28,622Leland Reviews

Sydney was very helpful in giving me advice on the Stanford application. She was one of the few people who got very specific with how she connected her work experience and interests to why she wanted to do an MBA. She guided me in the right direction in terms of how to link what I wanted to do post-MBA with what Stanford has to offer, so I was able to get more detailed on specific activities and programs that related to my goals. I didn't know Sydney before our first call, so the fact she was able to spend time talking to a stranger and sharing these detailed insights was encouraging. Though I've not heard yet on the interview, I still recommend chatting with Sydney for MBA application advice!

Thank you again for the help, especially as we prepared for the final rounds. I definitely kept your tips in mind as I went through the different parts of the interview, and I credit your guidance for a huge part of the offer.

I met Mark over 20 years ago when he was my undergraduate professor. He quickly became a mentor and great source of advice not only as I began my career, but at other times during my work life. He would be a great asset to anyone looking for any sort of career mentoring and guidance.

When I was exploring my next career move post-MBA, I was introduced to Pablo by a school alum, one of his colleagues, who highly recommended him, describing him as exactly the right person to speak with. From our very first conversation, Pablo’s generosity with his time and his ability to create a comfortable, open space for discussion immediately stood out. He took the time to understand my background and, more importantly, my long-term career aspirations in finance. One key piece of advice that had a significant impact on my job search was when Pablo suggested I target more senior roles, rather than pursuing some of the programs I had been considering. He also guided me through several potential career paths, outlining the responsibilities of each and what it would take to reach those roles. Pablo’s mentorship went far beyond offering advice, he actively supported my networking efforts, connecting me with key individuals. Even with his busy schedule, he supported me throughout my interview process and beyond, and helped me integrate into my new role. What truly sets Pablo apart is his genuine investment in my success. He recognized my potential from the start and also understood my challenges. His encouragement gave me the confidence to push through moments of self-doubt. Also, he shared insights from his own career, which were both inspiring and motivating. His journey is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Pablo has been an outstanding mentor, and I’m truly grateful for his guidance. I am confident that he will continue to make a lasting, positive impact on the careers of those he mentors.

Junius is a reliable and inspiring mentor. We first connected when I was applying for internships and didn't know how to navigate the space - as a first-gen, international student from a non-target school. Junius provided practical feedback that elevated my resume and cover letter. He also offered tailored guidance; that ultimately helped me land 2 MBB and big tech offers.

I wholeheartedly recommend Carol for anyone seeking career guidance. She possesses a remarkable ability to understand individual strengths and aspirations, and then translates that understanding into actionable strategies. She took the time to listen attentively, ask insightful questions, and truly get to know me as a professional. This personalized approach is what sets Carol apart. She doesn't offer generic advice; instead, she crafts a tailored strategy specifically designed to help me achieve my unique goals. Beyond the practical advice, Carol's encouragement and support were instrumental in boosting my confidence throughout the entire process. If you're serious about taking your career to the next level, I highly recommend investing in yourself by working with Carol.

Louis stands out as an amazing mentor who truly helps people grow. He's the kind of person who genuinely cares about others and connects with them in a real, meaningful way. His curiosity and intelligence make him someone who can guide people through tough decisions and help them see new possibilities

It was a privilege to work with Natalie during my first VC role. Looking back, my time at my job was deeply shaped by her mentorship, guidance, and friendship. She was, without a doubt, the best mentor I could have asked for, and her insights helped me transition into the VC world with confidence. There are three key lessons I learned from working with Natalie that I consider invaluable to my career: 1. Transitioning from a Consulting Mindset to a VC Mindset Before joining, I started my career at McKinsey, where I was trained to focus on deep factual analysis, and meticulous research. While these skills were also important, Natalie taught me that being a great VC required a broader perspective on top of the factual research. She helped me shift my mindset from consulting to VC by showing me the importance of: - Looking at investments from a forest view rather than just analyzing trees (i.e., individual data points). - Tracking the narrative of a project rather than solely relying on numbers. - Assessing both the short-term and long-term TAM and SAM Beyond understanding deals, she also taught me the importance of persuasion and internal advocacy. Having a great network and sourcing strong projects is one thing, but successfully getting a deal approved by IC required a different skill set. Thanks to her guidance, every deal I worked on with her had a higher chance of passing through IC because she helped me refine my ability to communicate investment potential compellingly. 2. Structuring Deal Assessments Effectively Natalie played a crucial role in teaching me how to evaluate deals in a structured manner. Our collaboration typically followed a two-step process: - I would take the first meeting—this allowed me to develop an independent assessment of the project and form my own opinion. - Natalie would take the second meeting, during which I observed how she approached conversations, asked critical questions, and interpreted information that I may have overlooked. One of the most valuable lessons I learned from her was that different deal stages require different types of questioning. As someone new to VC, I initially approached every deal with a rigid checklist, wanting to minimize risk. However, Natalie helped me understand that not all aspects need to be verified at the early stages—some factors can be evaluated later in the process. This lesson alone significantly improved my efficiency in assessing deals and making better investment decisions. 3. Genuine Mentorship and Career Growth Beyond her technical expertise, what stood out the most was Natalie’s genuine commitment to my professional and personal growth. She not only shaped my skill set but also instilled in me the confidence to navigate the complexities of venture capital. Her mentorship accelerated my career in ways I couldn’t have achieved elsewhere. She created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and constantly learning—qualities that define a truly exceptional mentor. Working with Natalie was one of the most transformative experiences of my career. Her ability to balance strategic thinking, structured decision-making, and authentic mentorship makes her an invaluable asset to any team. I wholeheartedly recommend her, knowing that she will bring the same level of excellence, leadership & mentorship that she brought to my own professional journey.

Thank you for your help throughout this process. Really appreciate your time and wisdom.

Ana is dedicated to bring the best out of people. She guides and inspires PA students to be successful and love the profession even more.