Traditional Full-Time MBA Admissions Experts

Hi there! I'm Johnny, and I'm thrilled to support you on your MBA journey. I was fortunate to be admitted to Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, and Harvard Kennedy School, and I previously worked at McKinsey & Company. But more than the names on my résumé, what sets me apart as a coach is how personally I understand the grit, self-doubt, and strategy it takes to craft a standout application. As a first-generation college graduate, I know how overwhelming this process can be—and I’m here to help you navigate it with confidence, clarity, and heart. Whether you're building your story from scratch or polishing your final draft, I’ll meet you where you are and help you find your voice, tell your truth, and maximize your chances at the schools of your dreams.

I went through the MBA admissions process myself and won a place at London Business School as a Merit Scholar — so I know what a competitive application actually looks like from the inside, not in theory. Seven years at Citi before that gave me the kind of finance and leadership track record that admissions committees look for, and I understand exactly how to position one. But my real focus is the part most applicants get wrong: the "why." Schools can spot a generic story instantly. I help you build an essay-and-interview narrative that's sharp, authentic, and impossible to confuse with anyone else's — the difference between a strong profile and an admit.

I’m a Wharton MBA with a background in private equity, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, and I’ve spent the past decade helping students and early-career professionals tell powerful stories. I’ve served as a Georgetown University writing tutor, a Georgetown alumni interviewer for seven years, and have evaluated candidates for a private equity firm. Whether you’re shaping your MBA essays, crafting your personal narrative, or preparing for interviews, I bring a sharp editorial eye, deep mentorship experience, and a warm, structured approach to help you present your strongest, clearest self.

I’m a current Harvard Business School MBA student who was admitted through the Harvard 2+2 deferred admissions program. Before HBS, I worked as a Senior Associate Consultant at Bain & Company, co-founded an investment firm that has acquired three companies, and am now building Midstone Service Group, a roll-up focused on acquiring and growing steady cash-flowing businesses. Over the past five years, I've helped more than 10 applicants gain admission to top MBA programs including Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. I combine structured problem-solving from my consulting background with real operator and investor experience to help clients tell compelling stories, make strategic career moves, and present their strongest applications. Whether you’re navigating MBA admissions, breaking into private equity or consulting, or looking for career clarity, I bring a proven track record and a practical, actionable approach to helping you reach your goals.

As an MBA alum and former HEC Paris recruiter, I help ambitious professionals secure admission to Europe’s top programs, including LBS, HEC Paris, Oxford, and IESE. My coaching is designed to help you stand out as a dynamic, leadership-ready candidate. Whether you need end-to-end guidance or targeted support, I provide: • Target school selection & MBA strategy • Essay and CV reviews with actionable feedback • Interview preparation & mock sessions • Holistic coaching from first application steps to final admission What clients say: "Few know how to master the art of giving feedback, and Annika has perfected it. Her positive encouragement, combined with clear and actionable guidance, helped improve my MBA essays. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her and wholeheartedly recommend her services to others. Annika has an incredible way of making you realize your potential. She helps to clear the challenges you may have and helps you focus on what you think is the right decision. It was well worth it! Overall, I am very pleased with Annika who is very professional, candid, and organized. THANK YOU for all the coaching provided. I highly recommend Annika for anyone considering applying to an MBA program." My MBA journey led to two “triple jumps” and a transition into MBB consulting. I know what it takes to leverage an MBA for a career pivot, global move, or consulting entry, and I’ll help you do the same. Beyond MBA admissions, I’m also an ICF-certified coach specializing in career pivots, strategy, and consulting pathways. 👉 Ready to get into your dream school? Let’s connect.

Outside of my day job, I specialize in helping prospective MBA candidates navigate the competitive landscape of business school admissions. With a rich background in career coaching and extensive industry experience, I have successfully guided numerous clients through pivotal career transitions and application processes. If you are interested in connecting to learn more about the services I can offer, please feel free to connect with me.

HBS '23 (MBA with Distinction) | Cambridge MPhil | Non-Traditional Background Coach (Former Diplomat) | Former International MBA Applicant | Coached ~60 people in last decade | My MBA admissions insights are shaped by personal rejection and success across two cycles. Former consulting coach & tutor at HBS. ------------ I bring a unique perspective to MBA admissions, having experienced both rejection and success firsthand. After initially being unsuccessful in my applications, I reapplied and secured admission to Harvard Business School (HBS) – without the help of a consultant. Through significant effort and independent research, I gained the insights needed to stand out. Looking back, having a mentor like myself – someone who understands the process and how to succeed – would have made the journey far more efficient. I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Warwick, an MPhil in Development Economics from Jesus College, University of Cambridge, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School. As a non-traditional candidate, I became a diplomat at just 25 and served in five High Commissions and Embassies, giving me a unique perspective on navigating the admissions process outside the traditional MBA applicant pool. Over the years, I have mentored numerous aspiring MBA candidates, guiding them through every step of the process, from crafting outstanding applications to excelling in interviews. My proven strategies, built on real-world experience and a track record of success, equip me to help candidates from all backgrounds achieve their MBA aspirations. I know what it takes to succeed because I have lived it – and I am here to help you do the same.

I’m an HBS MBA, former Deloitte consultant, and former Head of Talent Acquisition at a publicly traded biotech company. I work with people from nontraditional backgrounds who are applying to top MBA programs and need help telling a story that actually stands out. My sweet spot is candidates outside the usual MBB and finance tracks who know they’re strong but aren’t sure how to position themselves. My own path to business school wasn’t typical either. I studied sociology in undergrad and nearly pursued PhD programs before finding my way to HBS. I’ve reviewed thousands of resumes, been published twice, and helped many friends through admissions, including several who got into HBS. If your profile doesn’t immediately scream “top MBA admit” but you know there’s a strong story there, I’d love to help you bring it out.

I know firsthand how daunting the MBA application process can be, and I’m here to make it easier. As an incoming MBA Candidate at Wharton, I’ve seen exactly what it takes to capture the attention of top-tier programs. My goal is to help you craft a compelling story that highlights your unique talents, experiences, and aspirations. Whether you are looking for a second set of eyes to review your application materials, a partner to practice interviewing and bounce ideas off of, or a full-service guide to work with you step by step through the process, I’m excited to help you land a spot at your dream school.

Stanford GSB MBA graduate and former TALK Coach bringing a wealth of experience in guiding aspiring MBA candidates through the competitive admissions process. Admitted to GSB, HBS, MIT, Kellogg, & Haas. My non-traditional background as an US Army Infantry Officer turned MBA candidate turned Strategy Consultant at Boston Consulting Group provides me with unique insights into crafting compelling narratives and strategic applications. I've successfully coached individuals, helping them refine their application strategy and essays to gain admission to top programs. Whether you're looking to enhance your application or need guidance on navigating the MBA journey, I'm here to help you succeed. Let's connect!