Private Equity Coaches, Events, and Resources

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 successfully broke into Bain Capital’s Tokyo office as a non-Japanese MBA candidate—an uncommon and highly competitive path that required sharp positioning, cultural fluency, and a deep understanding of what leading private equity firms look for. Over the course of recruiting, I received multiple offers from Asia-focused megafunds and was invited to final rounds at many others, giving me a well-rounded view of how top firms evaluate candidates at each stage. Japan’s private equity market is undergoing a significant transformation, with strong structural tailwinds and rising deal flow creating exciting opportunities for those willing to navigate its unique dynamics. If you’re curious about breaking into PE in Japan—or Asia more broadly—I can help you assess the market, sharpen your investor story, and craft a pitch that resonates with regional nuances. I also coach MBA candidates more generally on how to break into private equity from a non-finance background. That includes evaluating the true feasibility of your candidacy, mastering technical prep, and translating your prior experience into a compelling narrative for top-tier firms. Whether you’re aiming to land a specific offer or weighing PE as a long-term path, I provide clear, candid, and strategic advice rooted in firsthand experience.

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.

With over 20 years of experience in private equity and venture capital, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the competitive landscape of PE. As a former Managing Director at industry giants like Blackstone and Robeco, and currently a Partner at Sonamu Energy and Moser Capital, I have a deep understanding of market expansion, strategic partnerships, and capital formation. I've successfully coached individuals, guiding them to excel in their careers and achieve their goals in the finance sector. Whether you're looking to break into private equity or advance your career, I'm here to provide tailored advice and support. Let's connect and chart your path to success!

Most recently, I spent several years as a Technology Investor on Summit Partners' flagship $10B Growth Equity fund, where I was promoted early. At Harvard, I taught 100+ undergraduates in the largest course on Venture Capital Investing.

Four years of private equity experience across all sectors and deal sizes. Varied transaction experience ranging from primary investments to mature leveraged buyouts. I've also worked in a recruiting and interviewing capacity across both firms I've worked at. I've hustled for every job I've gotten and firmly view this industry as network driven. Being strategic with your networking, interviewing, and approach to investing can yield significant advances in your career journey. At each step, I've enjoyed giving back to those on a similar path as me, and have observed what works and what doesn't work at each career juncture, from undergrad to experienced lateral moves. Reach out for an introduction call and let's get started!

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!

Figuring out on and off-cycle buyside recruiting can sometimes feel like a black box. My job is to help simplify the process, add structure to your approach and help you land in your dream role.

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! I'm Claire, a Berkeley Haas graduate with a strong background in investment banking and private equity, having worked at Morgan Stanley and The Carlyle Group. My passion for mentoring has led me to help 10+ individuals successfully navigate their career paths in finance, focusing on interview preparation, technical skills, and strategic career planning. As a mentor for Women In Network, I am dedicated to empowering aspiring professionals, especially women, to achieve their career goals. Whether you're looking to break into private equity or refine your financial modeling skills, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's connect and chart your path to success!