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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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! 🚀

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

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:

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:

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! ❄️🎒