Private Equity Coaches, Events, and Resources

I’ve spent my career working in private equity and investment banking, and I try to bring that real-world perspective into how I coach. Most recently, I was a Private Equity Associate at The Carlyle Group, where I worked on multi-billion dollar investments, built models, and partnered closely with management teams through the full investment process. Before that, I was an Investment Banking Analyst at Moelis & Company, where I developed a strong technical foundation in valuation and deal execution. I’m currently finishing my MBA at Harvard Business School and will be joining a private equity firm as a Vice President, so I have a clear, up-to-date view on what actually matters in recruiting today. I’ve also spent a lot of time mentoring and helping others navigate the process, which has shaped how I approach coaching. My focus isn’t just on getting you to the “right answer,” but on helping you think like an investor—building the judgment, communication skills, and intuition that top private equity firms are really looking for.

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.

With three years as an investor on American Securities’ Investment Team, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the private equity recruiting process, including on-cycle and off-cycle interviews, and navigating headhunter relationships. At American Securities, I was promoted to Senior Associate after my second year and played a pivotal role in the due diligence of new investments and portfolio company management through add-on acquisition due diligence and general strategy support. In addition to my investment experience, I contributed significantly to recruiting efforts, including partnering with third-party organizations like SEO to advance diversity in the industry and directly interviewing / screening investment banking analysts.

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.

Having spent more than 21 years in private equity, I have led numerous direct investments, co‑investments, and fund investments across Europe. In 2021, I co‑founded Saturnus Capital, where we acquire majority stakes in mid‑market businesses, with a strong focus on succession situations. After several successful exits, I feel a strong desire to give back—supporting graduates and young professionals enter their dream careers in private equity and develop into successful, thoughtful, and well‑rounded investors.

Welcome to my profile! With a strong foundation in Economics and Mathematics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I have built a robust career in the finance industry, currently serving as a Senior Associate at QHP Capital. My journey began in investment banking at KBW (Stifel's financial institutions group), where I honed my analytical and strategic skills. I specialize in guiding clients through the competitive landscape of private equity and investment banking, leveraging my experience to help them navigate the intricacies of the industry. Whether you're preparing for interviews or seeking to refine your application strategy, I'm here to provide tailored support. Let's connect and chart a path to your success in private equity!

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’ve sat on every side of the deal: M&A Lawyer, Investment Banker, Private Equity Operator - and I’ll help you stand out and win offers fast. Before attending The Wharton School, I advised large-cap sponsors on acquisitions, carve-outs, and fund structures as an M&A attorney at Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss. I then transitioned into investing and operations at GenNx360 Capital Partners, where I worked on new deals and drove value creation across healthcare and industrial portfolio companies. I led initiatives in procurement, growth strategy, and cross-portfolio synergies. I deepened my transaction experience as an Investment Banker at Guggenheim Securities. Having sat on both the legal and investing sides, I know exactly what it takes to break into and thrive in private equity. Whether you aim to join the deal team or focus on portfolio operations, I can help you master the technical expertise and strategic perspective needed to succeed.

Leveraging over two decades in finance, including leadership roles at Principal Partners Capital Group and top firms like Bank of America and Deutsche Bank, I bring deep private equity and M&A expertise to my coaching. With 8,000+ hours training finance professionals, I specialize in guiding individuals to break into and excel in private equity. Whether you are looking to strengthen your LBO modeling skills or prepare to ace PE interviews, my approach centers on creating tailored learning plans for each session, ensuring you achieve your goals. Let's connect and strategize your path to success in Private Equity!

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