Today’s guest is Carolyn Schafer, a Kellogg MBA student with a deep background in global health and public service. Before Kellogg, Carolyn earned a Master’s in Public Health and worked across Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Sierra Leone on global health and youth mental health research, including projects with former child soldiers and their families. After several international roles were cut short by forces outside her control, she made a strategic pivot to domestic healthcare, joining Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine and quickly rising to lead research operations. In this episode, Carolyn shares why she chose Kellogg to add a business lens to her public health career, what it’s like returning to school as a working professional, and how she navigates leadership, identity, and advocacy in the part-time MBA program. We also discuss:🔹 Blending social impact with business thinking🔹 Lessons from global and domestic healthcare systems🔹 Her goal to lead a major health-focused NGO🔹 Why she encourages others to take a chance on themselves A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in healthcare, social impact, or purpose-driven leadership.

Today’s episode features Campbell McGavin, a dual–degree engineer turned MBA candidate who chose Chicago Booth over Kellogg, and is very glad he did. Campbell earned two bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science, and he’s now using that technical foundation as he recruits for consulting. At Booth, he’s fully embracing the social side of the MBA experience while diving into the academic and career opportunities that drew him there. In this episode, Campbell shares: 🔹 Why he chose Booth over Kellogg and why he’s so grateful for that decision🔹 How his engineering and CS background shaped his path to business school🔹 Why Booth’s next-level diversity has been the highlight of his experience🔹 How he balances coursework, recruiting, and making the most of the social scene Campbell’s story is thoughtful, grounded, and full of great insights for anyone exploring Chicago MBA programs, navigating recruiting, or coming from a technical background. Tune in for a great conversation! 🎧

Today’s guest is Benedict Ashiedu, a proud Nigerian and newly minted graduate of Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. His MBA journey is a masterclass in clarity, resilience, and proving fit. Benedict applied to several programs, but Fuqua was his clear first choice. When he was placed on the waitlist, he didn’t sit back. He doubled down. In this episode, he shares how he fought his way off the waitlist by demonstrating a meaningful, authentic connection between himself and Fuqua and showing the admissions committee exactly why he belonged there. He also walks through how he secured a Bain & Company internship (and later a full-time offer) before stepping foot on campus, and how that early win shaped the rest of his MBA experience. In this episode, Benedict shares: 🔹 How he made Duke his top choice and proved that fit to the adcom🔹 What he did on the waitlist to move from “maybe” to “yes”🔹 How he landed a Bain internship and full-time offer before school even started🔹 His perspective on the Fuqua community and what made it the right home🔹 The power of staying intentional, even when the process gets tough It’s an inspiring story of belief, preparation, and persistence — and a great roadmap for anyone navigating the waitlist or aiming for a top consulting outcome. Tune in and enjoy!

Today’s guest is Craig Wortmann, a beloved professor, master storyteller, and the driving force behind Kellogg’s growing Sales Institute. After earning his MBA from Kellogg and spending years teaching at Chicago Booth, Craig returned to Kellogg with a mission: to elevate sales education and help students learn to sell themselves and their ideas with clarity and confidence (all while running his company, Sales Engine). Craig’s course, Selling Yourself and Your Ideas, has become one of the most impactful classes many students take during their MBA. At the heart of his teaching are three pillars he believes underpin all professional excellence: 🔹 Knowledge🔹 Skill🔹 Discipline In this conversation, Craig shares how these three elements work together to create powerful communicators, resilient leaders, and people who consistently deliver results. We also touch on one of Craig’s own stories of resilience, which he discusses in depth on Kellogg’s The Insightful Leader podcast. If you want more of his wisdom, check out that episode here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-stay-resilient-in-the-face-of-a-major-setback/id294932425?i=1000712080440 Whether you’re trying to build confidence, become a better communicator, or simply learn from one of the most energetic educators in the MBA world, this episode is packed with insight. Let’s dive in. 🎙️

Today’s guest is Scott Peterson, a Wharton MBA candidate whose story blends global focus, personal discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the future. Scott is part of Wharton’s Lauder Institute, where he’s preparing to work at the intersection of global economics and post-war reconstruction, specifically in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His academic path is purposeful, thoughtful, and grounded in a desire to contribute meaningfully when the time comes. In our conversation, Scott shares:🔹 How the Lauder program is shaping his understanding of post-war economic opportunity🔹 What it looks like to balance Wharton’s social life with being present for family🔹 Why he believes in “taking an insurance policy” on yourself by doing everything you can to chase your biggest ambitions🔹 How he keeps long-term purpose front-and-center amid the intensity of business school Scott’s perspective is grounded, globally minded, and deeply aspirational. I’m excited for you to hear this one.

Today’s guest is Sarah Qiang, a Kellogg MBA student whose journey is a masterclass in adaptability, drive, and keeping perspective when life throws a curveball. Sarah started in Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend program, but after “life happened,” including unexpected visa challenges at work, she made the bold move to transition into the full-time program. In our conversation, Sarah shares:🎮 Her experience interning at Amazon’s video game division (despite not being a gamer)💪 How she stays healthy, motivated, and grounded through the intensity of recruiting🎯 Her best advice for navigating career pivots and embracing change mid-program Sarah’s story is a great reminder that success isn’t about sticking to the original plan, but about staying resilient, open, and ready to make the most of every opportunity.

Today’s guest is Shawn Butler, MBA Marketing Director at BYU Marriott School of Business. Shawn’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and perspective. After losing his job at Home Depot, he built and sold a successful sports agency company, but when the buyout came, he felt a pull toward something bigger. That calling led him to BYU, where he now helps future MBAs chart their own paths. In our conversation, Shawn shares:🎯 Why how you make a million dollars matters more than making a million dollars💡 The importance of focusing on who you’re becoming as you pursue success🌎 His experience earning his MBA at Georgia State and raising a family in the South🏔️ What ultimately drew him to leave his comfort zone and serve at BYU This episode is a great reminder that career milestones are only part of the story—the real win is becoming the kind of person you want to be along the way.

Today’s guests are Pamela (MBA @ Columbia) and Laura (MBA @ Ross), the co-founders of MBA Pathfinders - a coaching team dedicated to helping applicants not just get into business school but thrive beyond it. After discovering a shared passion for coaching and helping people achieve their dreams, Pamela and Laura built a practice focused on clarity, goals, and long-term growth. In this episode, they share:🎯 Why goal setting, both short term and long term, should go beyond simply “getting in”💬 How to choose the right coach and what criteria really matter when you evaluate options💡 Smart ways to invest in coaching and how to use money wisely when coaching can be expensive❤️ Why aligning your ambitions with your values makes a real difference in outcomes Whether you are in the thick of applications or just starting to consider business school, this conversation offers practical, grounded advice for finding your path and the right people to help you on it. Links mentioned in the episode:• MBA Pathfinders — https://www.mbapathfinders.com/blog• Behind The MBA — https://www.behindthemba.com/• Leland+ sign up — https://start.joinleland.com/campus-race?utm_source=amb-northwestern-drexler-tanner&utm_campaign=leland_plus_student

Today’s guest is Sam Olmsted, whose story blends heart, humor, and a whole lot of wisdom. We talk about his time living in New Orleans and how the city left a lasting mark on how he sees the world. He also introduces us to his three-legged cat and his dog, Tom, and shares about some of the awesome client events he’s helped organize, including a Cubs event (RIP to the Cubs season). At the core of this episode is Sam’s perspective on culture and self-awareness. He talks about the importance of truly listening, especially to those who aren’t fighting to be heard, and the power of regularly checking in with yourself to make sure you’re still on the path you want to be on. It’s thoughtful, funny, and full of reminders about what it means to be intentional in how we live and lead.

Today’s guest is Allie Kronthal, one of Leland’s top MBA coaches who has helped more than 200 applicants gain admission to top programs across the M7. Allie completed a dual-degree program at Harvard and Wharton, and she brings that same depth of insight to her coaching. Her unique approach which she calls “b-school therapy” (or “excavating”) focuses on uncovering what truly drives each applicant. In this episode, Allie shares:🔹 How she helps candidates dig deep to find their authentic story🔹 Why understanding your motivations is the foundation of a standout application🔹 What she’s learned from coaching hundreds of successful admits🔹 How vulnerability and clarity can transform your essays, interviews, and outcomes If you’re applying to business school, this one’s a masterclass in turning self-reflection into strategic storytelling. Book Allie here: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/allie-kronthal/mba Join Leland+ here: https://start.joinleland.com/campus-race?utm_source=amb-northwestern-drexler-tanner&utm_campaign=leland_plus_student

Today’s guest is Andrew Park, a Yale Executive MBA candidate whose career spans chicken, fashion, and a whole lot of frequent flyer miles. When he’s not in class, Andrew is running one of the most successful Chick-fil-A locations in Southern California and building his own luxury men’s fashion brand, Urbane and Gallant (link below). Every other week, he flies cross-country from Los Angeles to New Haven for class, sometimes adding a stop in Paris to lay the groundwork for Fashion Week.   In this episode, Andrew shares: 🔹 How he juggles the demands of running a restaurant, building a fashion brand, and pursuing an MBA 🔹 Why he takes a people-first approach to every venture he’s involved in 🔹 The unique perspective he brings to Yale SOM’s Executive MBA program Andrew’s story is a reminder that business is never just about profit- it’s about people, vision, and balance. Urbane & Gallant website: https://urbanegallant.com/ Urbane & Gallant on Instagram: UrbaneGallant Great article featuring UG: https://gurusmagazine.com/fashion-meets-fame-mary-bonnet-co-hosts-urbane-gallants-star-studded-collection-launch-in-los-angeles/

Today’s guest is Eric Lucrezia, a certified MBA admissions consultant based in Paris who has been coaching candidates for over 20 years. Eric has worked with applicants targeting everything from M7 programs in the U.S. to top schools across Europe, giving him a truly global perspective on the admissions landscape. In this episode, Eric shares:🔹 How to use AI tools effectively in applications — and why it’s more than just an ethical question🔹 Why the debate around “is the MBA worth it” keeps coming back in cycles🔹 His perspective on the true long-term value of the MBA🔹 Lessons from two decades of guiding candidates into the world’s best programs If you’re thinking about business school, this episode is packed with insights from one of the most experienced voices in admissions coaching today. Find MBA Waves here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBzOhXtDD6mJUtCabEMgO9A Book Eric here: https://www.candidate.coach/

Today’s guest is James Holm, my good friend and former startup teammate back in our college days. James never thought he’d pursue an MBA, until a series of experiences and conversations shifted his perspective. What started as a “wouldn’t it be crazy if…” chat with his wife quickly turned into two MBA applications in just a week and a half. The result? Admission to both programs he applied to. Now thriving at UCLA Anderson, James shares:🔹 Why he changed his mind about business school🔹 How he pulled off a whirlwind application sprint and came out successful🔹 What he’s learned from being surrounded by so many diverse personalities at Anderson🔹 How he balances the demanding rigor of family, work, and school James’s story is equal parts surprising, inspiring, and practical- a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

Today’s guest is Ben Lazaroff, one of Leland’s top MBA coaches and a Stanford GSB graduate. Ben’s career has been anything but linear, from working at McKinsey helping prisons improve rehabilitation outcomes, to diving into politics, to supporting chess startups, his experiences are as diverse as they are fascinating. After struggling through the MBA application process himself, Ben became driven to help candidates craft powerful, authentic applications that truly reflect who they are. In this episode, Ben shares:🔹 How his varied career shaped his perspective on business school and beyond🔹 Why storytelling is the key to a standout MBA application🔹 How he helps candidates align their applications with their unique strengths and passions If you’re navigating the MBA application process, Ben’s insights will help you focus on what truly matters and make your story shine. Find Ben at Leland: https://www.joinleland.com/coach/ben-lazaroff

Today’s guest is Petar Nestorovic, a recent Tuck graduate whose MBA journey is as inspiring as it is personal. Originally from Peru, Petar shares how his time at Tuck deepened his connection to his home country, even while studying thousands of miles away. In this episode, Petar talks about:🔹 How conversations with Tuck alumni convinced him the school was the perfect fit🔹 Why authenticity and commitment were central to his application strategy🔹 What made Tuck’s tight-knit community such a transformative experience (did someone say free Uber rides??)🔹 How his MBA helped him strengthen both his personal and professional identity If you’re considering Tuck — or just want to hear a thoughtful take on staying true to yourself during the MBA journey — this episode is packed with insight.

Today’s guest is Oren Margolis, a Stern graduate and seasoned admissions consultant. Having read thousands of essays during his time with the Stern's admissions team, Oren knows exactly what schools are really looking for — and what applicants often stress about unnecessarily. In this episode, Oren shares:🔹 How he helps candidates demystify the MBA application process🔹 Why he’s refreshingly un-cynical about the current state of MBA admissions🔹 The importance of getting out of your own way when telling your story🔹 His perspective from reading thousands of applications and coaching candidates for years If you’ve ever wondered what admissions committees actually care about, and how to focus your energy where it matters most, this one is packed with insight. Book a chat with Oren here: https://calendly.com/pinetree-palm Oren's website: https://www.pinetreepalm.com/

Today’s episode of Get to B-School is a first. We’re bringing on an admissions coach! Our guest, Yash Gupta (book him on Leland here!), has sat on both sides of the process. He was accepted to both Harvard and Stanford through the 2+2 program, ultimately choosing Stanford GSB, where he had an incredible experience. Now, alongside his career in sports, media, and entertainment VC, Yash helps aspiring candidates put their best foot forward. His coaching style is all about tailoring the process to each individual, with a special focus on helping applicants stay genuine and true to themselves in their essays and interviews. In this episode, we talk about:🔹 Yash’s journey from 2+2 admits to his time at Stanford GSB🔹 Why authenticity is the most important part of a successful application🔹 The strategies he uses to help candidates stand out in a crowded pool If you’re thinking about business school, this episode is packed with insights from someone who knows the admissions process inside and out.

Today’s guest, Doug Michalak, is proving that you really can thrive in multiple arenas at once. While pursuing the evening/weekend MBA program at Kellogg, Doug is also building a successful career in sports media at NBC, and loving the challenge of juggling it all. In our conversation, Doug shares how he finds energy in balancing multiple responsibilities, why he makes it a point to meet with professors one-on-one, and how those personal connections have shaped his MBA experience. We also talk about his belief that spending time with the people who matter most isn’t a distraction from great work; it’s fuel for it. Doug’s story is an inspiring look at what it means to live a full, connected, and high-performing life.

Welcome to Get to B-School! Today’s guest, Tanner Johnston, just graduated from MIT Sloan, the school he set his sights on all the way back in second grade. His teacher, Mrs. Finch, took his dream of becoming an "inventor" seriously and introduced him to top engineers, and they told him that if he wanted to be great, he should aim for MIT. That early guidance stuck, and years later, Tanner made it happen. But Tanner’s story is about much more than admissions success. In this episode, he shares:🔹 Why he prioritized life enrichment, choosing time with friends over extra hours of studying🔹 How he made the most of his MBA experience by investing in Level Four friendships (yes, he’ll explain what that means)🔹 His belief in pursuing goals from intrinsic motivation, doing what you're uniquely great at and love doing, rather than copying someone else’s definition of success Tanner’s approach is thoughtful, human, and a powerful reminder that business school is as much about relationships and self-discovery as it is about the resume. Let’s dive in! 🎓💡👥

Today’s guest, Karan Buch, took a different path to graduate business education—one that many people overlook. Instead of pursuing a traditional MBA, Karan enrolled in the Masters in Management program at London Business School. Fresh off an engineering degree and eager to pivot, Karan didn’t want to wait the typical two or more years required for an MBA. In this episode, he shares why the MiM, often called a “mini-MBA,” was the right move for him. We talk about:🔹 Why he chose the MiM route over a traditional MBA🔹 The pros and cons of both programs🔹 His take on the difference between technical degrees and business training🔹 How he made the most of a short but powerful year at LBS Karan’s perspective is thoughtful, practical, and full of energy—just like the MiM program itself. Let’s jump in! 🎓🌍📈