The MBA Application Journey: Coach & Successful Admit Walkthrough

I’ve been a professional MBA coach for eight years, helping both US and international applicants gain admission to all the 20 top MBA programs in the US and Europe. I have a deep love for storytelling and a talent for empowering candidates to unlock their authentic voices by exploring their backgrounds, passions, and aspirations. My clients come from a wide range of industries and countries, including many with non-traditional profiles, second-language challenges, or complex stories to tell. What excites me most is aiding you in identifying the driving force that connects your past, present, and future—and turning that into a powerful, memorable, and most importantly, successful application. While MBA admissions is my primary focus, I also assist applicants pursuing other competitive graduate programs, including Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, as well as more specialized paths such as master's programs in endodontics and other niche fields. My approach is always tailored, grounded in personal branding, strategy, and a deep understanding of how to frame your background and goals for each specific discipline and audience. In my experience, the two most essential elements for being accepted to your MBA dream school are knowing yourself and knowing your target programs. Then, you must demonstrate that knowledge throughout your application. We’ll begin by examining who you are and who you want to become, and then use that foundation to build your profile. With my guidance, you will conduct deep, targeted research into your top schools, looking beyond rankings and stereotypes to understand what the institutions truly offer. You will attend events, speak with students and alumni, and reflect on how your goals, values, and experiences align with each school’s distinctive culture. Together, we’ll translate that insight into a powerful narrative that sets you apart. Every piece of your application (resume, essays, short answers, and additional components) will be carefully crafted to present a cohesive and compelling message that showcases your qualifications and the unique value you offer. I’ve developed a coaching style that is both supportive and rigorous, especially for interview preparation, which can be one of the most stressful parts of the MBA journey. You’ll practice with realistic, school-specific mock interviews and receive direct actionable feedback. We will refine your answers, strengthen your delivery, and develop an interview method that resonates with your interviewers. As AI becomes more prevalent in the MBA process, particularly in school research, writing, and even interview preparation, I help clients use it strategically. Whether you're gathering information on program culture, refining your writing to reduce redundancy and sharpen clarity, or generating questions for mock interviews, I treat AI as a tool, not a shortcut. Your voice will always lead the way. My priority is to make certain your submission remains genuine and unmistakably human. Before becoming an MBA consultant, I built a career in writing, communication, and cross-cultural instruction across various sectors, experience that directly informs my coaching today. In government, I created original content and edited colleagues’ work for the United States Information Agency (USIA). In the private sector, I wrote advertising and promotional copy for both boutique firms and Fortune 500 companies. In Thailand, I collaborated with a team to design, implement, and teach corporate training programs for non-native English speakers employed by American and British companies. As an English teacher, I created custom learning courses to facilitate learners’ success in global companies. Academically, I was invited to apply to college at age 15 based on my first-in-class ranking, strong test scores, and academic record. I left high school after 10th grade and began university early, earning a scholarship, and graduating cum laude. My methodology is thoughtful, structured, and highly collaborative. This work is personal for me, I love writing and helping people tell their stories. I believe the strongest candidacies are built on self-awareness and purpose. Clients often tell me that our sessions lead them to see their narrative in a new light and this clarity impacts their lives and how they perceive their role in the world. BONUS: My business and life partner Jesse (https://www.joinleland.com/coach/jesse-l-1/mba) is also a professional MBA admissions coach, and we regularly review each other’s clients’ applications. This means you’ll benefit from a second expert perspective at no extra cost. Ready to build your powerful and authentic MBA application together? Schedule a free intro call—I’d love to learn more about you and how I can help.