
Malcolm M.
5.0
Harvard MBA/MPP | Former VC | Startup Chief of Staff

Studied at Harvard Kennedy School
Worked at BrightUp
Available tomorrow at 2:30 PM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Malcolm's Coaching Offerings

Craft Powerful MBA Essays
Craft winning MBA essays through brainstorming, drafting, and editing
Starting at $3605h+ of coaching

Comprehensive MBA Application Package — Land Your Dream Program
Expert help on your MBA essays, recommendations, resume, and more
Starting at $2,20020h+ of coaching

Nail the MBA Interview
Practice realistic mock MBA interviews with a trained expert
Starting at $2253h+ of coaching
Pay as you go
Get help with Financial Aid & Scholarships, Editing, and .
Malcolm’s MBA Qualifications
Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:
As a Harvard Business School and Kennedy School graduate with extensive experience across venture capital, investment management, impact investing, and startup operations, I bring a unique perspective to MBA admissions coaching that combines elite academic credentials with real-world business impact. During my dual-degree program, I served as a Rock Center Fellow, student government officer, and was selected for HBS' inaugural RISE Career Fellowship, giving me deep insights into what top business schools value in candidates. I also believe in helping candidates think holistically about the application process, including how this might impact their lives financially and personally. I'm particularly passionate about helping candidates from non-traditional paths, drawing from my own experience. Let's work together to showcase your unique story and secure your spot at your dream school!
Malcolm can help with:
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Editing
Recommendations
Interviews
School Selection
Application Strategy
Essays
Resume
About Malcolm
Malcolm McClain is a Harvard Business School alumnus (MBA/MPP 2023) and the inaugural recipient of Harvard Business School's RISE Career Fellowship. Malcolm brings extensive experience in impact investing and venture capital and most recently served as Chief of Staff at BrightUp, a venture-backed fintech company focused on democratizing wealth building and financial wellness. Prior to Harvard, McClain worked at Rethink Impact, the largest female-focused VC firm in the U.S., and Cambridge Associates, where he advised institutional investors. He currently serves on the Investment Committee of Resilient Ventures and is passionate about leveraging private capital to create economic opportunity for historically overlooked communities. Malcolm holds a BA from Amherst college and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio.
Why do I coach?
I coach because I understand how challenging the graduate school application process and career changes can be. I applied to seven top graduate programs and was admitted to four, so I know what it takes to craft a strong application. I also broke into venture capital as a non-traditional hire. I feel a responsibility to pass these blueprints along.
Work Experience
Chief of Staff
BrightUp
July 2023 - March 2025
Fellow
Harvard Business School
July 2023 - July 2024
Summer Fellow
Harlem Children's Zone
June 2021 - August 2021
Associate
Modern Energy
September 2019 - July 2020
Associate / Senior Associate
Rethink Capital Partners
July 2017 - September 2019
Senior Associate
Cambridge Associates
January 2014 - March 2017
Education

Harvard Kennedy School
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
2020 - 2023
Awards and Fellowships: David M. Rubenstein Fellow & George Leadership Fellow, Center for Public Leadership
Harvard Business School
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
2020 - 2023
Activities and societies: Student Association, Co-Chief DEI Officer; Rise Career Fellow
Malcolm was also personally admitted to
Columbia Business School
The Wharton School (UPenn)
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Malcolm has helped clients get into these schools:
Malcolm has helped Leland clients get into Rethink Food