Get to B-School

Ep 10. Coleman Clyde - Columbia: Finding Energy-Giving Opportunities

How do you build a career that actually gives you energy? Coleman Clyde made that his top priority—and it meant turning down multiple high-paying offers in pursuit of something he truly loves.
In this episode, Coleman dives into:🔹 Why he targeted Columbia and the benefits of a New York City MBA
🔹The importance of following what excites you—because if you’re faking passion, it’ll drain you
🔹 Why being authentic isn’t just good for your well-being, but also the key to long-term success 
Coleman’s story is a reminder that chasing the “right” job on paper isn’t always the right move. If you’re figuring out your own career path, this conversation is for you.
Let’s get into it! 🚀

Ep 9. Spencer Holmgren - Darden: Decision Complexities Removed

🎙️ Welcome to Get to B-School!
Some people spend years planning their MBA. Spencer Holmgren? Not so much. One day, business school wasn’t even on his radar—then his wife challenged him to think bigger, and just like that, he was all in. Now, as he wraps up his time at Darden, Spencer reflects on the whirlwind decision that changed his career path for the better.
In this episode, we dive into:🔹 How he went from “not applying” to business school to fully committed—practically overnight🔹 Realizing his career wasn’t as fulfilling as he thought and what he did about it🔹 How he financed his MBA through scholarships and smart budgeting🔹 The fun and quirky traditions at Darden—yes, including the House Cup
Spencer’s story is proof that big decisions don’t always require years of planning—sometimes, they just require the right nudge. If you’re considering an MBA but aren’t sure if it’s the right move, this episode is for you.
Let’s get to it! 🚀

Ep 8. John Kreider - Stanford GSB: How to Roll Sixes

Today’s guest, John Kreider, took the long road to business school—three application cycles, five GMAT attempts (and two GRE), and countless hours of self-reflection. But it wasn’t until he stopped trying to be the "perfect applicant" and started being his true self that Stanford GSB finally said yes.
John’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and trusting the process. In this episode, we dive into:🔹 Applying three times—what changed between attempts and what finally worked🔹 Taking the admit tests 7 times—and surviving the grind🔹 How growing up in the backwoods of Alaska shaped his journey🔹 His career pivot from Bain & Co. to a small private equity shop—and why he loved it
John’s path proves that getting into business school isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being real. If you’ve ever struggled with applications, questioned whether you belong, or wondered what it really takes to break into top MBA programs, this episode is for you.
Let’s get to it! 🚀

Ep 7. Matthew Spurrier - Kellogg: Search Funds and ETA

Today’s guest, Matthew Spurrier, took an unconventional road to business school—starting as a premed student, pivoting into consulting at Bain, and eventually deciding that an MBA was the next step. But beyond just the academics, Matt came to Kellogg with a clear goal: to dive deep into search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA).
In this episode, we cover:🔹 How Matt went from premed to business school—and why he never took an econ class🔹 His journey into consulting and what made him decide to pursue an MBA🔹 Why he’s so passionate about search funds and how he’s been getting hands-on experience at Kellogg🔹 The reality of business school as a family man—and how he balances priorities
We also talk learning business fundamentals the hard way, getting involved in ETA, and how to be intentional when exploring new career paths.
If you’re curious about search funds, career pivots, or making the most of an MBA, this one’s for you. Let’s get to it! 🚀

Ep 6. Landon Eyre - Duke Fuqua: Life Enrichment Now

🎙️ Welcome to Get to B-School!
Today’s episode is all about fighting for your spot, staying focused, and making an MBA about more than just career growth. Our guest, Landon Eyre, didn’t just get into business school—he fought his way in, turning a waitlist spot at Duke Fuqua into an acceptance through sheer persistence, strategic networking, and a deep understanding of what schools really look for.
But for Landon, getting in was just the beginning. In this episode, we dive into:🔹 How he turned a waitlist into an acceptance (and what most applicants get wrong)🔹 Why life enrichment—not just career advancement—was his real reason for an MBA🔹 The hidden challenge of business school: Scope creep (and how to stay focused when everyone around you is chasing consulting & banking)🔹 Why internships are often harder to land than full-time jobs
Landon shares hard-won lessons on persistence, decision-making, and making the MBA experience truly worthwhile. If you’re navigating applications, debating whether an MBA is right for you, or struggling to stay focused on what you actually want—this episode is for you.
Let’s get to it! 🚀

Ep 5. Jake Perry - Kellogg: Sports, Sports, and Sports

Today, we’re talking MBA journeys, sports careers, and... overrated barbecue? Yep, our guest, Jake Perry, has some hot takes—including why Texas brisket isn’t all that. But beyond his food opinions, Jake’s story is all about determination, strategy, and carving out a unique career path.
In this episode, we cover:🏀 Applying twice to B-school and why he kept pushing forward🎯 His plan to break into sports business (and why there’s no clear roadmap)📊 How consulting, statistics, and a lifelong love of sports shaped his career ambitions🔥 Why he’s cold-emailing his way into the industry—and getting answers fast
Plus, we talk about GMAT nightmares, the magic of the Kellogg network, and why student email addresses are a secret weapon.
You don’t want to miss this one!

Ep 4. Jackson Steele - Kellogg: Entrepreneurship, GSB Heartbreak, and Stargazing

Today’s guest has a name straight out of an action movie—Jackson Steele—and a background just as cool. Jackson went from studying astronomy and physics to working as a software engineer at Amazon, where he helped automate drone operations. Now, he’s at Kellogg, navigating business school with a unique perspective on career pivots, entrepreneurship, and making tough decisions when things don’t go as planned.
In this episode, we dive into:🚀 His unexpected path from astrophysics to tech📉 The heartbreak of not getting into his dream school (and how he bounced back)🎯 What really matters when choosing an MBA program💡 His plans to break into product management and entrepreneurship
Plus, we talk cold showers, Kellogg's bidding system, and why Chicago winters are brutal ❄️. You won’t want to miss this one!

Ep 3. Alex & Tyler Muir - Kellogg: How to do B-School as a Couple

What’s it like going through business school as a married couple? Tyler and Alex Muir join Get to B-School to share their experience of applying together, navigating Kellogg as individuals, and balancing careers, recruiting, and social life—all while keeping things fun.
Alex and Tyler break down why they chose the MBA, how they made their applications stand out, and why sometimes, a business degree is less about the numbers and more about the intangibles. They also share pivot plans: Tyler from private equity to healthcare tech and Alex from startup exec to venture capital.
A must-listen for anyone thinking about B-school, career transitions, or applying with a partner! 🎧🔥

Ep 2. Jeff Barney - Kellogg: AI, Discomfort, Family, and Not Enough Golf

In this episode of Get to B-School, Jeff Barney shares his journey from software engineering at Lucid to pursuing an MBA at Kellogg with a focus on artificial intelligence. Jeff opens up about why he chose a tech-driven business program, how AI is reshaping industries, and the challenges of stepping out of his comfort zone. He also discusses recruiting, balancing business and technical skills, and how B-school has impacted his family life. If you're a tech professional considering an MBA or just curious about the intersection of AI and business, this episode is a must-listen!

Ep 1. Ian Belloli - Kellogg: Middle School Teacher turned MBA Admissions Coach

In our very first episode of Get to B-School, Ian shares his unique path from teaching STEM to middle schoolers in Hawaii to pursuing an MBA at Kellogg. He even divulges a few secrets he's picked up since becoming an admissions coach. Whether you’re considering an MBA, navigating career pivots, or looking for inspiration, Ian’s story is packed with practical advice and motivation.
Book Ian as your coach here: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ian-b-1/mba