I sat down with Dylan Stafford, Assistant Dean at UCLA Anderson School of Management and host of the Drive Time podcast. With over 20 years of experience in admissions and leadership, Dylan has personally admitted more than 5,000 students into UCLA’s top-ranked MBA program. That means he’s seen exactly what it takes to stand out, succeed, and thrive in highly competitive environments.

Dylan shares the key patterns he’s observed among successful professionals, from mindset and resilience to authenticity and leadership. He also dives into the importance of building relationships that last. Beyond the career lens, Dylan reflects on how to align your professional journey with personal fulfillment and energy, as well as how your 20’s should be the “adventure decade.”

Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or an emerging leader, this conversation offers practical lessons you can apply immediately. If you’ve ever wondered what top MBA candidates and high performers have in common, or how to bring more purpose and confidence into your own career, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.