Leland+ for Career Coaching

Round 1 MBA Strategy: Get Admitted & Maximize Your Scholarship Chances [9/14/2026] (Recording)

A practical session focused on Round 1 MBA applications, with the goal of maximizing both your chances of admission and scholarship funding. We’ll cover how to position your profile, build a compelling personal and career narrative, tailor your application to each school, strengthen your résumé and essays, approach recommendations, and identify the key factors that can differentiate you from other candidates. We’ll also discuss scholarship strategy, timing, and common mistakes to avoid so you can submit a strong, competitive application in Round 1.

Avoid Burnout During Recruiting Cycles [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Job searching while managing work, family responsibilities, financial pressure, or everyday life can quietly become overwhelming. Many people approach recruiting as an “always on” process — constantly applying, preparing, networking, and second-guessing decisions — until exhaustion starts affecting their focus, confidence, and well-being. In this practical and supportive session, former Amazon Recruiting Leader and Executive Coach Lisa Lawrence shares a structured approach to navigating recruiting cycles without burning out. Drawing from years of experience in hiring, coaching, and leadership, Lisa breaks down how to approach the process more intentionally — with better systems, clearer priorities, and healthier boundaries. You’ll learn how to manage the mental load of job searching alongside existing responsibilities, prepare effectively without falling into endless “grind mode,” communicate your experience with greater clarity, and make more grounded decisions throughout the process. The session also includes simple mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices designed to help you stay focused, resilient, and clear-headed during periods of uncertainty and transition. In this session, we’ll cover: • Why recruiting feels so mentally draining • How to structure your search more sustainably • Setting boundaries while balancing work and job hunting • Smarter approaches to interview preparation and networking • How to communicate your impact and experience clearly • Simple mindfulness tools to reduce overwhelm and improve clarity • Avoiding the “always applying” cycle that leads to burnout

Turn Big Goals Into Consistent Action [9/15/2026] (Recording)

Big goals often stall not because we lack ambition, but because translating them into consistent action can be harder than setting the goal itself. When a goal feels far away or difficult to manage alongside day-to-day responsibilities, it’s easy to become overwhelmed, lose momentum, or spend more time planning than actually moving forward. In this session, we’ll introduce a practical framework for breaking ambitious goals into clear milestones and daily actions so you can make meaningful progress through consistency rather than pressure or perfection. We’ll cover: • Why big goals often stall after the initial excitement wears off • How to turn a big goal into clear milestones and actionable priorities • The Jar Framework for identifying the actions that matter most • How to use Good, Better, Best to stay consistent when life gets busy • Practical ways to build momentum through small, repeated action You’ll leave with a simple framework you can apply to a meaningful goal in your career or life and a clearer understanding of how to turn ambition into consistent progress. This workshop is part of a 3-part goal achievement series for ambitious professionals.

Admissions Insights Part 3: Build a Compelling Narrative for Grad School Apps [7/20/2026] (Recording)

What makes a compelling narrative for grad school applicants with non-traditional backgrounds? Join me as I break down some of my insights in is Part 3 of this Admissions Insider Series, where I share my perspective as a former AdCom member of Carnegie Mellon University's MSCF program (the #3 financial engineering master's in the US). I'll also share what I've learned coaching 500+ applicants to graduate programs, including students admitted to Stanford, Yale, Duke, Columbia, UChicago, Cornell, and others. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

Admissions Insights Part 1: Should You Go to Grad School? [7/9/2026] (Recording)

Are you contemplating whether grad school is the right path for you? Ask yourself these 5 questions first. This is Part 1 of my Admissions Insider Series, where I share my perspective as a former AdCom member of Carnegie Mellon University's MSCF program (the #3 financial engineering master's in the US). I'll share what I wish I knew about my own Master's program, as well as what I've learned from coaching 500+ applicants to graduate programs, including students admitted to Stanford, Yale, Duke, Columbia, UChicago, Cornell, and others. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

Getting into a Top Business School Program In Europe [9/16/2026] (Recording)

Getting into a top European business school takes more than a strong resume and test score. The most successful applicants know how to position their experiences, goals, and international perspective in a way that resonates with admissions committees. This session is for prospective students targeting leading business schools across Europe who want to build a more competitive application. You'll learn what top programs look for, how to differentiate yourself from other applicants, and where to focus your efforts to strengthen your candidacy. Join live to hear from a panel of experts who have helped clients gain admission to prominent European business schools. They'll share practical application strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and firsthand insights into what it takes to stand out at top programs across Europe. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer roadmap for your own European business school journey.

Home for Ambition #11 — Weekly Live Show [6/10/2026] (Recording)

Home for Ambition is a weekly live show, by Leland, for people trying to stay ahead as work, learning, and opportunity keep changing. Each episode tackles a handful of timely, high-signal topics across AI, careers, education, and the future of work. We expect thoughtful debate, unique perspectives, and practical takeaways you can actually use. It is not a typical interview show or a generic news recap. It is a live roundtable built to help ambitious people make sense of what is changing, understand what matters, and leave with a sharper point of view on how to navigate what comes next.

How High Performers Prioritize, Focus & Execute [7/14/2026] (Recording)

Staying busy is not the same thing as making meaningful progress. Many professionals spend their days reacting to emails, meetings, and competing priorities, only to end the week feeling overwhelmed and unsure whether they focused on the work that actually mattered most. In this session, we’ll discuss practical systems high performers use to prioritize effectively, focus their attention, and execute consistently without becoming reactive or overloaded. We’ll cover: - Why attention is one of the biggest drivers of performance - How to identify and prioritize your highest-impact work - Practical frameworks for managing competing priorities and executing more consistently - How to reduce overwhelm and operate more intentionally - Simple systems to improve focus, consistency, and productivity This session is designed for professionals who want to improve their focus, execution, and effectiveness at work without constantly feeling scattered or overloaded. This workshop is part of a free 3-part Sustainable High Performance series for ambitious professionals.

How to Achieve Big Goals Through Daily Action [7/28/2026] (Recording)

Big goals often fail not because people lack ambition, but because they become overwhelmed by the size of what they’re trying to achieve. When goals feel unclear, too far away, or difficult to manage alongside day-to-day responsibilities, it’s easy to get stuck in overthinking, procrastination, or inconsistent action. In this session, we’ll discuss a practical framework for breaking big goals into clear, achievable actions so you can create meaningful progress through consistency rather than pressure or perfectionism. We’ll cover: - Why ambitious goals often create overwhelm, procrastination, or scattered effort - A simple framework for breaking large goals into actionable steps - How to prioritize high-impact actions without getting stuck in planning - The role consistency plays in long-term growth and performance - Practical ways to create momentum and follow-through in your career and life This session is designed for professionals who want a more intentional, structured, and sustainable approach to achieving meaningful goals. This workshop is part of a free 3-part Sustainable High Performance series for ambitious professionals.

The Unwritten Rules of Getting Promoted [7/20/2026] (Recording)

Ready to move up in your career and wondering how to climb the corporate ladder? Join me for an insightful session on "The Unwritten Rules of Getting Promoted." In this event, we'll explore key strategies in leadership, skill-building, and career planning to help you break through barriers and achieve your professional goals. Whether you're looking to make a move or find your next role, this session will provide you with the tools and insights needed to elevate your career. Topics: Creating Credibility Showing Up Elevating Your Role Making Sure You & Your Work are a Priority About Jeff Sigel: With over two decades of experience in marketing and business intelligence, including VP roles at Cracker Barrel and Ahold Delhaize, I've honed my skills in leadership development and career advancement.

Career Change? Practical advice to find your direction [9/21/2026] (Recording)

Thinking about changing careers but not sure where to start? Whether you want to change **industry, function, company, or simply find a role that better fits your goals making a career move can be challenging — especially in a crowded job market. In this free live session, I'll share practical frameworks and lessons from my experience as an IESE MBA graduate, career coach, MBA admissions coach, and interviewer. We'll cover: How to clarify your next career direction — and decide how big a change you actually need How to position your experience when you're moving into a new industry or function How to identify the right people to network with and turn conversations into opportunities How to get noticed** through your CV, LinkedIn, networking and personal story How to explain a career transition convincingly in interviews How to turn uncertainty into a practical career-change plan I've lived and worked across different countries and industries and have navigated several career transitions myself. Over the past four years, I've also coached MBA candidates and professionals and been involved in interviewing and assessment processes for **Fortune 500 companies and high-growth scale-ups This won't be a generic career lecture. The goal is to give you practical tools you can apply immediately to your own career transition Who is this for? Professionals who are: Considering a career change Exploring a new industry or function Unsure about their next career move Struggling to get noticed in the job market Looking for a more structured approach to networking and job searching Bring your questions — there will be time for Q&A at the end.

Studying Abroad at Oxford [9/15/2026] (Recording)

Studying abroad at Oxford can be an exciting opportunity, but figuring out what the experience is actually like—from academics and student life to navigating a new country—can feel overwhelming. This session is designed for students considering studying abroad at Oxford who want a firsthand look at what to expect and how to make the most of the experience. You’ll learn about the academic environment, what day-to-day life as a student can look like, and practical considerations for preparing for life and study abroad. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the experience and hear directly from someone who has studied at Oxford. The speaker will share firsthand lessons from their own journey, including what they wish they had known before going and how they made the most of their time abroad. If you’re considering studying abroad at Oxford and want a more realistic picture of the experience, it’s worth joining live.

The Art of Personal Branding: Redefine How You Show Up [7/30/2026] (Recording)

Unlock the secrets to redefining your personal brand and elevating your professional presence with our upcoming event, "The Art of Personal Branding: Redefine How You Show Up." Join Ifeoma, an accomplished Executive & Transition Coach with a wealth of experience in guiding professionals through pivotal career moments. With a background in leading global teams at Cisco and being a charity co-founder, Ifeoma brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and leadership expertise to the table. During this session, you'll explore key topics such as personal branding, professional networking, and career planning. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills or navigate a career transition, this event will provide you with the tools and insights needed to stand out in today's competitive landscape. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. Don't miss this opportunity to redefine how you show up in your career journey!

Interview positioning for international candidates [9/13/2026] (Recording)

The same answer that impresses interviewers in one country can quietly sink you in another. In this session, we'll break down why strong international candidates get misread in interviews and how to reposition your answers for the room you're actually in. You'll learn: (1) how interview expectations differ across the US, Europe, and Asia and what "confidence," "leadership," and "initiative" actually signal in each; (2) the three most common answer patterns that make international candidates sound junior, generic, or evasive and how to fix each one; (3) a practical framework for adapting your core stories to any cultural context without sounding rehearsed. Drawn from coaching 600+ international professionals through high-stakes interviews. Ideal for anyone interviewing across borders, whether you're moving abroad or joining a global team from home.

Interview Insider: Decode the Hiring Manager [9/22/2026] (Recording)

You prepared for a Q&A session. The hiring manager is looking for a business solution. That gap is why great candidates get rejected without feedback or don't get the offer, and it's what this session is built to close. Here's what we'll cover: The Offer Void: Why strong candidates lose offers they should have won, and what's actually happening behind the scenes. Two Audiences, One Room: The recruiter is your gatekeeper. Mitigates risk, confirms fit. The hiring manager is your decision maker. Solves a specific team pain point. Most candidates only address one of them. Impactful Storytelling: The STAR method, built for business value. Use owner verbs. Lead with results. Keep Situation and Task under 30 seconds of a 2-minute answer. Decoding Hidden Questions: What "Tell me about a time you failed" and "Why are you leaving?" are actually asking and how to answer the question behind the question. Interview Do's and Don'ts: The specific habits that cost candidates offers, and the moves that build trust fast. The Offer Call: The Triple Win strategy across financial, lifestyle, and growth. How to use market data instead of "I want" and the rule for handling any offer without leaving money on the table. Come with your toughest interview question. We'll address as many as we can in live Q&A.

LinkedIn Launchpad: Profile to Profit [9/1/2026] (Recording)

You're invisible to recruiters. Not because of your skills, but because of your discoverability. Recruiters don't browse profiles. They query them, filtering by skill, title, and location. If your profile isn't a high-density match for their search, you don't exist in their results. LinkedIn Launchpad is a live workshop built around 3 pillars that turn a passive profile into an authoritative brand: Discoverability: The LinkedIn Skills Graph - 50 targeted skills across three tiers, your top 3 pinned and endorsed, and the Activity Edge. LinkedIn now ranks active profiles higher than dormant ones with identical credentials. The difference between getting found and staying found. Positioning: Your headline is search real estate, not a brand statement. Every word should be a job title or a keyword a recruiter types. If it's neither, it doesn't belong. Networking: The shift from asking for a favor to leading with value, the difference between cold messages that get ignored and ones that get replies. We close with a live profile audit applying all three pillars in real time, plus your personalized 2026 roadmap. You'll leave with a rewritten headline strategy, a clear Skills Graph action plan, and changes you can implement immediately.

Working in Europe - A Visa Guide

A visa guide for people applying from outside Europe. What each country asks for, what it pays, and who can actually hire you.

Investment Banking Networking Guide

A practical, step-by-step guide to investment banking networking, covering target bank selection, cold outreach, networking calls, follow ups, relationship building, and converting conversations into recruiting momentum and interviews.

Get Recognized at Work: 5 Steps to Document and Show Your Impact

Inside the 5‑Step Recognition Playbook This isn’t a fluffy checklist. It’s the exact process I use with senior women in tech to help them get promoted, become the obvious choice for big opportunities, and feel grounded in their own impact. You’ll learn how to: 1. Get out of the self‑doubt spiral. Use a simple self‑coaching model to separate “what actually happened” from the harsh story your brain is telling about you. 2. Choose a “10% better” thought. Stop forcing fake affirmations and find language that actually feels believable in your body. 3. Run a weekly Recognition Retro. Block 30 minutes, open one document, and build a running evidence file of your wins and why they mattered. 4. Turn wins into impact statements. Use my template to learn to talk about your work clearly in 1:1s, team updates, and reviews. 5. Design recognition that works for you. Clarify how you like to be recognized and how you want decision‑makers to see your work. This is for you if... ✦ You’re a woman senior IC or manager in tech and your work is strong, but your promotion timeline doesn’t reflect it. ✦ You feel behind compared to peers with louder self‑promotion, even when you know your impact is just as big (or bigger). ✦ You’ve tried “just speaking up more,” but it feels vague, cringey, or like one more thing on your plate. ✦ You want a concrete, repeatable way to see your own impact and talk about it without feeling like you’re bragging. If you’re tired of waiting to be noticed and ready to start designing your own recognition, this guide is for you.

The Resume that Got a Full Scholarship to Columbia

The applicant received a full merit based scholarship to Columbia and multiple offers from other T14 schools