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Transitioning from a Manager to a Leader — Strategies to Help You Inspire, Lead, and Support People From All Backgrounds
Making the leap from manager to leader is one of the most pivotal—and challenging—career transitions you can make. It requires shifting from overseeing tasks to inspiring, empowering, and supporting people from all backgrounds. In this event, coaches Debonné N., Dana L., and Caroline K. will share actionable strategies to help you strengthen your presence, build trust, and lead with empathy and accountability. Whether you’re stepping into a leadership role for the first time or refining your approach, you’ll walk away with practical insights to motivate diverse teams and avoid the common pitfalls new leaders face.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Kellogg, MIT Sloan, Vanderbilt, and Emory
In Part 3 of this series, admissions directors from Kellogg, Vanderbilt, and Emory will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Steve Thompson (Senior Director of MBA Admissions @ Kellogg), Katherine Farrar (Associate Director of Admissions @ MIT Sloan), Bailey McChesney (Director of MBA Admissions @ Vanderbilt), and Melissa Rapp (Associate Dean of MBA Admissions @ Emory). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
Building AI Products by Bridging Product and Tech Gaps
Building AI products isn’t just about clever models. It’s about running smarter experiments. In this lightning talk, coach Avinash M. (Ex-Amazon PM leader , Ex-RBC AI PM Leader) shares hard-earned lessons from the product experimentation lifecycle. From structuring experiments to choosing the right metrics, they’ll show how cross-functional teams can avoid common traps and drive real outcomes. Apply proven frameworks to design experiments that produce measurable results Spot and fix experimentation pitfalls using proven frameworks while leveraging prototypes of dashboards to effectively communicate metrics for visualization Balance deep analysis with bias for action, knowing when to dig in or move fast Whether you’re working on AI products or not, mastering experimentation is the path to building market-leading products. This session gives you the playbook to align product and engineering and deliver outcomes that matter.
Applied to 1000 Tech Jobs with No Luck? Stand Out with Personal Projects
“Applied to 1000 tech jobs with no luck.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone—many candidates flood the market with generic resumes that don’t stand out. The truth is, recruiters and hiring managers are looking for more than just a list of responsibilities: they want to see initiative, impact, and skills in action. In this session, Annie F., a Leland coach with extensive experience in tech recruiting and product roles, will break down how personal projects can transform your application from forgettable to compelling. You’ll learn what types of projects make the strongest signals, how to showcase them effectively on your resume and in interviews, and why they often matter more than another line on your work experience. Whether you’re transitioning into tech or struggling to land interviews, this event will give you practical strategies to highlight your unique value and finally stand out from the crowd.
Becoming an AI Product Manager without a technical AI background
Building a career as an AI Product Manager doesn’t require a formal background in AI—you just need the right mindset, strategic tools, and storytelling prowess. In this session, you’ll learn how product leaders transition into AI-focused roles by understanding what separates successful AI PMs from generalists: how to build cross-functional credibility, spot high-impact AI use cases, and weave strategy into technical conversations—even without a machine learning degree. Leading the session is Jiahong X., a Wharton MBA and current Meta product leader steering generative AI in advertising, with prior product roles at Google. Drawing from experience interviewing over 300 candidates and helping 50+ land roles at FAANG and beyond, Jiahong brings real-world frameworks, clarity on how to shift into AI PM roles, and actionable next steps—so you can strategically plan your path and begin making an impact in the AI space.
Landing FAANG PM Roles in 2025: Lessons from My Own Journey
Breaking into product management at FAANG companies is one of the most competitive career moves out there—and the path isn’t always straightforward. In this session, you’ll hear directly from expert coach Jay L., who will share candid lessons from their own journey—what worked, what didn’t, and how they positioned themselves to stand out in a crowded applicant pool. Whether you’re just starting to explore product management or actively preparing for FAANG interviews, this session will give you a realistic look at the process and concrete steps to set yourself up for success in 2025 and beyond.
STEM to Strategy: Landing an Ops & Strategy Role From Any Background
Transitioning into operations and strategy roles can feel daunting—especially if you’re coming from a technical or non-business background. In this session, you’ll hear from expert coach Olivia M., who successfully made the leap into strategy and operations and will share the insights, frameworks, and strategies that helped them get there. Whether you’re an engineer, researcher, consultant, or from any other background, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to break into operations and strategy roles and thrive once you’re there.
Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Booth, Ross, and SMU
What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 2 this session, admissions directors from Chicago Booth, SMU Cox, and Michigan Ross will pull back the curtain on how applications are evaluated, what committees prioritize, and the signals that separate strong applicants from the rest. Panelists include Nicole Chen (Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions @ Booth), Lindsay DiAngelo (Associate Director of MBA Admissions @ Ross), and Shelly Heinrich (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ SMU). You’ll hear directly from decision-makers about how they assess essays, recommendations, test scores, and interviews—plus the common mistakes they see every year. Whether you’re finalizing your application or just getting started, this panel will give you rare, insider insight into the admissions process at top programs and practical strategies to improve your chances of success.
Telling Your MBA Admissions Story: Create A Holistic Application
A strong MBA application is more than just a collection of essays, scores, and resumes—it’s a story. In this session, expert MBA admissions coaches Loubna B., Kelsey K., and Dione C. will walk you through how to craft a holistic narrative that ties together your academic background, professional achievements, leadership experiences, and future goals in a way that resonates with top business schools. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your journey unique, weave them across every component of the application, and avoid the common pitfalls of presenting a fragmented profile. Whether you’re just beginning the process or refining your final drafts, this session will give you the tools to create a compelling, authentic story that sets you apart in the competitive MBA admissions landscape.
MBA Interviews Series: Stanford GSB
Jumpstart your Stanford GSB MBA interview prep with up-to-date insights and stage-specific strategies. As application deadlines approach, join expert coach and GSB Grad Claire R. who will help you understand what’s expected, how to prepare, and how to stand out. You’ll learn about the format of the GSB interview (alumni-led, behavioral, highly structured), the key evaluation criteria, and how to craft strong stories using frameworks while balancing polish and authenticity. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear action plan for your interviews—what to practice, how to outline your answers, and how to present your best self when your invitation arrives.
How to Launch your SWE Career: Tips and Tricks for Landing Internships and Entry-Level Jobs
Breaking into software engineering can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re competing for internships and entry-level roles at top tech companies. In this session, Leland coach Abhi V.—a software engineer at Amazon with experience mentoring aspiring developers—will share practical strategies to help you stand out in the recruiting process. You’ll learn how to strengthen your resume, build projects that showcase your skills, and prepare for technical interviews with confidence. Abhi will also cover tips for networking effectively, leveraging career fairs, and avoiding common mistakes that hold candidates back. Whether you’re a student applying to your first internships or a new grad targeting full-time SWE roles, this session will give you the insights and tools to kickstart your career in tech.
Network Your Way
Join this session to learn practical, authentic approaches to networking. You’ll gain tools for preparation, reflection, and activating your network—leaving with ideas and strategies to build stronger, more genuine connections.
Breaking Into Private Equity Panel
Curious about what it takes to succeed in private equity? Join this session for an insightful panel where we’ll break down what the job really entails and how to position yourself for success. Our expert coaches Kenny J., Landon F., and Sereena T. will answer your burning questions and share key tips and strategies to help you break into PE and thrive. Whether you're an investment banker, consultant, or looking to break into private equity from another background, this session will provide a candid look at the day-to-day life of a PE Associate —and what sets successful Associates apart.
Strategies for Crushing the New HBS Essays
The Harvard Business School essays have changed—and so has the strategy you’ll need to stand out. In this workshop, Leland coach Andy P. will walk you through proven approaches for tackling the new prompts with clarity and impact. You’ll learn how to identify the stories that best showcase your leadership, values, and potential, while avoiding common pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong applications. Andy will also share practical tips for structuring your essays, weaving a cohesive narrative across your application, and highlighting the qualities HBS is really looking for. Whether you’re just getting started or refining a draft, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make your essays rise to the top.
How to Prepare for MBA Interviews with Former M7 Admissions Officers
In this session, former M7 admissions officers Kelsey K. (Columbia), Mike H. (Stanford), and Christine B. (Booth) will share insider strategies on how to prepare for one of the most critical parts of the MBA application process: the interview. From traditional behavioral questions to school-specific formats, you’ll learn what top programs are really evaluating and how to showcase your strengths with confidence. You’ll also gain practical tips on structuring your answers, communicating your story clearly, and avoiding the common mistakes that derail otherwise strong applicants. Whether you’re just beginning your prep or gearing up for final rounds, this session will equip you with the tools and insights you need to stand out in MBA interviews.
Real Estate Private Equity: What it is and How to Break In
Real estate private equity (REPE) is one of the most dynamic and lucrative areas of finance—but breaking in can feel like a black box. In this session, Leland coach Ayo K., a former Blackstone associate now working in REPE at a leading global firm, will walk you through what the field actually looks like and how to position yourself for success. You’ll gain an inside look at the types of deals REPE firms pursue, the skills and backgrounds that stand out in recruiting, and what day-to-day work really entails. Whether you’re currently in investment banking, exploring a pivot from another field, or just starting your career planning, this session will give you actionable strategies to understand the industry and take the right steps toward landing a role in real estate private equity.
Introduction: The Three Whys
Overview of "Why Me," "Why the Role," and "Why the Company" for behavioral interview questions.
Introduction to Careers and Recruiting in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading
Curious about careers in Capital Markets and Sales & Trading? In this session, you’ll get a clear overview of what these roles actually involve, how they differ, and what it takes to succeed in each. We’ll also break down the recruiting process, including the skills and qualities firms are looking for, and how you can start preparing now to stand out in interviews. The session will be led by Ryan T., a Leland coach with first-hand experience in investment banking and capital markets, as well as extensive involvement in training and recruiting. He’ll share practical insights on navigating these competitive paths and help you build a roadmap to land your first role in the industry.
From 19 to 34: How I've Helped Students Improve 15+ on the ACT
Big score jumps on the ACT aren’t just possible—they’re achievable with the right strategies, mindset, and support. In this session, you’ll hear directly from an expert ACT coach Blake Y. and learn the proven methods that drive major score improvements, from mastering test-taking strategies to building confidence under pressure. Whether you’re just beginning your ACT journey or aiming for a breakthrough, this event will give you the tools and inspiration to reach your full potential.
Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?
Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.
