Leland+ Content Library

Ask Me Anything: IB Recruiting Insights from a Former Lazard Banker

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—especially if you're targeting elite boutiques or specialized coverage groups. In this AMA-style workshop, Akaash P.—a former Lazard banker with hands-on experience across Media & Telecom, Restructuring (RX), FIG, Energy, and Software—will give you an inside look at what it takes to stand out in IB recruiting. Drawing on cross-sector banking and investing experience, as well as coaching candidates into top groups at elite firms, Akaash will answer your questions on technical prep, industry-specific expectations, crafting a differentiated story, and navigating competitive recruiting processes. Whether you're aiming for M&T, RX, FIG, Energy, or Software roles, or simply want to understand the landscape better, you’ll leave with clear, actionable insights to elevate your recruiting strategy.

How to Answer "Tell Me About Yourself"

"Tell me about yourself" is a common interview question, but there are specific signals that employers are looking for. In this video I will break down how you should approach these questions.

Ace MBA Interviews & Essays: Strategies for Why an MBA/Now/This School

Are you struggling to clearly answer “Why an MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” in both interviews and written applications? These three questions are the backbone of every strong MBA candidacy. In this focused 60-minute session, you’ll learn exactly how to approach them with clarity, specificity, and confidence. We’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for, why these questions matter, and the most common mistakes applicants make. You’ll see detailed examples drawn directly from successful applicant materials, along with in-depth analysis of what makes each example strong or weak. We’ll cover how to link your background, needs, and goals to the right program features, how to avoid generic phrasing, and how to bring authenticity and structure into your responses. Throughout the session, I’ll highlight specific dos and don’ts and walk you through the progression from vague answers to compelling, school-ready responses. You’ll also see how your approach should differ between essays and interviews so your answers feel natural and appropriate in each format. We will close with a Q&A where you can ask about these three questions, your approach, or anything that wasn’t fully clear in the presentation. By the end, you’ll have a sharper understanding of what makes a strong response, how to integrate school-specific research, and how to communicate your story in a way that resonates in both interviews and written applications.

How to Network Like a Pro to Land IB Interviews

Breaking into investment banking isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about building relationships that get you in the door. In this session, you’ll learn proven networking strategies that help candidates turn cold outreach into meaningful conversations, develop strong connections with bankers, and convert touchpoints into interview opportunities. Led by Jonathan S., a former Wells Fargo investment banker and experienced coach who has helped candidates land roles at top firms, this workshop will teach you how to craft effective outreach messages, manage informational interviews, and confidently position your story. Whether you’re early in recruiting or trying to level up your current approach, you’ll leave with actionable tactics you can start using immediately to stand out in a crowded pipeline.

Powerpoint Skill

"/pptx" will create, edit, and analyze PowerPoint presentations (.pptx files) including layouts, content, and speaker notes. To install, run this in your terminal after downloading the file: unzip ~/Downloads/pptx-skill.zip -d ~/.agents/skills/

Application Timeline Walkthrough & Example

In this video I will be walking you through a customizable college application timeline tracker template that I created for you. Check it out and good luck on your applications! Link: https://www.joinleland.com/content/item/urn:contentEntry:694612235b381540d85002f6?fromName=College

UCLA Anderson Example Essay 2: Career Goals

This is an example essay of the Career Goals essay which asks for the short-term and long-term career goals of the applicant (150 word limit).

Customizable Cover Letter Template for Consulting Jobs

This is a generic cover letter template that can be customized to fit any consulting job opportunity you are exploring.

MIT Sloan Personal Statement Short Answer

While MIT Sloan does not have a traditional personal statement, they do have a Short Answer portion of their application following their behavioral cover letter and video introduction. This is an example of the Short Answer from an MIT Sloan admit.

HBS Admit Full Letter of Recommendation Example

This is an example of a letter of recommendation that lead to candidate admittance into the Harvard Business School.

Mastering Communication for Koreans: Becoming a Global Communicator

Learn how Korean professionals can communicate with confidence in global environments. In this session, we’ll show you how to overcome language barriers, adapt to different cultural expectations, and present yourself clearly in international meetings, interviews, and cross-border teamwork. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately to improve clarity, influence, and communication impact in any global setting. Whether you're looking to enhance your presentation skills, understand nonverbal cues, or learn how to persuade and influence in diverse settings, this session is for you. I'm Caolan, your guide for this journey. With a rich background in leading international teams, I've helped countless professionals speak with precision, presence, and authority. I specialize in coaching leaders to thrive across cultures, blending practical techniques with a deep understanding of what makes people listen, remember, and act. Join us to transform your communication skills and turn everyday presentations into opportunities to influence.

TOEFL Writing Test Sample

This is an example of a TOEFL Integrated Writing answer. It shows you a good example of essay structure, length, and logic.

Behavioral Interviews & How to Tell Your Story

Landing an investment banking offer starts long before the technical questions—your behavioral responses and personal story often determine whether you even move forward. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling narrative that highlights your motivations, showcases your strengths, and aligns with what banks actually look for in candidates. We’ll break down common behavioral questions, effective frameworks, and the biggest pitfalls that sink interviews, plus how to tailor your story whether you’re coming from finance, consulting, engineering, or a non-traditional background. You’ll leave with clear strategies, practice prompts, and a structured approach you can use to walk into interviews with confidence and tell a story that sticks.

Top 5 Tips for Succeeding on the GMAT

Want to boost your GMAT score with advice that actually moves the needle? Join Leland coach Bruce H., a seasoned GMAT expert who has helped candidates earn elite scores and gain admission to top MBA programs. Bruce will break down his top five most impactful strategies-from mastering data sufficiency to managing timing and building a high-yield study plan-so you can approach test day with confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking for a final score jump, you'll walk away with practical techniques you can implement immediately.

Application Timeline Tracker Template

I created this template to help you use your time effectively while applying to college! Check out a video I made explaining how to use it here: https://www.joinleland.com/content/item/urn:contentEntry:6946127756b5b2f63a8db7f6?fromName=College

Sample Answer to a Resume Deep Dive Question

This is an example of a resume deep dive in a consulting interview.

Private Equity Networking & Firm Outreach Strategy

Breaking into private equity requires more than strong technical skills—it demands targeted networking, strategic outreach, and a clear understanding of how firms make hiring decisions. In this session, Brian L., a Chicago Booth MBA and former portfolio operations professional at Vista Equity Partners, will share how he built relationships across the PE ecosystem while working with B2B software companies on sales strategy, revenue operations, and customer success. Drawing on his experience navigating both the PE and MBA recruiting landscapes, Brian will walk you through how to structure outreach, build meaningful connections, and position yourself effectively for on- and off-cycle opportunities.

Human + AI Collaboration: Learn How to Think With AI

In this reflective and practical workshop, you’ll learn how to use AI as a true thought partner--one that helps you reason through ideas, uncover blind spots, and make better decisions. Through live examples, you’ll see how to move beyond surface-level use (like writing or summarizing) and instead use AI to challenge assumptions, explore alternatives, and clarify strategy. You’ll practice “collaborative prompting,” a method that turns AI into a sparring partner that helps you think deeper, faster, and more creatively. Outcomes: You’ll leave with a set of conversational prompts for strategic thinking, a clearer understanding of what humans do best in an AI-powered world, and confidence using AI as an extension of your judgment and creativity. Learning Objectives: *Recognize when to rely on human intuition vs. AI reasoning *Practice “collaborative prompting” for deeper insight and reflection *Use AI strategically to analyze, debate, and refine complex ideas

How I Founded, Scaled and Exited my Brand Last Year

Cashmere is the Founder and CEO of Beauty Bakerie, a cosmetics company she built into a globally distributed brand before being acquired by West Lane Capital Partners. Sold in nearly 2000 locations worldwide and backed by more than $15M in venture capital, Beauty Bakerie grew into San Diego’s fastest-growing private company from 2015 to 2017 and developed a strong, multi-platform social media presence with over 1M followers. The brand earned recognition from publications including Allure, Cosmopolitan, Forbes, Good Morning America, Teen Vogue, Essence, Elle, Oprah, and BuzzFeed. As a founder who led vision, branding, product development, and overall strategy, Cashmere has firsthand experience navigating fundraising, hyper-growth, market expansion, and the acquisition process. In this session, she will share key lessons from scaling a consumer brand, building a team, developing products, working with retailers, and preparing for exit. Attendees will gain insight into what drives brand value, how to manage rapid growth, and the strategic decisions that shaped Beauty Bakerie’s trajectory from inception to acquisition.

Leadership Question Responses Debrief

This video debrief covers the Sample Answers to Leadership Questions, including both the college club and LinkedIn team examples.