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This targeted package is designed for military and veteran applicants who know they want an MBA but need to define a clear, compelling post-MBA career goal. Admissions committees require a razor-sharp career vision; we will look past the standard cookie-cutter veteran tracks to build a personalized, realistic strategy that aligns your military leadership with your authentic long-term aspirations. Our career reconnaissance will focus on: - Operational Inventory (Internal Audit): We will review your military and personal background to isolate the specific leadership styles, projects, and functional activities that actually bring you energy, shifting the focus from what you can do to what you want to do. - Expanding Horizons Beyond the Standard Pitches: While consulting and investment banking are excellent paths for some people, they aren't the only options. We will look past the typical veteran recruiting pitches to explore high-upside roles in tech, operations, climate, defense, entrepreneurship, and more. - Comprehensive Intelligence Gathering (HUMINT & SIGINT): We will approach the civilian market with a two-pronged intelligence strategy. You will leverage SIGINT (using AI-enabled research and deep dives to explore roles) and HUMINT (conducting highly targeted networking and informational interviews with people embedded in your industries of interest). - Strategic Constraints & Feasibility Mapping: We will map potential industries against your unique skills and interests, then stress-test them by cross-referencing each path with your real-world constraints, like salary requirements, geographic preferences, and family considerations.
3 Feasible & Desirable Career Plans: A comprehensive dossier detailing three distinct, highly tailored post-MBA career pathways, complete with clearly defined short-term (immediate post-MBA) and long-term goals.
The "Why MBA" Narrative Blueprint: A clear, cohesive narrative thread that seamlessly connects your specific military background to your chosen post-MBA goals, giving you the exact baseline needed for your application essays and interviews.
A Targeted Networking Map & Outreach Playbook: A structured list of target positions, companies, and professional profiles to pursue, paired with proven outreach templates designed to maximize your response rate when networking with current MBA students and industry professionals.
A Reality-Checked Constraints Matrix: A practical decision-making framework evaluating each target career path against your lifestyle, financial, and geographic constraints, ensuring your chosen track is sustainable for both you and your family.
Coaching delivered via live sessions.
I use a hybrid coaching model that blends collaborative, face-to-face video calls with asynchronous review. I intentionally front-load the engagement with live video sessions so we can dive deep into your unique background and interests. Once that foundation is built, we shift to a flexible, asynchronous workflow focused on rapid iteration and information synthesis.
Services included:
Networking Strategy
General Exploration
Schedule a call with a Leland team member who can help you explore your options.
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Ian also coaches for Life Coaching, Career Coaching, Startup Founders, and Executive Coaching. View all.

Joined August 2024
5.0
Military & Vet Applicants | 10+ T15 Admits | Army SOF Vet | Stanford MBA/MS
Since joining Leland, I've coached military applicants into Harvard (2x), Stanford (2x), Columbia, LBS, Duke, and UVA (the last two with scholarships). That includes one Army applicant with a 3.2 GPA and below-average GRE who earned dual admission to Harvard and Stanford. Prior to Leland, I mentored dozens of transitioning veterans into every M7 school. I know the challenges of applying while still in the military because I did it. I was admitted to Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley while on deployment, doing networking calls on a NIPR phone and submitting applications over satellite comms. If you work with me, you won't need to explain to your coach the difference between enlisted and officer, what a TS/SCI is, or what it means to ETS. I support applicants through every stage of the process: school selection, test prep, essays, and interviews. Most importantly, I'll help you translate your military experience into language that resonates with admissions committees and build a clear, compelling post-MBA narrative.
5h of coaching