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.

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.

Top Coach 2026 - https://start.joinleland.com/top-coach-2026/management-consulting https://start.joinleland.com/top-coach-2026/college Please contact me directly for scheduling; only partial availability is shown on Leland.

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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!