Private Equity Coaches, Events, and Resources

Hi I'm Sharif! I'm a Wharton Undergrad who interned in middle market private equity last summer. In addition, I am very familiar with the summer analyst recruitment process at PE mega funds and had many final round interviews before choosing to sign a summer analyst offer with Houlihan Lokey in the Restructuring Group.

With nearly three decades advising boards, CEOs, and investors across private equity and venture-backed companies, I bring a deep understanding of what drives success in the PE ecosystem. I’ve partnered with leading sponsors including Thoma Bravo, KKR, Apollo, Blackstone, Clearlake, Insight, Francisco Partners, and Apax among many, many others to assess, recruit, and coach executives through transformational value-creation journeys — from pre-acquisition diligence to exit. Having completed 450+ executive placements and been directly involved in 40+ successful exits creating over $25B in enterprise value, I’ve developed an insider’s view of how talent decisions shape investment outcomes. That experience enables me to coach aspiring and current PE leaders with a pragmatic, investor-aligned lens — focused on readiness, impact, and the leadership behaviors that creates value.

I work with candidates and professionals who want to perform at a high level in private equity, not just pass interviews. My coaching is grounded in real deal experience across private equity, investment banking, and operating roles, which allows me to teach how investors actually think about risk, value creation, and decision making. I focus on helping clients develop judgment, structure, and confidence, whether they are preparing for on cycle recruiting, case studies, or stepping into a deal team role. What differentiates my approach is that I go beyond technicals. I help clients learn how to frame an investment thesis, communicate clearly under pressure, and navigate the interpersonal dynamics of PE recruiting and deal execution. Sessions are practical, tailored, and honest. The goal is not to memorize answers, but to think like an investor and show up as someone a team would trust in a real transaction. Clients value that I am direct, thoughtful, and invested in their outcomes. I help them understand not only how to get into private equity, but how to succeed once they are there.

I have a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in the private equity and investment banking industries. In addition to my years of professional experience, I have an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BS in Finance from Brigham Young University. Over the years, I've informally coached numerous individuals at all stages of their careers, helping them navigate the complexities of private equity and investment banking careers and achieve their professional goals. Whether you're looking to break into the industry or advance your career, I can provide tailored guidance and support. I have personal experience making the jump from investment banking to private equity post-MBA. I started out in investment banking as an Associate coming out of business school and then joined a private equity firm as a VP after 2.5 years as an investment banking Associate. I spent the next 20 years in private equity at Reynolda Equity Partners, ultimately becoming a Managing Partner. In 2025, I transitioned my role at Reynolda to Senior Advisor and began investing independently under my 1780 Capital banner. I spent much of my time at Reynolda leading the recruiting effort, interviewing candidates and making hiring decisions for Associates, Senior Associates, VPs and for Business Development positions. While in investment banking, I was also on the recruiting team for HBS and other MBA programs.

I successfully broke into private equity from a non-target school, where I learned firsthand that the traditional recruiting funnel doesn't work for everyone. I’ve navigated the process and can help you build your own playbook for breaking in, just as I did. My biggest value-add is helping you master the networking strategy that will get you in front of more decision-makers. We'll focus on targeted outreach and crafting messages that actually get responses. While I can cover the foundational technical concepts and conduct mock behavioral interviews, my primary focus is on empowering you to build a network and a resume that will be your greatest asset. I've successfully helped several others break into this competitive industry. I'm here to guide you through the critical early stages of networking and resume prep and am flexible on however I can support you throughout the rest of your job search.

I'm a former Bain Capital Private Equity investor and Stanford GSB MBA with experience across buyout and growth investing. Previously a Vice President at SKKY Partners, I've worked closely with founders and senior investors on complex transactions. I help candidates develop real investor judgement, strong case performance, and clarity under pressure. I'd love to work together and help you perform at your highest level.

I bring deep, hands-on experience from the world of private equity, having been a PE associate and then led and scaled PE-backed businesses as President and operator. I understand firsthand the recruiting process, the diligence required to evaluate opportunities, and the expectations PE firms have for top talent. With an MBA from Stanford, I’ve built my career navigating the intersection of finance, strategy, and operational leadership—skills I now use to help clients break into and thrive in private equity. My coaching blends insider knowledge of how PE firms think with practical, tactical guidance on resumes, interviews, case prep, and networking. Whether you’re a consultant or banker targeting the buy side, or a professional exploring a transition into PE-backed operating roles, I’ll help you position your story, sharpen your skills, and approach the process with confidence. Clients come away not just prepared for the mechanics of recruiting, but with the insight and judgment to stand out to firms seeking future leaders.

Welcome to my profile! I began my career in Morgan Stanley’s Consumer & Retail Group in 2018, and then joined TPG in 2021, where I worked across growth and middle market private equity investments. I also worked with TPG’s C-suite to launch TPG NEXT, a GP-stakes fund where I evaluated hundreds of opportunities across asset classes, and was involved in supporting experienced investors in launching and building their own firms. I left in 2025 to pursue my own entrepreneurial journey. During my time at TPG I was involved with associate recruiting, candidate evaluation, case study reviews, and training of new associates and interns. Having seen the industry from multiple angles, I understand how to position yourself strategically to stand out in your interview process and career. I can help with: - Recruiting from non-target schools into competitive finance seats - Navigating associate performance, deal exposure, and internal mobility - Thinking about life after finance (exit options, MBA, entrepreneurship, sabbaticals) - You’re a more experienced investor and want insight on the ins/outs of launching a fund My specialties are: crafting a competitive resume and story, navigating your recruiting process, and technical interview/case study prep. Always happy to schedule an intro call first. Looking forward to working together!

Welcome to my profile! With a robust background in finance and consulting, I bring a wealth of experience to help you break into the competitive world of private equity. I hold an MBA from London Business School, where I was a Merit Scholar, and have honed my skills at top firms like Boston Consulting Group and Citigroup, where I served as an Assistant Vice President. My experience spans strategic roles at BCG and PwC, equipping me with the insights needed to guide you through the nuances of private equity recruitment. Whether you need help with interview preparation, resume refinement, or understanding the industry landscape, I'm here to support your journey. Let's connect and craft a strategy to achieve your career goals in private equity!

With over 20 years of experience in private equity and venture capital, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the competitive landscape of PE. As a former Managing Director at industry giants like Blackstone and Robeco, and currently a Partner at Sonamu Energy and Moser Capital, I have a deep understanding of market expansion, strategic partnerships, and capital formation. I've successfully coached individuals, guiding them to excel in their careers and achieve their goals in the finance sector. Whether you're looking to break into private equity or advance your career, I'm here to provide tailored advice and support. Let's connect and chart your path to success!