The Touch MBA Admissions Podcast

Hosted by Darren C. Joe

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238

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Get an inside look at how top business schools assess MBA applicants. Interviews with MBA Admissions Directors and students from the world's top-ranked MBA programs. Discover what makes each business school unique. Strategies and tips on how to craft winning MBA applications. Straight talk on how to get accepted to MBA programs like Harvard, Insead, LBS, NUS and many, many more.

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September 5, 202621 min

#240 What Does "Holistic" Mean?

Just about every top-ranked MBA program says they evaluate applicants “holistically” i.e. no single factor, whether GMAT score, GPA, work experience or background – can make or break an application. Top MBA programs almost like to brag about high GMAT scorers that didn’t get in to prove this. As a former MBA admissions director, I know “holistic” can be confusing and vague. That’s why I created a 15-point rubric to help you understand where and how you can improve your profile. My view is that top business schools evaluate applicants along 3 dimensions: Academic Aptitude – can you get through an intense, graduate level business program? Work Experience – can the program help you achieve your post-MBA career goals? Ambassadorial Potential – will your classmates, alumni, and professors be excited to have you as part of the tribe? Is the school confident that you’ll represent the program well with employers recruiting and as an alumni? Every school has unique admissions criteria, but I believe they usually fall in one or more of these 3 buckets. For example, showing a track record of leadership – whether at school, work or in the community – would give more evidence of your ambassadorial potential and value-add to the school. So, when you’re evaluating the competitiveness of your application, try using these big 3 buckets. Which ones are full of evidence that you can succeed and thrive? Which ones could use more support? Topics What Does “Holistic” Mean? (0:00) How Can You Make Admissions Director’s Job Easier (5:22) Academic Aptitude (8:40) Employability (10:47) Ambassadorial Potential (14:35) Show Notes Download Touch MBA’s 15-Point Admissions Rubric President John F. Kennedy’s Inauguration Speech (1961) Resources for MBA Applicants ⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠ ⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠ ⁠⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

July 30, 2026Episode 23916 min

#239 How to Capture the AdCom's Attention (Repost)

Capturing your reader's attention is the most important goal of your MBA application. You want the admissions officer to remember you after reading 20 applications that day. The longer you can keep his or her attention (in the right way!), the better your chances are of landing an interview. In this episode, we take the core principles from Oren Klaff's Pitch Anything , and discuss 4 ways you can get and keep attention in your application. The primal "croc brain" that hears a pitch is very different from the logical "neocortex" that designs a pitch. The "croc brain" is intrigued by pleasant novelty, movement, and suspense. Listen on for some very specific ways you can incorporate these elements into your MBA essays and resume. Topics Introduction (0:00) Be a Pleasant Novelty (3:35) Use Frames that Make You the Prize (6:47) Always Show Movement (12:08) Have Strong Alternatives (13:30) Show Notes Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading and Winning the Deal by Oren Klaff Great Applications for Business School by Paul Bodine Resources for MBA Applicants ⁠⁠ ⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ ⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

June 30, 2026Episode 23816 min

#238 Feel Ordinary? Try "The J.D. Vance" Positioning Strategy

"So I didn't write this book because I've accomplished something extraordinary. I wrote this book because I've achieved something quite ordinary, which doesn't happen to most kids who grow up like me." - J.D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy J.D. Vance's memoir - Hillbilly Elegy, written when he was 31 years old - launched him into the national spotlight and eventually the Vice Presidency of the United States. But in the book's first paragraph, Vance writes "... I'll be the first to admit that I've accomplished nothing great in my life, certainly nothing that would justify a complete stranger paying money to read about it." Yet Vance's memoir became a cultural touchstone to help understand why "hillbillies, rednecks and white trash" voted for Donald Trump in 2016, and later got made into a Netflix movie. His story launched him into national politics. Do you feel like your profile is ordinary for business school? Why not try the "J.D. Vance?" Instead of hunting for bigger achievements, why not share the distance you traveled to get where you are? Why not offer admissions readers more context in which to evaluate your performance? Listen on as Darren breaks down this counterintuitive positioning strategy for your MBA applications. Topics Why "Getting to Ordinary" Might Be Your Best Story (0:00) Reading the First Paragraphs of Hillbilly Elegy (2:55) What Obstacles Have You Overcome? (8:55) Uncovering Your Best Obstacle Stories (10:45) Show Notes Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things by Adam Grant Resources for MBA Applicants ⁠⁠ Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠ ⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠ ⁠⁠ Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

June 16, 2026Episode 23727 min

#237 3 Storytelling Strategies to Power Up your MBA Application (from Storytelling Champion & Author Matthew Dicks)

Almost two years ago, I heard 10-time Moth GrandSLAM winner and novelist Matthew Dicks share his storytelling secrets on the Knowledge Project Podcast with Shane Parrish. Then, I listened to entire the 2-hour podcast again, it was that good! I've now listened to this interview three times! I wanted to share 3 storytelling tips from the episode to help you craft compelling stories for your MBA applications. Topics Introduction (0:00) Story is Change over Time (3:00) The Architecture of Story: How to Structure your Stories (12:45) Beginnings: Give Them a Reason to Listen (15:10) How to Maintain Interest: Stakes, Suspense, Surprise (17:00) Summarizing Key Takeaways (22:30) Show Notes The Knowledge Project Podcast: How to Become a Master Storyteller (and IMPOSSIBLE to Ignore) Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling by Matthew Dicks Stories Sell: Storyworthy Strategies to Grow Your Business and Brand by Matthew Dicks #113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t Resources for MBA Applicants ⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠ ⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠ Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community ⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

May 19, 2026Episode 23625 min

#236 Get Ahead Before You Apply with MBA Pre-Assessments

Many top-ranked MBA programs in Europe, Asia, Canada, and Australia actively encourage applicants to connect with admissions teams before submitting an application. But most applicants don't know this - or are too nervous to reach out. Should you contact admissions before you're ready? What if you haven't taken the GMAT yet, or your resume isn't polished? And how do you make sure the conversation is actually useful for both sides? In this episode, Darren invites Admissions Directors from three top-ranked programs - IESE (Spain), CUHK (Hong Kong), and AGSM (Australia) - to guide you on how to approach these early conversations, what to expect, and how to use them to strengthen your application. If you're considering reaching out to an MBA admissions team before applying, listen to this first. Topics Introduction (0:00) What is an MBA Pre-Assessment? with Roanne Law, CUHK MBA (3:15) How to Engage Early - Tips & Expectations with Patrik Wallen, IESE MBA (11:15) Addressing Common Concerns About Pre-Assessments with Kenneth Cheung, AGSM MBA (18:30) Show Notes CUHK MBA IESE MBA AGSM MBA Get pre-assessed by top MBA programs #116 Interacting with MBA Admissions Officers at Events #192 MBA Coffee Chats: Thoughtful Advice on How to Get the Most Out of Your MBA with Adam Putterman, Kellogg MMM ’19 Resources for MBA Applicants Get free school selection help at Touch MBA Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs ⁠Join our Admissions Edge Course & Community⁠ Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

May 12, 2026Episode 2351 hr 16 min

#235 EDHEC Global MBA Program & Admissions Interview with Sandra Richez

Sandra Richez has spent two decades overseeing each aspect of the EDHEC Global MBA - from admissions and curriculum to career outcomes and alumni relations. As Program Director, she has a clear view of what distinguishes the program, and she didn't hold back in this conversation. We cover a range of topics: EDHEC's history, reputation and location in Nice, France, how the program's 10-month format attracts a more experienced and collaborative cohort, and why the MBA consistently ranks among the top 10 worldwide for return on investment. Sandra also walks through EDHEC's scholarship opportunities, career resources, and how the school continues to evolve its curriculum - most recently around AI and sustainability - to stay relevant in a fast-changing business environment. The admissions section is particularly valuable. Sandra offers specific guidance on resumes, recommendations, interviews and essays that any MBA applicant would benefit from hearing, regardless of which school they are targeting. Topics Program Highlights - What Makes the EDHEC MBA Unique? Introduction (0:00) What Makes the EDHEC MBA Unique? (5:00) EDHEC's Student & Learning Culture (17:20) EDHEC MBA's Return On Investment (24:10) EDHEC MBA Admissions & Scholarships - How to Improve Your Chances? What EDHEC Looks for from MBA Applicants (32:10) GMAT/GRE Scores (36:45) Tips on EDHEC MBA's Recommendations, Resumes, Video & In-Person Interviews, Timed Essays (39:00) How EDHEC MBA Admissions Views Scholarships & How Applicants Can Win Funding (52:15) Career Opportunities at EDHEC - What to Know & How to Prepare How to Leverage EDHEC's Career Resources to Land Post-MBA Jobs (57:25) EDHEC's Industry Placements (1:06:00) Advice for MBAs in an Era of AI Disruption (1:08:30) Last Career Tips for MBA Applicants (1:13:00) About Our Guest Sandra Richez is Program Director of the Global MBA at EDHEC Business School, where she was also previously Head of Global MBA Career Services & Student Affairs. Before coming to EDHEC, Sandra led Executive Education & Training for Accor Hotels, ESSEC, SKEMA, and ISC Paris. Sandra majored in International Relations & French at Tufts University and got her Masters in Hospitality from ESSEC in partnership with Cornell's School of Hotel Administration. Show Notes EDHEC Global MBA The Best MBA Programs in France MBA Application Resources ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

April 1, 2026Episode 23456 min

#234 HKUST MBA Program & Admissions Interview with Stephen Shih

The HKUST MBA has been one of Asia's top-ranked MBAs for many years - the Financial Times has ranked it top 25 globally 15 times. But, what is it actually like to study there? Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of MBA Programs at HKUST Business School and a former Partner at Bain & Company, shares what makes the HKUST MBA unique. We cover Hong Kong's strategic importance, the benefits of studying at a renowned science and technology university, HKUST's flexible curriculum, and the differences between the 12 and 16-month program options. Stephen also shares his views on AI's impact on MBA careers, what employers are prioritizing, and what the HKUST admissions team actually looks for beyond GMAT scores. Program Highlights - What Makes the HKUST MBA Unique? Introduction (0:00) What Makes the HKUST MBA Unique? (8:25) How HKUST is "Future-Proofing" its MBA as AI Reshapes Business (13:20) Why Hong Kong for Your MBA (20:00) HKUST MBA's 12 and 16-Month Course Structure (22:45) HKUST MBA's Student & Learning Culture (25:00) HKUST MBA Admissions & Scholarships - How to Improve Your Chances? What HKUST MBA Looks for from Applicants (27:00) Post-MBA Goals (29:00) Interviews (31:05) GMAT/GRE Scores (32:15) Stephen's Final Application Tips (35:50) How HKUST MBA Admissions Views Scholarships & How Applicants Can Win Funding (37:35) Career Opportunities at HKUST - What to Know & How to Prepare How to Leverage HKUST's Career Resources to Land Post-MBA Jobs (40:30) HKUST Industry Placements & Resources for Entrepreneurs (45:45) What Applicants Need to Know about Landing Jobs in Hong Kong, China & Asia-Pacific (51:00) Maximizing ROI at the HKUST MBA (52:15) About Our Guest Stephen Shih is the Associate Dean of MBA Programs at HKUST Business School. Previously, he was Executive Vice President of Learning & Development at Bain & Company in Shanghai, China. Stephen served as Head of MBA Career Services and Corporate Relations at HKUST from 2010-11 before returning to Bain & Company as a Partner and leading its organization practice in Asia-Pacific. Stephen majored in Economics at Princeton University and got his MBA from UCLA Anderson. Show Notes HKUST MBA HKUST MBA Scholarships HKUST Entrepreneurship Center HKUST MBA SuperConnector Podcast HKUST Full-time MBA Highlights by Touch MBA MBA Application Resources ⁠⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)⁠

January 29, 2026Episode 23318 min

#233 6 Ways to Make Your Application Stick (Repost)

Your MBA application is a "movie preview" of what is to come - a pitch for your candidacy. Imagine an admissions officer reading hundreds of applications. How can you get this gatekeeper to pay attention, remember you, believe you, care about you, and act on your application in a positive way (we must interview her!)? In this reposted episode, Darren uses the marketing classic Made to Stick as inspiration for how to create a memorable MBA application. Six elements - Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Story (SUCCES) - are the building blocks of sticky ideas. Be sure to incorporate all 6 elements into your MBA application. Topics Introduction (0:00) Your MBA Application is Like a Movie Preview (3:25) Simple (7:15) Unexpected (8:45) Concrete (10:40) Credible (11:05) Emotional (12:30) Story (14:35) Show Notes #113 Nobody Wants to Read Your Sh*t #200 The 3S’s of Scintillating Storytelling #51 Stalking the Story for Your MBA Essays #83 MBA Essays that Work – Candid Thoughts on Essays, Authenticity and Being Yourself Made to Stick , by Chip and Dan Heath Resources for MBA Applicants Get free school selection help at Touch MBA Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

October 30, 2025Episode 2321 hr 33 min

#232 IESE MBA Admissions Insights with Patrik Wallen

What does IESE look for in MBA applicants? How do they evaluate your academic aptitude, post-MBA career goals, leadership potential and fit? In this episode, IESE MBA Admissions Director Patrik Wallen shares candid insights into what makes candidates stand out — and what makes IESE’s two-year MBA unique. Program Highlights - What Makes the IESE MBA Unique? Introduction (0:00) What Makes the IESE MBA Unique? (3:30) IESE's Reputation with Employers (11:30) IESE MBA's Two-Year Course Structure (14:27) Living, Studying & Working in Barcelona, Spain (18:37) The Importance of Speaking the Local Language: Spanish (25:10) IESE MBA Admissions & Scholarships - How to Improve Your Chances? What IESE MBA Looks for When Building a Class (28:00) Patrik's Thoughts on Post-MBA Goals (37:00) GMAT/GRE Scores & GPA (41:45) Resumes (48:00) Written Essays & Video Essays (52:45) Letters of Recommendation (55:35) Interviews & IESE MBA's Assessment Day (57:45) How IESE MBA Admissions Views Scholarships & How Applicants Can Win Funding (1:03:35) Career Opportunities at IESE - What to Know & How to Prepare Has AI Affected Recruiting for Consulting? (1:10:55) IESE MBA's Grading System (1:17:30) What Applicants Need to Know about Landing Jobs in Spain & Europe (1:20:05) Structured Recruiting & Unstructured Recruiting: What Applicants Can Expect from IESE's Career Services (1:27:45) About Our Guest Patrik Wallen is the MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School. Previously, he was Director of IESE's Career Development Center. Before joining IESE, Patrik worked as a general manager in hospitality, founded a fish importing business and worked as a software consultant. Patrik got his Masters in Science in Computer Science from KTH Royal Institute of Technology and his MBA from IESE in 2007. Show Notes IESE MBA Get feedback on your profile from IESE MBA's Admissions Team before you apply IESE MBA Scholarships and Post-Graduation Payment Aid (PPA) for MBAs IESE Full-time MBA Highlights by Touch MBA MBA Application Resources ⁠⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠⁠ Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)

October 17, 2025Episode 2311 hr 1 min

#231 Crafting a Personal Narrative that Stands Out with Ellin Lolis

How can you stand out from thousands of MBA applicants with impressive CVs? Darren sits down with Ellin Lolis, Founder and President of Ellin Lolis Consulting and one of the top ranked MBA admissions consultants on Poets & Quants, to learn how she helps MBA applicants craft powerful personal narratives. With a near 99% success rate, Ellen shares the process she uses to transform an applicant's collection of achievements into a cohesive and compelling personal narrative. Topics Introduction (0:00) How Ellin Fell into Admissions Consulting (2:37) The Importance of Narrative: Why Data and CVs Aren't Memorable (3:37) What's Your Career Goal & Career Purpose? (10:20) Finding the Golden Thread of Your Personal Narrative (22:20) Dealing with "My Story Isn't that Interesting" (40:12) How to Differentiate Yourself when You Have a Common Career Goal (39:55) The Power of Vulnerability (45:23) Darren's Hot Dog Story - How Mundane Moments Can Make for a Memorable Story (47:19) How MBA programs are Evolving with AI (50:07) Using AI in Your MBA Applications (52:54) Video Essay Tips (59:28) About Our Guest Ellin Lolis is founder and president of Ellin Lolis Consulting, which has helped 98.9% of their clients get accepted to at least one program of their choice. Ellin and her team have spent over a decade helping MBA applicants craft their story and build their careers. Prior to starting her admissions consulting firm, Ellin worked in marketing and communications. Ellin graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelors in International Cultural Studies, and is a member of the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants (AIGAC). Show Notes Ellin Lolis Consulting My Admit Coach Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow: A Novel by Gabrielle Zevin More Resources ⁠Get free school selection help at Touch MBA⁠ ⁠Get pre-assessed by top international MBA programs⁠ ⁠Get the Admissions Edge Course: Proven Techniques for Admission to Top Business Schools⁠ ⁠Our favorite MBA application tools (after advising 4,000 applicants)