Meet Your MBA Admissions Coach: Daniela Bahamon
Hello everyone, and Welcome! I'm Daniela Bahamon, your MBA Admissions Coach. With over 13 years of experience in global brand strategy at L’Oréal and Dior, and launching ventures in Paris and Silicon Valley, storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether it's building a brand, launching a product, or navigating a career pivot, I've learned that the most compelling narratives are those rooted in authenticity and purpose.
As a Stanford GSB alum and teacher of the Stanford's d.school “Design for Play” course, I believe that creativity and joy are essential in tackling challenges—yes, even the MBA application process! Let's work together to tell your unique story that opens doors and resonates with MBA admissions committees.
Why Top MBA Applicants Trust Me
Here are some quick highlights:
- BA in Business from Universidad de los Andes, Colombia
- MS from Stanford GSB
- Founder backed by Y Combinator (YC S’22) and the French Institute of Fashion (IFM ‘19)
- Lecturer at Stanford d.school
I believe that every MBA application is a story waiting to be told—one that captures your unique journey, aspirations, and the impact you aim to make. My coaching style is shaped by several key experiences:
- Human-Centered Design Approach: My work is rooted in empathy and user-centric philosophy, essential for crafting impactful personal narratives. I have often defined my professional role as being the “Voice of my Customer,” and there is no story more worth telling than who you are and what you dream of achieving through an MBA.
- Global Perspective: Having lived and worked in South America, North America and Europe, I bring a multicultural lens to understanding diverse applicant backgrounds.
- Industry-Spanning Experience: From consumer products to FemTech to digital storytelling, my career spans both corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. I understand career pivots and the courage it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.
How I Help You Get Into Your Dream MBA Program
Applying to an MBA is not just more than a writing exercise. It’s an identity exercise. You have to articulate who you are, what you’ve built, what matters to you—and where you’re going next. That can feel abstract, overwhelming, or even uncomfortable. But it’s also the most exciting part.
That’s where I come in.
At MBA Protocol, I help you:
- Shape your story: We’ll connect your past, present, and future in a way that reflects both your ambition and your values.
- Build standout materials: Your resume, essays, recommendations, and interviews will reflect not only what you’ve done, but why it matters.
- Target the right programs: Together we’ll identify MBA programs that align with your personal vision—not just your professional goals.
- Navigate the process with confidence: No more second-guessing. Just structured guidance, honest feedback, and space to reflect.
Whether you’re applying to Stanford, Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD, or any program that will shape your next chapter, I’ll help you build an application that feels like it was written by the clearest, most courageous version of you.
As an MBA admissions consultant and career coach, my clients trust me to help them: Find clarity in complexity, uncover the throughline in a non-linear story, communicate with power, nuance, and authenticity and position their experience with both strategic insight and emotional intelligence.
My Story: From Fashion to Y Combinator to MBA Admissions Coach
I was born in Colombia and grew up across multiple countries, which shaped how I build, how I adapt, and how I see people. That taught me early how to listen well, move between worlds, and build strong bridges across differences.
I started my career at Dior and L’Oréal, working on global brand strategy and innovation. I later launched a fashion brand that gave visibility to Colombian artisans, and a FemTech startup that helped 20,000+ pregnancies achieve measurable health outcomes.
I’ve been part of some of the most rigorous creative and tech incubators in the world—IFM Labels & Entrepreneurs, and YC—and I understand how to build, grow, and pitch ideas from both sides of the table. Through both incubators I was able to surround myself with mentors, experts and team members to launch a fashion brand that gave visibility to Colombian artisans, and a FemTech startup that helped 20,000+ pregnancies achieve measurable health outcomes.
When I got to Stanford, I realized quickly that I didn’t fit the mold—and that was a gift. It allowed me to continue leaning into the skills that made me different: creativity, perspective, empathy, and strategic intuition. That’s the same lens I bring to my clients.
Now, as a coach, I help others tell their stories—honestly, intelligently, and with purpose.
Fun Facts, Frameworks, and Why We’ll Probably Laugh Together
- Multilingual: I coach fluently in English, Spanish, and French.
- Adventurer at Heart: I've been the “new kid” in Colombia, France, Spain, Mexico, Peru, New York, California and Puerto Rico.
- Tennis Enthusiast: My tennis racket travels everywhere with me—it's my favorite way to connect and compete.
- Believer in Dreams: I met my husband in a pool in Cancun at 18; ten years later after following each through 3 continents, we married. Dreams do come true.
Ready to Start Your MBA Journey?
If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a powerful, authentic MBA application, I’m here to help.
Working with an MBA admissions coach at MBA Protocol means you’ll have expert guidance, clear structure, deep insight — and a few much-needed laughs along the way.
Whether you’re aiming for Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, or any other top program, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
🎯 Step one is easy: Take 3 minutes to fill out this short form and tell us a little about yourself. Once we get it, well reach out to schedule a call to move your MBA dreams forward.
You've got the potential. Let's make sure the world sees it.
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