Carolyn Taylor

The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business

“Relentless learner that believes that growth happens at the edge of discomfort.”

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Fun fact about yourself: My two older brothers are named DJ and PJ. I was supposed to be CJ, but my parents couldn’t settle on a ‘J’ name they liked for a girl

Undergraduate School and Degree: Smith College, B.A. in Economics

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Private Equity Analyst at 424 Capital

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Moneta Ventures in Austin, TX

Where will you be working after graduation? I’m currently exploring opportunities within private equity and venture capital firms that would allow me to leverage my leadership experience and investment acumen, particularly in spaces where I can help visionary founders scale their businesses.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Director of Venture Fellows
• Member of McCombs Ambassador Committee
• Recipient of The Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst Center for Private Equity Finance Scholarship

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the achievements I’m most proud of during business school is serving as Director of Venture Fellows at McCombs. In this leadership role, I was responsible for supporting students through the placement process, strengthening relationships with partner firms, and enhancing the program’s visibility. This experience was especially rewarding because it allowed me to mentor peers, facilitate meaningful connections in the broader venture capital and private equity ecosystem in Austin, and help shape the future of the program.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Breaking into private equity as a woman from a non-traditional background is the professional achievement I am most proud of. The industry has long been dominated by individuals with traditional finance and investment banking backgrounds, making it difficult for outsiders, especially women, to gain entry. I had to be relentless in building my technical skills, networking strategically, and proving my ability to create value. Instead of following a prescribed path, I took ownership of my learning, sought out mentors, and leaned into the unique strengths that set me apart.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose McCombs because of Venture Fellows, an application-based program that provides a select number of full-time MBA students with real-word investing and operating experience at a local venture capital or private equity firm. Given my background in private markets and passion for investing, Venture Fellows was a key factor, offering both the network and practical skills necessary to accelerate my professional career.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Leading People and Organizations with Professor Constantinos Coutifaris. One of the most impactful takeaways from the course was the power of psychological safety in teams – how fostering an environment of trust and openness leads to greater innovation and collaboration. The course also emphasized the role of emotional intelligence, reinforcing that great leaders are not just strategic thinkers but also deeply attuned to the needs and motivations of those around them. It was an eye-opening experience that reshaped how I approach leadership, team dynamics, and personal development, and I will carry its lessons with me throughout my career.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of the best MBA traditions at McCombs is football tailgates during the fall semester. Game days in Austin are more than just sporting events. They are a unifying experience that brings together students, alumni, and the broader UT-Austin community. These tailgates offer an incredible opportunity for students to bond with classmates, network with alumni in a relaxed setting, and immerse themselves in the unmatched energy that comes with cheering on the Texas Longhorns. Furthermore, football tailgates reflect the strong sense of camaraderie and school spirit at McCombs, making them a cherished tradition that strengthens relationships and enhances the overall MBA experience.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A common myth about McCombs is that its graduates primarily stay in Texas or that the school only places students in Texas-based roles. While McCombs does have a strong network in Texas, particularly in industries like energy, consulting, and tech, it is also well-represented in major financial hubs like New York. That said, a lot of people choose to stay in Texas because they love the state and the career opportunities here. With Texas’ growing economy and friendly culture, many McCombs graduates find it an attractive place to build their careers.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? Austin thrives on innovation, energy, and community. The city boasts a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, and a deep appreciation for both business and culture. Austin’s startup scene and access to investors and founders provided invaluable learning and networking opportunities, making it an ideal place to spend my MBA. Beyond that, the city’s outdoor spaces, music scene, and food culture make it an incredibly special place to live.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of I business and what did you learn from it? One of the most insightful portrayals of business is The Big Short, which captures the complexity, greed, and systemic failures that led to the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The movie does an excellent job of illustrating how financial markets operate, the role of incentives in driving behavior, and the importance of independent thinking in identifying opportunities others overlook.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? McCombs has introduced several AI-specific courses that explore its applications within the business world. These courses provide hands-on experience with AI tools like ChatGPT, predictive modeling, and automation technologies, offering insights into how AI enhances decision-making, drives efficiency, and raises ethical considerations in business.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I admire Rich Thomas because of his unwavering dedication to going above and beyond for everyone around him. Rich consistently prioritizes the success and well-being of others, embodying the true spirit of servant leadership. His humility and authenticity make him not just an inspiring leader, but also a genuinely great friend. Rich embodies the qualities that define the best of the McCombs MBA community: intelligence, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting those around him.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1. My father unexpectedly passed away at the beginning of 2025, leaving behind a commercial cattle ranching business to me and my two older brothers. My goal is to work alongside my siblings to grow it into something even bigger, while honoring and preserving our father’s legacy.

2. Secondly, I want to eventually launch my own investment firm that partners with visionary founders and management teams. I want to build a firm that provides not just capital, but strategic guidance and hands-on support, helping businesses to navigate growth and create lasting impact.

What made Carolyn such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Rather than just pushing against established boundaries, Carolyn Taylor transforms the very landscape of what leadership looks like. She has paved her own path in private equity, proving that talent, tenacity, and resilience can create opportunity and future impact.

At McCombs, she has continued to make her mark, serving as Director of Venture Fellows, a prestigious and demanding role in a select organization that places students in real-world investing and operating positions. Her colleagues note that this role was particularly impactful because it enabled her to mentor peers in the placement process, facilitate meaningful connections within Austin’s venture capital and private equity ecosystem, and help shape the future direction of our Venture Fellows program.

Carolyn’s impact extends far beyond titles. Her peers share that she embodies what it means to be a real leader at McCombs. Her contributions as a campus leader and serving on our McCombs Ambassador Committee have strengthened our finance community, and her willingness to mentor and support others is part of her ethos of lighting the way and bringing others along with her. Her intelligence and character leave a lasting impression. Professor Doggett puts it best: “Carolyn is one of those special people who draws others in because of her brilliance and humility. She doesn’t need to wear an ‘I’m smart’ hat—she just is. She cares deeply about her classmates and goes out of her way to be there when times are tough.”

Carolyn is more than an exceptional student—she is a trailblazer, a strategist, and a champion for others. Whether leading in venture capital, private equity, or forging her own investment firm, there is no doubt she will continue to leave an indelible impact on the world.”

Tina Mabley
Senior Assistant Dean, Full-Time MBA

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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