiever who looked great on paper but still felt off-track. And I’ve been lucky enough to have mentors who helped me stop performing and start reflecting—who didn’t hand me answers, but helped me ask better questions. Now I get to be that person for others. Coaching, for me, is about creating space for people to see themselves more clearly—to notice the patterns, tune into their values, and move with intention. Whether you’re studying for the GMAT, at a career crossroads, or trying to lead with more clarity and humanity, I’m here for the journey.
Work Experience
Content creator
Various companies
August 2023 - Present
- Create content for and facilitate learning programs on key IC & manager skills Running a meeting Effective 1:1s Communication Managing time and energy Feedback & coaching Stress & conflict management Career ownership Personal values at work - Average teacher rating of 3.95 out of 4: Received reviews that highlighted authenticity, humility, and expertise as strengths
Instructor, Coach
Target Test Prep
July 2023 - Present
Instructor, Coach
Various companies
January 2012 - Present
- Chosen selectively at Manhattan Prep: 99th% GMAT score is required to interview; 7% are hired
Organizational Effectiveness Lead; Learning & Development Lead
October 2020 - April 2023
- Created and implemented end-to-end programming for org-wide learning and development week informed by performance and feedback reviews with a 90% satisfaction score - Designed 2-part workshop based on employee sentiment data for executive leadership to have vulnerable conversations about team challenges - Conceptualized and established the first standardized onboarding program with inclusion-focused culture for new hires into the 400-person org, with the pilot receiving 9.2 out of 10 rating - Gathered, analyzed, and socialized employee engagement data to create and deliver people strategy for 400-person org, resulting in 89% inclusion satisfaction score
Director
Kaplan Test Prep
February 2018 - September 2020
- Led 6-person cross-functional team (marketing, media, tech, finance, product) in a highly matrixed organization to build a new diverse and inclusive SAT on-demand course, achieving a 5x improvement in NPS
Consultant
McKinsey & Company
October 2015 - June 2017
- Developed org-wide redesign and change management programs at $10B+ company, increasing high-value clients’ satisfaction by 20% - Designed and conducted workshop to empower client leadership team to co-create and own implementation plan of $100M globalization strategy, resulting in leadership’s request for our team on a subsequent project
Middle and High School Teacher; Director of Data Management
Teach For America
June 2010 - June 2012
Finance Rotation Associate; Finance Intern
Capital One
May 2008 - June 2010
Education
Kellogg School of Management (Northwestern)
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Social change
2013 - 2015
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
BA, Mathematics, Economics, Chemistry
2005 - 2009