Empowering future leaders to land the MBA of their dreams. 🚀 From higher ed executive to entrepreneurial innovator, I've spent years on the frontlines of Graduate Management Education, shaping how tomorrow’s leaders are formed. Now, I’m bringing that experience directly to you, connecting ambitious minds with the right MBA paths to unlock their full potential. Because where there’s a will, I find the way.
If this is the #1 quality MBA programs want, how are you showing it?
What do MBA Admissions Committees really want?Ask a group of MBA AdComs to name the number one quality they look for in candidates, and one word will rise to the top: Self-awareness. It’s no coincidence that the entire MBA application process is designed to test this very quality. After all, how else would you answer essays like the HBS one asking, "What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what kind of leader you want to become?" But this leads to an important question… ​ What does self-awareness really mean?Self-awareness is more than just knowing your strengths and weaknesses. It’s about understanding who you are and how you’re perceived by others. It’s being in tune with your role in team successes, your contributions to your workplace, and how your values drive your actions - in both life and leadership. But here’s the catch... ​ The surprising self-awareness gapHarvard Business School research found something eye-opening: while 95% of people think they’re self-aware, only about 10-15% actually are. That’s a pretty wide gap, isn’t it? No wonder in another study, 99% of respondents reported working with at least one annoying, un-self-aware colleague. Sound familiar? So, how do you make sure you’re part of that top 10-15% - the truly self-aware? Especially when you know that MBA programs are watching closely? ​ How can YOU show the self-awareness MBA programs look for?It starts with frequent self-reflection. You have to take time to evaluate your actions, decisions, and the outcomes they create. This doesn’t mean endlessly questioning yourself but rather taking a moment to pause and process. Journaling is one powerful tool for this - it helps identify patterns in your behavior and emotions. But reflection alone isn’t enough. You also need perspective. ​ From brainstorming to breakthroughs: A Round 1 candidate’s MBA essays approachWith Round 1 wrapping up, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my MBA ABC participants about his essay writing journey. He opens up about the entire process - from the early stages of brainstorming to finalizing his essays - offering candid insights into the challenges, the pivotal role self-reflection played in shaping his strategy, and the value of being willing to start fresh when a story didn’t quite hit the mark. Curious about how he overcame the MBA essay writing challenges and refined his essays? ​Dive into the full interview for all the insights.​ ​ Onwards and upwards, Petia ​ ​ ​ |
My MBA Path
Empowering future leaders to land the MBA of their dreams. 🚀 From higher ed executive to entrepreneurial innovator, I've spent years on the frontlines of Graduate Management Education, shaping how tomorrow’s leaders are formed. Now, I’m bringing that experience directly to you, connecting ambitious minds with the right MBA paths to unlock their full potential. Because where there’s a will, I find the way.
It's that time of year again. MBA candidates who entered the race with high hopes but faced rejection are asking for ding analyses. Reviewing their failed apps is heartbreaking. Why? Because too often I find a ton of potential left untapped. Here’s how it usually plays out When we speak, the candidate sounds fun and interesting. Their resume presents great. Then I open their “What matters most to you and why?” or “What experiences have shaped who you are, how you invest in others, and what...
What the Strongest Applicants Actually Do There’s a misconception in MBA admissions that only candidates who are struggling or insecure seek out help from admissions consultants. That if you’re smart enough, you should be able to do it all on your own. But here’s what actually happens: The strongest candidates are the ones who are most likely to bring in outside expertise. They know they have a shot at top programs, and they’re not about to leave things to chance. So they seek...
Happy New 2025! I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions. Instead, I like to reflect — on the choices we make, the paths we take, and the questions that guide us along the way. In the last days of 2024, I had the joy of celebrating with one of my Round 1 MBA ABC stars. She had just ended her year with the ultimate champagne problem: deciding between Stanford and HBS. (Yes, both.) A Space to Ask, Refine, and Shine In our conversation, she shared something that stuck with me. What drew her to...