Get to B-School

Today’s guest, Rakhi Jain, just graduated from INSEAD, and her story is full of bold pivots, global experiences, and meaningful trade-offs.
Rakhi began her career in engineering, but her MBA journey took her across three continents, through a transfer program at Kellogg, and ultimately into a new role in management consulting at BCG.
In this episode, Rakhi shares:🔹 How she transitioned from engineering into consulting🔹 What it was like to study across Europe, Asia, and North America🔹 Why she chose to skip the traditional internship to support her family during a health emergency, and how that decision still led to her dream job🔹 How she recharges through her love for national parks and the outdoors
Rakhi’s story is proof that there’s no single "right way" to do business school. Sometimes the most meaningful decisions are the ones that prioritize people and purpose.
Leland GMAT Week (FREE): https://lu.ma/gmatkickoff
Let’s dive in! 🌍📚🌲

Cameron Greenwalt is headed to the 2-year MBA program at Kellogg, and his story blends technical depth, focused intention, and just a touch of vanilla. (Literally)
Cameron applied to seven schools before landing on Kellogg, and in this episode, he shares how he approached the application process with the same mindset he brings to the rest of his life: true authenticity beats performative imitation.
We talk about:🔹 Why he believes juggling too much at once leads to mediocrity🔹 Why being true to himself was essential during applications🔹 How he’s preparing to make the most of the MBA experience🔹 And yes, his side venture: an artisan vanilla business
Cameron’s story is thoughtful, grounded, and a great reminder that focus goes a long way.
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Leland GMAT Week (FREE): https://lu.ma/gmatkickoff
Let’s get into it! 🎓🌱📦

Today’s episode is about keeping your eyes on the big picture—whether that means summiting Mount Everest or making it to business school.
Our guest, Andrew Katz, recently stood on top of the world—literally. After years of working toward his MBA, he took time away from work to pursue a personal dream: climbing Everest. And in two months in the mountains, he gained more perspective, growth, and clarity than any project at work could have offered.
In this episode, we talk about:🔹 What it was like to summit Everest—and how the view shifts your perspective🔹 Conversations about MBA programs at 26,000 feet with fellow climbers🔹 How focusing on long-term goals helped him navigate career and personal decisions🔹 Why the lessons from the mountain apply just as much to life and leadership as they do to altitude
Andrew’s story is an incredible reminder that stepping away can sometimes be the most powerful move you make.
Let’s get into it! 🏔️🎓

Today’s guest, Simon Wild, just graduated from INSEAD (studying mostly in the France campus) after 10 all-too-short months.
After years of building a career in advanced analytics and AI at a Big Four firm, Simon began exploring a pivot into consulting. When the traditional route didn’t open up, he set his sights on business school—but not without hesitation. He wondered: Am I too late? Am I too old to go back to school?
Spoiler: He wasn’t.
In this episode, Simon shares:🔹 How an engineering apprenticeship led to advanced work in analytics🔹 The doubts he had about returning to school—and why he pushed through🔹 Why INSEAD was the right fit for his global mindset🔹 How he took full advantage of the European experience—from travel to deep reflection🔹 The quiet magic of stress-relieving walks in the forest next to campus🔹 And his excitement to start at McKinsey this fall
Simon’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot, grow, and go after the next big thing.
Let’s get into it! 🎓🌍🌲

Today’s guest, Magdala Díaz de Rávago, just graduated from Tuck, and her story is full of grit, creativity, and heart.
Originally from Peru, Magdala built a custom cake business—and while she still bakes on the side for friends, she’s now heading into consulting at Bain. Her road to B-school wasn’t easy: 8 GMAT attempts, a pivot to the GRE, and even delaying her application by a year. But it all worked out—she found her people, and she brought her now-husband along for the ride (he’s graduating too!).
We talk about:🎯 Her transition from bakery owner to Bain consultant🧘 Running wellness retreats to support classmates💪 Staying motivated through a tough admissions journey
Magdala’s story is a reminder that persistence, community, and a little sweetness can go a long way.
Let’s dive in! 🎓🍰

Today’s guest, Kevin Colton, is currently at Stanford GSB—but the path he took to get there is anything but typical.
After spending much of his twenties abroad in Japan, China, and Germany, Kevin faced a challenging transition out of military life. The shift wasn’t easy, but through consistent effort, self-awareness, and a strong community, he’s found his footing—and says he’s now “the happiest he’s ever been.”
In this episode, Kevin shares:🔹 The emotional challenges of transitioning out of the military🔹 How he makes decisions by watching the people he respects most🔹 What drew him to Stanford GSB and how the experience has shaped him🔹 And—because everyone needs an outlet—how he finds joy tickling the ivories at the local jazz piano scene (yes, really) 🎹
Kevin’s story is full of depth, wisdom, and resilience.
Let’s get into it! 🎓🎷

Today’s episode is a mix of intense fun and intense hustle. Our guest, Connor Crandall, just graduated from Wharton, and his story is a masterclass in perseverance, focus, and chasing adventure along the way.
Connor spent nearly five years preparing for the MBA journey—starting back in undergrad and grinding through multiple admissions tests (he switched from the GMAT to the GRE midstream). And once he got to Wharton, he didn’t slow down.
In this episode, we dive into:🔹 His 14-week sprint to pivot from megafund to mid-market private equity—there was no shortage of weekend work🔹 How he balanced hardcore career goals with epic travel, including snowboarding in Japan, surfing in El Salvador, and biking in Spain🔹 The mindset it took to stay locked in for years while still keeping life joyful and full of movement
Connor’s journey is a perfect example of what it looks like to work hard, play hard, and live intentionally.

Today’s episode is filled with intention, insight, and a whole lot of gratitude.
From teaching high school math in Boston to pivoting into consulting at Bain in Chicago, William Adams' path was guided by purpose—and supported by a strong circle of family, friends, and mentors.
In this episode, we talk about:🔹 Applying to six different MBA programs, each for a specific, intentional reason🔹 Making the leap from education to consulting, and what that transition looked like🔹 The life-shaping power of great professors—and why Kellogg exceeded his expectations🔹 What it feels like to say: “I accomplished exactly what I set out to do.”
This conversation is grounded, honest, and filled with the kind of perspective that reminds you what the MBA journey is really all about.
Let’s get into it! 🙏🎓

Today’s guest, Matthew Dumas, has worn a lot of hats—Marine, auditor, consultant, director of finance—and now, he’s at UCLA Anderson taking his next big step.
In this episode, we talk about:🔹 His journey from the military to finance and analytics (including our time together at Deloitte’s M&A analytics team)🔹 How he’s balancing a full-time role as a Director of Finance while in a full-time MBA program🔹 Teaching himself to code and building a product for a startup from scratch🔹 What he's gaining from diving into the MBA experience headfirst
Matthew’s story is one of grit, reinvention, and serious initiative. Whether you're coming from a nontraditional background or just trying to make the most of the MBA path, this episode is full of real talk and great insight.
Let’s get into it! 🚀

Today's guest is John Koelliker, CEO and Co-Founder of Leland—the go-to platform for the B-school community.
In this conversation, John shares the story behind founding Leland, and how it wasn’t just a business idea—it was a lightning bolt, a “I HAVE to do this” moment. He also opens up about the most powerful lessons from his time at Stanford GSB, and why the MBA journey should be about more than just getting in.
We dive into:🔹 The origin story of Leland and the mission behind it🔹 What John took away from his own B-school experience🔹 How to broaden your scope and think bigger than just B-school
If you’re in the middle of applications, weighing your options, or just feeling stuck in the “what’s next” phase, this one’s full of perspective, purpose, and inspiration.
Let’s get into it! 🚀