Middle Market Experts

I broke into private equity at 19, landed an investment banking job offer mid-flight, and joined KKR straight out of undergrad. Since then, I’ve led ~$3B in deals across buyout, growth, and venture, working directly with founders, CEOs, and billion-dollar funds. I’m especially passionate about helping non-target, underrepresented, and ambitious students get offers. All coaching with me comes with complimentary documents and guides :)

Welcome to my profile! With 5 years in investment banking and private equity, I bring experience to help you navigate private equity and investment banking recruiting. I currently work as an Associate at Silver Lake in their New York office, following my tenure as an Investment Banking Associate and Analyst at Moelis & Company in their Los Angeles and New York offices where I was heavily involved in recruiting. Over the years, I've successfully coached many individuals, guiding them through the intricacies of private equity recruitment and helping them secure positions at top firms. I served as a Director of Mentorship at Trojan Investing Society (USC's largest finance organization), where I mentored a cohort of 30 students navigating investment banking recruiting. I also was a Peer Career Advisor at USC's Career Services Center where I guided students through finance careers including investment banking and investing. Post-grad, I've also mentored individuals as part of SEO, Women in Network, and Synergist Network. Mentorship is a huge passion of mine given I would not be here without the help of my mentors! Whether you need assistance with interview strategy and preparation, technical concepts, resume / story refinement, or networking strategies, I'm here to provide tailored support to your needs. I'm well versed to talk about on cycle and off cycle recruiting (secured one UMM and two MF offers), recruiting across geographies (making the move east / west), along with general exit options / exit timing in banking (including staying on as A2A or doing a third year), and external resources or organizations you can join for more touchpoints with private equity firms. Let's connect and get started on your path to success in private equity!

With a robust background in both investment banking and private equity, I have successfully navigated the competitive recruiting landscape to secure positions at top-tier firms like Lazard and a newly formed $500M private equity fund. I also recently served as Director of Growth Strategy at a leading PPM company, where I was instrumental in shaping strategic growth initiatives. As someone who has been through the rigorous recruiting process and emerged at the top of my field, I am passionate about helping others achieve their goals in private equity. My hands-on experience and deep understanding of what top firms are looking for will guide you through each step of the recruiting journey, from resume crafting to interview prep and offer negotiation. Whether you’re breaking into the industry or looking to advance your career, I’m here to provide actionable insights, personalized feedback, and a roadmap to success. Let’s work together to elevate your career and secure your next role in private equity.

I have worked in both private equity and investment banking, I have spent over 2 years in the PE industry. In those 2 years, I have been a part of 2 closings and looked at over 500 companies. My responsibilities range from new deal sourcing, diligence, managing investor relationships, and supporting portfolio companies. I know what it takes to get into the industry and perform while present.

Welcome! I have experience in mega-fund and middle-market private equity. Together, we can work through networking strategies to land an interview; behavrioral, technical, case study, and modeling interview preparation; offer management / negotiation, and strategies to be successful on the job once you land an offer. We can also align on what type of firm (mega-fund vs. middle-market) best aligns with your career goals. Breaking into private equity is challenging but rewarding, and I'm delighted to guide you on this part of your career path. I bring a warm, practical approach to coaching and can't wait to meet you!

I'm a former Bain Capital Private Equity investor and Stanford GSB MBA with experience across buyout and growth investing. Previously a Vice President at SKKY Partners, I've worked closely with founders and senior investors on complex transactions. I help candidates develop real investor judgement, strong case performance, and clarity under pressure. I'd love to work together and help you perform at your highest level.

I have worked across private equity, hedge funds, capital markets, corporate advisory, special situations, and public-company board governance, giving me a practical understanding of how investors evaluate businesses, structure deals, assess risk, and communicate investment decisions. I am a CFA charterholder, Columbia Business School MBA, West Point graduate, former private equity and hedge fund investor, and public-company board director. I coach clients on the core skills needed to succeed in private equity recruiting and on the job: investment theses, deal evaluation, LBO concepts, valuation, due diligence, industry analysis, management-team assessment, financing considerations, investment committee memos, and interview storytelling. I also help candidates translate their background into a credible private equity narrative, whether they are coming from banking, consulting, business school, corporate roles, entrepreneurship, or the military. My style is direct, practical, and interview-focused. We work on how to think like an investor, not just memorize technical answers. I help clients build confidence with case studies, deal discussions, behavioral questions, and the commercial judgment required to stand out in private equity interviews and investment conversations.

I previously worked as Vice President for a middle-market private equity firm making $50 million equity investments per deal, targeting software and technology companies. Before private equity, I worked in investment banking, representing founders in sell-side M&A transactions.

I bring deep, hands-on experience from the world of private equity, having been a PE associate and then led and scaled PE-backed businesses as President and operator. I understand firsthand the recruiting process, the diligence required to evaluate opportunities, and the expectations PE firms have for top talent. With an MBA from Stanford, I’ve built my career navigating the intersection of finance, strategy, and operational leadership—skills I now use to help clients break into and thrive in private equity. My coaching blends insider knowledge of how PE firms think with practical, tactical guidance on resumes, interviews, case prep, and networking. Whether you’re a consultant or banker targeting the buy side, or a professional exploring a transition into PE-backed operating roles, I’ll help you position your story, sharpen your skills, and approach the process with confidence. Clients come away not just prepared for the mechanics of recruiting, but with the insight and judgment to stand out to firms seeking future leaders.

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