Private Equity Coaches

After my time at Bain & Co, I moved to an Operating Partner role in a large Private Credit fund, where I lead our distressed turnarounds (similar to a PE turnaround). I work with all teams internally - Credit, Portfolio Management, and Origination - to manage and turnaround key portfolio companies and drive EBITDA improvements. I have deep experience with Private Equity / Private Credit interviews and recruiting.

Welcome to my profile! My professional experience in private equity began with a value creation role at Vista Equity Partners (~$100B AUM), where I honed my skills in implementing go-to-market growth initiatives for enterprise software companies. I specialized in Sales Strategy, Revenue Operations, & Customer Success, but engaged across a variety of sub-functions during my time at the firm. I went back to pursue my MBA at Chicago Booth and pivot to value creation roles in the middle-market investing space, and have spent time at both PSP Capital & Erie Street Growth Partners in Chicago as I broaden my value creation toolkit. If you are interested in learning about the skillset and networking required to land a role in the PE Ops / Value Creation space, I am happy to help you craft a personalized strategy based on your experience, investing sectors of interest, and size of firm you are targeting.

Current Associate at an NYC-based large-cap private equity firm, and a former Investment Banking Analyst at a large bulge bracket bank. Let's connect and chart your path to starting a career in Investment Banking / Private Equity.

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.

With years of experience at top-tier firms like Blackstone and KKR, I’m here to help you navigate the competitive world of private equity, venture capital, and hedge funds. I’ve worked across the entire investment process—sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, managing portfolio companies, prepping and leading board meetings, and raising capital from LPs—so I understand the skills and nuances required to land and succeed in these coveted roles. Together, we’ll develop a personalized strategy to help you achieve your buy-side career goals. Ready to take the next step? Reach out, and let’s get started!

With hands-on experience working in Morgan Stanley’s Real Estate Private Equity group in New York City, I bring a deep understanding of what it takes to break into and excel in private equity. Across two summers and into my full-time role, I underwrote over 40 deals across multiple asset classes during a period of rapid market change, navigating rising interest rates, open-end fund redemption queues, and the resurgence of large-cap fundraising. I know firsthand what top firms are looking for — from technical skills like modeling and deal evaluation to the soft skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced investment environment. Whether you're preparing for interviews, looking to sharpen your real estate or private equity knowledge, or trying to break into the industry, I’m here to help you get there with practical advice, real-world insight, and a clear plan tailored to your goals.

I began my career in investment banking, but like many candidates, I had my sights set on private equity—a leap that can feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Coming from a history major background, I didn’t start my career with a technical foundation, but with the right preparation I was able to make the transition successfully. I went on to work in private equity at Brentwood Associates, focusing on beauty, wellness, and consumer investing, and later returned to Goldman Sachs as one of the first hires on its Sustainable Investing Group, a private equity vehicle focused on positive social impact. Along the way, I’ve also sat on the other side of the table, interviewing candidates for Private Equity roles. That experience gave me firsthand insight into how firms evaluate resumes, test technical knowledge, and pressure-test investment judgment. Now, as a coach, I help candidates prepare for every stage of PE recruiting—from resume positioning and case prep to technical modeling and investment theses. My goal is to help you approach the process with the same preparation and confidence that allowed me to break in, and to give you the insider perspective of someone who’s both landed offers and conducted interviews at top firms.

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.

I successfully broke into private equity from a non-target school, where I learned firsthand that the traditional recruiting funnel doesn't work for everyone. I’ve navigated the process and can help you build your own playbook for breaking in, just as I did. My biggest value-add is helping you master the networking strategy that will get you in front of more decision-makers. We'll focus on targeted outreach and crafting messages that actually get responses. While I can cover the foundational technical concepts and conduct mock behavioral interviews, my primary focus is on empowering you to build a network and a resume that will be your greatest asset. I've successfully helped several others break into this competitive industry. I'm here to guide you through the critical early stages of networking and resume prep and am flexible on however I can support you throughout the rest of your job search.

I’m a life-longer learner and giver (through my experiences and my network). Happy to help those that are interested and navigating the path within Investment Banking or Private Equity. Friendly, approachable and always reachable/responsive!