Melanie has 8 years of experience in MBA admissions consulting with proven results in M7 programs (including HBS and GSB), Top 20 Programs, and Executive MBAs. She pairs her ex-McKinsey consulting toolkit with her sharp communication skills and EQ as an Executive Coach. This rich blend of skills allow Melanie to be an excellent admissions consultant with an eye for detail and heart for crafting her clients’ unique stories.  Additionally, as a trained Voice Actor represented by CESD Talent, Melanie provides a unique perspective on admissions interviews and creating executive presence.

Beyond Melanie’s work in admissions consulting, she holds 16 years of experience in strategy, operations, and executive coaching. She is a member of the Forbes Council and has been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, Business Insider, TEDx, and more. Melanie has worked with prominent corporate clients including Google, Meta, IBM, and Morgan Stanley; as well as individuals such as business leaders, influencers, and Olympic athletes.

Melanie’s career began in retail and e-commerce, later becoming a management consultant with McKinsey & Company where she advised F500 companies on strategy and operational improvement initiatives. Following her time at McKinsey, she was a Senior Lead of Strategy and Innovation for Macy’s, the $25B omni-channel retailer.

Today, Melanie manages her executive coaching firm Espeland Enterprises and enjoys creative pursuits in her free time.  She holds an MBA from Columbia University and a BS from Cornell University.