Karen Ponte brings deep insider knowledge of London Business School and the wider European business school landscape to her coaching. During her time as a Senior Program Manager at LBS, she managed several key curriculum areas, including the International Exchange Program, Student Aid, and the highly competitive Summer Consulting Program. Her work gave her unique insight into LBS “fit” and how candidates can authentically align with the school’s culture and values.

Karen has reviewed thousands of admissions files across some of Europe’s top schools, including LBS, INSEAD, Imperial, Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick, and IMD. In recent years, she has become especially in demand for her work with MiF (Masters in Finance) and MiM (Masters in Management) candidates, where her detailed understanding of selection criteria and application nuances proves invaluable.

Known for her ability to help clients uncover hidden strengths and structure standout narratives, Karen is especially adept at helping those who might otherwise undersell themselves shine. That same energy carries into her life outside of coaching – she’s a dedicated runner and gym enthusiast who recently completed her “definitely last one” half-marathon in October… and is already training for another in March. Her lifelong aim? To keep exploring new places, staying fit, and finding joy in the journey – whether it’s through admissions strategy or one more race.