PE Ops Coaches

I have spent over 7 years in finance, interviewed at over 50 PE funds and recruited for the PE fund i previously worked at. I have a deep understanding of how to prep for interviews, make your application stand out and most importantly, stay focused on the goals to find the right fund for you.

Hey! My name is Milton, and although I'm originally from the East Coast, I've been living and working in Chicago for the last 2+ years. When I'm not working or coaching, I enjoy spending time cycling, climbing, or relaxing by the lake, as well as exploring the Midwest. I've been working in private equity for the past 2+ years and began my career in Big4 consulting before transitioning to investment banking. My goal in mentoring folks on Leland is to provide the foundation and mentorship I wish existed when I was making my way from a non-target school to investment banking, and ultimately to private equity. Over the years, I've had the privilege of coaching both students and young professionals, helping them navigate the complexities of IB and PE recruiting. Whether you're looking to break into private equity or advance your career in the field, I'm here to provide guidance and support. My coaching approach is collaborative and flexible, ensuring that you can get the most out of our time together. Don't hesitate to reach out, and let's see how we can partner together to take the next big step in your career.

Welcome to my profile! With 10+ years experience in private equity, I am here to help you navigate the competitive landscape of this industry. I hold an MBA with Honors from Chicago Booth and have held key roles at top firms like QHP Capital and Incline Equity, where I honed my skills in investment strategies and business growth. My journey from an Associate to a Principal has equipped me with the insights needed to guide aspiring professionals in their career paths. Whether you're looking to break into private equity or advance within the field, I offer personalized coaching to help you achieve your goals. Let's connect and chart your path to success!

Former private equity investor who led associate recruitment for my firm for two years and received multiple entry level and lateral offers throughout his career. Completed multiple live deals during one of the busiest periods in the history of the industry.

I spent 3 years working at Sylva (PE fund buying training / L&D firms) as an Operating Partner. I ran their Chief of Staff and BizOps Network businesses, growing them 40% YoY. I reported directly to the CEO / Managing Partner. I was brought into Sylva by way of acquisition; my company Upslope was a training firm for Operations professionals. I started a search fund, diligenced 100+ companies, acquired one, and have grown it 30% YoY. I am in the process of acquiring another company to bolt-on.

My private equity experience is hands-on, not adjacent: I worked at a distressed PE firm during my MBA and spent seven years at Citi in EMEA, reaching AVP, building the financial and analytical foundation PE recruiters test for. I've also sat through a real M&A transaction from the integration side at Accenture, so I understand deals as they actually play out, not just as case studies. I coach the full breaking-in process — story, technicals, and the modelling-and-judgment combination PE interviews demand — with direct, no-fluff feedback from someone who's lived the work.

Alpine CIT Class of 2021 alum! Since then, I’ve helped many applicants navigate the Alpine interview process through mock interviews, strategy sessions, and candid feedback - several have gone on to receive offers from Alpine and other CXO programs. The Alpine and Shore Capital interviews are a unique “deep dive” experience, so please note that I am not the best fit for traditional PE Ops' consulting-style case prep.

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’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.

Dozie was a principal and a venture partner at the venture capital arm of George Kaiser Family Foundation. He was also a vice president at Red Arts Capital, a senior associate at Madison Dearborn Partners, a consultant at Boston Consulting Group and an associate at General Electric. He is also on the board of directors of A Red Orchid Theatre. He was on the board of directors of The Printing Museum. Dozie earned a bachelor of science, magna cum laude, in electrical engineering from the honors college of University of Mississippi, a master of supply chain management from Pennsylvania State University, a master of public policy from University of Cambridge as a Gates Cambridge Scholar, and a master of business administration from Harvard Business School.