Private Equity

I’ve spent several years operating inside private equity-backed companies, partnering directly with sponsors, CEOs, management teams, and Boards to drive value creation. Across roles with Shore Capital and New Harbor Capital portfolio companies, my experience has spanned growth strategy, commercial transformation, pricing and profitability, KPI development, M&A and integration, organizational buildout, and exit preparation. I’ve also had exposure to the investment side of PE through MBA internships and working closely with deal teams throughout my operating roles. I can help you understand the different paths into PE operations, position your experience for portfolio operations and portfolio company leadership roles, prepare for interviews and case studies, and navigate what these roles actually look like day-to-day.

I help candidates break into private equity with direct, practical prep. I have experience as a candidate and interviewer at US PE Large Cap funds. Former Hellman & Friedman PE investor, McKinsey Senior Associate and J.P. Morgan M&A; Harvard Business School MBA with Distinction. Currently advising software companies on M&A

I have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the private equity and investment banking industries. In addition to my years of professional experience, I have an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Finance from Brigham Young University. Over the years, I've informally coached numerous individuals at all stages of their careers, helping them navigate the complexities of private equity and investment banking careers and achieve their professional goals. Whether you're looking to break into the industry or advance your career, I can provide tailored guidance and support. I have personal experience making the jump from investment banking to private equity post-MBA. I started out in investment banking as an Associate coming out of business school and then joined a private equity firm as a VP after 2.5 years as an investment banking Associate. I spent the next 20 years in private equity at Reynolda Equity Partners, ultimately becoming a Managing Partner. In 2025, I transitioned my role at Reynolda to Senior Advisor and began investing independently under my 1780 Capital banner. I spent much of my time at Reynolda leading the recruiting effort, interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions for Associates, Senior Associates, VPs and for Business Development positions. While in investment banking, I was also on the recruiting team for HBS and other MBA programs.

I’ve spent a meaningful part of my career on the investing side, working in private equity and leading acquisition efforts, and later advising founder-led businesses through transactions. That experience gave me a clear view into how investment professionals actually evaluate companies, make decisions, and think about risk, upside, and positioning. I’ve also been on the other side of the table working with operators and founders, which is often where candidates struggle to connect their experience to what investors are really looking for. Breaking into private equity is not just about credentials. It’s about how you position your experience, how you think about businesses, and how you communicate that in a way that resonates with investors. I help candidates understand how the process actually works, what differentiates strong candidates, and how to close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. My approach is grounded in real-world experience across deals, hiring, and working alongside investment teams, not generic recruiting advice.

I am a consumer and residential services investor, proud Duke alumnus, and current Wharton MBA. I have previously worked across buyout PE and growth at TSG Consumer and Roark Capital, consumer and retail consulting at BCG, and investment banking at Morgan Stanley. I have loved mentoring students and younger working professionals over the years and am excited to continue doing so through Leland. I consider myself a resource for anyone looking for help on interviewing (across PE, consulting, and banking), MBA admissions, career progression, consumer investing, resume building, and more. Read less

Ex-CVC & MUFG Director | Hiring Manager | Break Into Banking & Private Credit. Why you should work with me: ◆ I've been a Director and hiring manager at CVC Credit and MUFG, where I ran the Leveraged Finance Portfolio team. I've screened the CVs, run the interviews, and made the hiring decisions, so I know exactly what the person across the table is looking for ◆ I've line managed 25+ interns, helping them secure full time roles in the industry ◆ I've coached 10+ people into investment banking and private credit roles ◆ 10 years experience across private credit, leveraged finance, and banking at CVC, MUFG, and RBS, with a Master in Corporate Finance from ESCP (graduated with distinction) ◆ I work with candidates at every stage, from one mock before a final round to full start-to-finish recruiting prep

I've successfully navigated the highly competitive growth equity recruiting process, securing offers at Blackstone, General Atlantic, Norwest Venture Partners, and Lead Edge Capital. Most recently, I worked as an Analyst at Lead Edge Capital, where I focused on sourcing and evaluating investment opportunities. I've coached students who have landed roles at top growth equity and private equity firms, including Blackstone, General Atlantic, and Lead Edge. My specialty is helping candidates break into sourcing-focused growth equity analyst programs. These roles require a different skill set than traditional private equity (less modeling, more market mapping and deal origination), and I know exactly what firms are looking for because I've been on both sides of the process. Whether you need help with case studies, networking strategy, or understanding how to position yourself for sourcing roles, I can help you stand out in one of the most competitive recruiting processes in finance. I'm also a Stanford GSB deferred admit, so I understand how to build a long-term career trajectory in growth investing.

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Financial Economics from Columbia University, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my coaching. As a former Vice President at Sycamore Partners, where I also led associate recruiting, and an Investment Banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley, I have a deep understanding of the private equity landscape. Whether you need help with resume building, interview prep, or overall career strategy, I'm here to help you achieve your goals. Reach out to start your journey into private equity today!

Understand the psychology of companies and how you can 'game' the recruiting process

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management and extensive experience in finance and private equity, I am well-equipped to guide you through the competitive landscape of private equity careers. As a former Portfolio Manager at J.P. Morgan and a Private Equity Fund Investor at Fairview Capital, I bring firsthand industry insights and strategic expertise to my coaching. I have successfully coached numerous individuals, helping them navigate the complexities of private equity applications and interviews. Whether you're looking to refine your resume, master the interview process, or strategize your career path, I'm here to help you achieve your goals. Let's connect and chart your path to success in private equity!