A couple years into my time at BCG, I was staring at a blank essay, wondering how to fit my whole story into 500 words. I wrote the “safe version” because that’s what everyone at BCG was doing, and it got me into Wharton and Booth, both with scholarships. But then I decided business school didn't make sense for me at that time, because my answer to Stanford GSB's "What Matters Most" essay read like what I thought the school wanted to hear. I didn't actually know what mattered most to me. A couple years later, with far more clarity, I reapplied to the GSB and answered that essay prompt honestly. What emerged wasn’t designed to impress anyone, but an honest attempt to capture who I am. Many well-meaning readers, including some coaches, told me it needed to be sanitized, edited, rewritten. I trusted my gut, trusted my story, and applied anyway. This past June, I wrapped up my unforgettable journey at Stanford. I coach the way I wish I’d been coached: fewer templates, more truth. I've helped several coachees since share their authentic AND impressive stories, because the two aren't mutually exclusive; I'd argue they're deeply related. If you work with me, my goal is to help you find that version of your story: the one that feels most like you, and helps the reader understand who you are and why you’ll matter.