Get to B-School

Ep 16's guest, Jake Greenberg, brings some of the most unique perspectives we’ve had on the pod. (Btw, there are ice cream analogies, and yes, they work.)
Jake’s journey is driven by curiosity, humility, and a deep desire to make a difference. In this episode, we dig into:
📚 A technical step-by-step breakdown of how he transitioned from a JD program into a JD-MBA🍨 Why he wants to be the dumbest person in the room—and how that mindset has fueled his growth🧠 His passion for working on problems so complex, only a handful of people in the world are tackling them💼 How a hyper-growth startup taught him that lawyers often hold the ultimate seat at the table🌍 His post-MBA plan to help marginalized individuals launch their own businesses—and why he feels a duty to give back
Jake’s story is thoughtful, ambitious, and full of heart. You're going to love this one.
Jake's LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobkgreenberg/

Today’s guest, Saleh Dadkhahipour, knows firsthand that getting into a top MBA program isn’t just about telling your story—it’s about making sure the admissions committee understands it.
In this episode, Saleh shares:🔹 How he had to educate schools on the prestige of studying at Iran’s top university and working at a leading consulting firm abroad🔹 Why your MBA application is like a limited piece of real estate—and how to use every inch wisely🔹 How to translate your experiences into relatable stories (think: "I worked at the Uber of Iran" or "the SpaceX of my region")🔹 The energy and drive he feels being surrounded by an accomplished, inspiring MBA class
Saleh’s journey is a masterclass in strategic storytelling, resilience, and making your unique background impossible to ignore.
And if you want even more great insights into the MBA journey, be sure to check out Saleh’s content at MBA.Odyssey on YouTube and Instagram!

Today’s guest, Misha Putnam, is currently pursuing her MBA at Wharton, but don’t let the classroom setting fool you—her business school journey has taken her to some of the most remote places on Earth.
In this episode, Misha shares:🔹 How she led a 48-person expedition in Antarctica as part of Wharton’s leadership venture program (yes, glaciers, camping, the works)🔹 The emotional complexity of sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with a partner who’s grinding away at a full-time job🔹 Why “touching grass” is essential—and how escaping the MBA bubble helps her stay grounded in life beyond school
Misha brings honesty, adventure, and insight into what it means to build a full, dynamic MBA experience—while also acknowledging the tradeoffs that come with it.
Let’s dive in! ❄️🎒

🎙️ Welcome to Get to B-School!
Today’s guest is someone who’s charting his path by one principle: being led by curiosity. Kip Winterton, a first-year MBA at Chicago Booth, has a background that’s as well-rounded as it is unexpected—he studied finance, sang opera, and played rugby in undergrad. Now, he’s focused on real estate and exploring opportunities that combine scale, strategy, and creativity.
In this episode, Kip shares:🔹 His pivot from a deeply personal dream of HBS—and how getting to Booth on scholarship helped restore his confidence🔹 Why he’s looking toward big project private equity—and how he might create his own real estate ETA opportunity🔹 How curiosity—not prestige—has guided his biggest academic, career, and life decisions
If you're navigating disappointment, career pivots, or figuring out how to chase big ambitions while staying true to yourself, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
Let’s get to it! 🚀

The podcast gurus have spoken: It is apparently UNWISE to release episodes on Fridays (who knew?! I LOVE podcasts on Fridays. I mean what about The All In podcast? Can't I be cool like them?)
We have a great episode ready to push on Monday, so for now, please accept this tiny, fun, glimpse into the life of yours truly. For today, Sarah comes on and runs the show and shares some of her own experience being part of an MBA family.

🎙️ Welcome to Get to B-School!
This week, Zach Harris (my dear friend and amazing next-door neighbor) talks us through his experience at Kellogg. Through our chat, Zach shares about:
🔹 How he converted two waitlist spots into offers... and ended up at a third school instead.🔹 How he's approaching his pivot away from consulting into big tech. Does he go big tech or startup?🔹 How he's ensuring that he's not getting caught in any waves that he isn't intentionally selecting
Zach shows us how simple the choice can be to go to b-school. He encourages all of us to ask what we want to do, instead of solely focusing on what we should do.
Let’s get into it! 🚀

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! 🚀

🎙️ 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! 🚀

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! 🚀

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! 🚀