Leland+ Content Library

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/9/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

The Overrepresented Applicant’s Blueprint to MBA Admissions [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Many MBA applicants from consulting, finance, and technology backgrounds underestimate one of the central challenges of the admissions process: differentiation. In this workshop, I'll breaks down how admissions committees evaluate “overrepresented” applicant demographics — and, more importantly, what separates memorable candidates from interchangeable ones. Drawing on experience coaching applicants across M7 and top global MBA programs, the session explores how candidates can move beyond prestige signaling and build a more distinctive, cohesive, and authentic application narrative. Participants will learn how to: * Understand how admissions committees evaluate candidates from highly competitive industries * Identify the most common positioning mistakes made by finance, consulting, and tech applicants * Build stronger differentiation across essays, resumes, interviews, and recommendation strategies * Develop clearer personal themes, leadership narratives, and career vision * Communicate impact and self-awareness beyond titles, brands, and technical accomplishments * Highlight distinctive experiences, perspectives, and motivations that create memorability * Avoid “over-coached” applications and develop more authentic storytelling * Position career transitions, long-term goals, and leadership potential more strategically Whether you come from investment banking, private equity, consulting, big tech, product management, engineering, or another highly represented background, this session is designed to help you better understand how to stand out in one of the most competitive areas of MBA admissions.

Insider Tips for the Harvard Kennedy School App from Former AdCom [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School requires more than simply demonstrating policy interest or public service commitment. This session will provide insider perspective on how the HKS admissions committee evaluates candidates, what distinguishes successful applicants, and the common mistakes that undermine otherwise strong profiles. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to position their experiences, essays, and career vision to align with what HKS looks for in future public leaders.

Outstanding Law School Admissions Essays with Indrani, Former Stanford Law AdCom [6/24/2026] (Recording)

Your law school application essays are arguably the most important aspect of your law school applications. To have the best outcomes and plenty of options at the end of the process, you need to craft compelling essays with solid narratives that paint a picture beyond your numbers. We will talk about different essay prompts and how best to tackle them, why it makes sense to have two 'main' essays instead of just one, how to handle optional essays and the dreaded 'why x school' essays. We will also have time for some 'Ask Me Anything' at the end!

DWY: Lead Gen Hotseat [6/6/2026] (Recording)

In this live session, we'll show you how to build an AI-powered intake and follow-up system that captures leads and nurtures them automatically. Agenda: - Welcome & Quick Win (5 min) - Mini-Framework: AI Lead Gen for Law Firms (10 min) - Live Hot Seats: Real intake and follow-up system teardowns (20 min) - Recap & Resource Drop (5 min) - CTA: Book a System Builder Sprint for your law firm (5 min) What you'll walk away with: - A blueprint for an AI intake system tailored to sourcing practices - Examples of automated follow-up sequences that convert - A step-by-step action plan you can start building this week Ready to build your system? Book a System Builder Sprint after the session.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 7) School Fit & Application Strategy [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the seventh of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will map your story directly to each school’s application components and develop a clear strategy for how your application will come together. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. This session moves your MBA application forward by translating your story, goals, and strengths into a clear strategy for each target school: • Map your themes and key stories to each school’s essay prompts. • Determine which experiences and examples will appear in each component of the application. • Integrate insights from your outreach conversations with students and alumni. • Identify any gaps or risks in your profile and plan how to address them. This is the phase where preparation turns into a clear application plan. Instead of staring at essay prompts and wondering where to start, you will have a structured outline of exactly what each part of your application will communicate. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to translate your story into a clear plan for each school on your list, this is your next step.

The LinkedIn Edge: Techniques to craft a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed. [6/25/2026] (Recording)

Strong LinkedIn profiles are not about copying and pasting your resume. They are about communicating credibility, expertise, leadership, and professional value in a way that attracts recruiters, hiring managers, clients, and professional opportunities. In this workshop, I'll share practical frameworks and real-world strategies for building LinkedIn profiles that are clear, differentiated, and professionally compelling. Drawing from experience as both a hiring manager and strategic operator across organizations including Samsung, Deloitte, eBay, Homejoy, and Serviz — as well as years coaching MBA students, Executive MBA professionals, and experienced hires at UCLA Anderson — the session bridges the gap between how professionals describe themselves online and how decision-makers actually evaluate talent and potential. Participants will learn how to: • Craft LinkedIn headlines and summaries that immediately strengthen positioning • Translate experiences into accomplishment-driven, high-impact profile content • Communicate leadership, ownership, and measurable results effectively • Optimize profiles for recruiter search visibility and discoverability • Build stronger professional credibility and executive presence online • Differentiate themselves from peers through narrative clarity and profile structure • Avoid common LinkedIn mistakes that weaken otherwise strong candidates • Understand how recruiters and hiring managers actually review LinkedIn profiles The workshop also explores the hidden factors that elevate top LinkedIn profiles — including clarity of positioning, narrative cohesion, keyword strategy, profile architecture, and demonstrating strategic thinking rather than simply listing responsibilities.

AMA with a Former BCG Partner & Interviewer [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Interested in consulting? Curious about how top firms actually evaluate candidates? Join this interactive AMA with a former BCG Partner who progressed from Associate to Partner and spent years interviewing 100+ candidates, leading experienced-hire recruiting, and helping shape hiring decisions. This is not a presentation. There are no slides and no scripted agenda. Instead, you'll have the opportunity to ask candid questions and get direct, insider perspectives on the topics that matter most to you. The conversation will be driven entirely by your questions, allowing us to focus on the areas where you need the most guidance. Topics may include: * Building an effective application strategy * CV positioning and standing out from the crowd * Referrals and networking that actually make a difference * Choosing the right office * Avoiding the mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates * Case interview preparation * Behavioral and fit interviews * What interviewers are really looking for * How to maximize your chances of receiving an offer Having served as an anchor interviewer and led recruiting efforts, I have a unique perspective on what separates successful candidates from those who fall short—and what it takes not only to break into consulting, but to thrive once you're there. Whether you're applying this cycle, preparing for interviews, or simply exploring consulting as a career path, this is an opportunity to get honest answers and practical advice from someone who has been on the decision-making side of the table. Please RSVP to secure your spot.

The Resume Edge: Craft a resume that stands out and lands you more interviews. [6/19/2026] (Recording)

Strong resumes are not about listing responsibilities. They are about communicating impact, progression, leadership, and value in a way that immediately resonates with recruiters, hiring managers, and admissions committees. In this workshop, I'll share practical frameworks and real-world strategies for building resumes that are clear, differentiated, and results-oriented. Drawing on my experience as both a hiring manager and strategic operator across organizations including Samsung, Deloitte, eBay, Homejoy and Serviz, and coaching professionals and MBA candidates, the session bridges the gap between how candidates describe their work and how decision-makers actually evaluate talent. Participants will learn how to: • Transform task-focused bullets into accomplishment-driven narratives • Communicate leadership, ownership, and measurable impact effectively • Highlight career progression and differentiate themselves from peers • Tailor resumes for specific industries, functions, and recruiting objectives • Avoid common resume mistakes that weaken otherwise strong candidates • Understand how recruiters and hiring managers actually scan and evaluate resumes The workshop also explores the hidden factors that elevate top resumes — including clarity of positioning, narrative cohesion, prioritization of information, and demonstrating strategic thinking rather than simply operational execution. Attendees consistently describe the workshop as one of the most practical and immediately actionable resume sessions they have attended — particularly because the frameworks continue to be useful throughout their careers, not just for a single application cycle. RSVP today. Space is limited.

What Is AI Actually Good For? A Plain-English Breakdown [6/27/2026] (Recording)

Everyone's talking about AI. But most business owners still don't know what it actually does — or why it matters for them right now. This free 45-minute session cuts through the noise and gives you a clear, honest, jargon-free breakdown of what AI can and cannot do for your business in 2026. We'll cover: • The real difference between AI hype and what's actually useful today • The 4 categories of tasks where AI delivers the fastest ROI for small businesses • Common mistakes business owners make when evaluating AI tools • A side-by-side comparison: what it costs to hire vs. what it costs to automate • How Plinko Solutions implements AI systems for businesses in as little as 3 weeks This is not a pitch. It's an education session designed to help you make a smart, informed decision about whether — and how — AI fits into your business. Perfect for: → Business owners who keep hearing about AI but don't know where to start → Managers tired of guessing which tools are worth the investment → Entrepreneurs who want a competitive edge without a massive tech budget Free. No catch. Just clarity.

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

How to Tell If You’re Ready to Apply to Medical School [6/19/2026] (Recording)

**How to Tell If You’re Ready to Apply to Medical School** Many students focus on GPA and MCAT scores when deciding whether they are ready to apply to medical school. However, successful applications are built on much more than academic metrics alone. In this presentation, we'll explore the questions that many pre-med students, gap year applicants, and reapplicants find themselves asking before submitting their applications: * Is my GPA strong enough? * Is my MCAT score competitive? * Do I have enough clinical experience? * Are my extracurriculars meaningful and impactful? * What hidden weaknesses might I be missing? * Should I apply this cycle or wait? * Would a gap year help me? * Am I emotionally ready for the application process? Through a holistic admissions lens, we'll discuss what medical schools are truly looking for beyond numbers, including academic readiness, clinical and service experiences, personal narrative development, application strategy, and emotional preparedness. Whether you're preparing for your first application cycle, considering a gap year, or planning a reapplication, this session will help you evaluate your strengths, identify areas for growth, and make informed decisions about your timeline. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what makes an application feel genuinely competitive, cohesive, and ready for submission. **Hosted by Dr. Vicki**, a board-certified physician advisor with more than 17 years of medical admissions advising experience helping applicants across the United States and internationally navigate the path to medical school.

Ten things you can do today to launch your MBA application journey. [6/10/2026] (Recording)

The MBA application journey can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to start that way. The secret isn't finding a shortcut; it's knowing exactly where to begin. Whether you're 6 months out or just starting to explore your options, there are concrete, high-impact actions you can take right now to build momentum and set yourself up for success. This workshop breaks down ten practical steps you can take today to launch your MBA application journey with clarity and confidence. From strengthening your academic and test profile to crafting your narrative, identifying the right schools, and preparing the people in your corner, you'll leave with a clear action plan—not just inspiration. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Identify the immediate steps that will have the greatest impact on your candidacy, no matter where you are in the process. * Strengthen your academic and test profile by addressing gaps proactively and positioning yourself for success. * Showcase career progression and leadership through an accomplishment-based resume and targeted professional achievements. * Begin crafting your story by clarifying your motivations, values, and post-MBA goals. * Secure powerful recommendations by selecting and preparing the right advocates early. * Demonstrate authentic school fit through research-driven insights that align your goals with each program's unique offerings.

Law School Application Timeline (& Dual Degrees) [6/23/2026] (Recording)

**GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES: $50 COACHING CREDIT** A strong law school application is rarely built at the last minute. The most successful applicants understand what needs to happen months before they ever hit submit. This session is for aspiring law students who want a clear roadmap for the application process, including key milestones, deadlines, and considerations for dual-degree programs. You’ll learn how to structure your timeline, prioritize the right activities at the right stages, and avoid common mistakes that can create unnecessary stress or weaken an application. Join live to hear from two University of Pennsylvania Law graduates who are now law admissions experts. Drawing from both personal experience and years of advising applicants, they’ll walk through what an effective application timeline actually looks like and how candidates can stay ahead throughout the process. Whether you're applying to a JD program or exploring dual-degree options, you'll leave with a practical plan for moving forward with confidence.

The Interview Edge: Proven techniques for answering challenging questions. [6/12/2026] (Recording)

“Finally, an interview workshop that teaches you how to think not just what to say.” Strong interviews are not about memorizing perfect answers. They are about communicating judgment, leadership, and impact in a way that feels clear, structured, and authentic under pressure. In this workshop, I'll share practical frameworks and real-world strategies for answering behavioral, situational, and high-pressure interview questions with confidence and precision. Drawing from my experience as both a hiring manager and strategic operator across organizations including Samsung, Deloitte, eBay, Homejoy and Serviz, as well as years coaching working professionals and MBA candidates, the session bridges the gap between what candidates think interviewers want and how hiring decisions are actually made. Participants will learn how to: • Structure compelling behavioral answers using proven frameworks • Navigate hypothetical and situational questions without sounding scripted • Communicate leadership, ownership, and measurable impact effectively • Handle difficult follow-up questions and think clearly under pressure • Translate complex experiences into concise, persuasive interview stories • Improve executive presence, clarity, and confidence during interviews • Understand what hiring managers and interviewers are actually evaluating beneath the surface The workshop also explores common interview pitfalls that weaken otherwise strong candidates: over-explaining, weak framing, lack of specificity, and failing to communicate strategic thinking or decision-making process. Attendees consistently describe the workshop as one of the most practical and immediately actionable interview sessions they have attended. RSVP today. Space is limited.

Core Values: Your College Essay Superpower [6/19/2026] (Recording)

What makes a college essay truly unforgettable? More often than not, it comes down to one thing: a clear sense of the applicant's core values. As someone who has coached 150+ college applicants—with clients admitted to all 8 Ivy League schools, Stanford, UChicago, and more—I know that students who understand their core values write stronger essays, build more cohesive applications, and approach the process with greater confidence. In this webinar, I'll show you what core values actually are (and what they're not). We'll explore why they matter across your entire application (not just your personal statement), and how to identify and use yours to write college essays that only you could have written. Whether you're working on your personal statement, UC PIQs, or supplemental essays, this webinar will give you the tools to make every essay feel unmistakably yours.

MBA Essay Bootcamp: How to tell a story no other applicant can [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Unlock the secrets to crafting an unforgettable MBA essay with our MBA Essay Bootcamp! Join me, Hanie, as we dive into the art of storytelling that sets you apart from the competition. With my background as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and an MBA graduate from Columbia Business School, I bring a wealth of experience in admissions and essay crafting. In this session, we'll explore how to weave your unique experiences into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees. Whether you're just starting your application journey or looking to refine your essays, this bootcamp is designed to elevate your application strategy. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step towards your dream MBA program!

From Generic to Hired | How to Polish Your CV for AI & Tech Jobs [6/15/2026] (Recording)

Join this practical mentoring session designed to help students, graduates, and early-career professionals improve their CVs for tech and AI roles. Led by an Ex-Microsoft professional and current Agentic AI Engineer at Accenture/Avanade, this session will show you how to move beyond a generic CV and tailor your experience for every job you apply to. We’ll cover how to read job descriptions properly, identify the skills recruiters actually look for, highlight projects and technical experience, use AI/ML keywords naturally, and structure your CV so it feels relevant, clear, and competitive. Whether you’re applying for internships, graduate schemes, AI roles, software engineering positions, data jobs, or consulting roles, this session will give you practical tips you can apply straight away. You’ll learn how to: -> Tailor your CV for each tech or AI job -> Make projects and experiences sound more impactful -> Use keywords without making your CV sound robotic -> Avoid common mistakes that get CVs ignored -> Present yourself clearly, even if you have limited experience A great session for anyone looking to stand out in a competitive tech job market.

Ace the Case: Case Interview 101 [6/27/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into consulting is one of the most competitive career moves you can make and the case interview is the gatekeeper! In this live session, Jonathan Diaz, a BCG alum and Tuck MBA, will walk you through everything you need to know to walk into your next case interview with confidence: from understanding the two case delivery styles used by top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, to building airtight frameworks, cracking exhibits, performing live math, and delivering a sharp, CEO-ready recommendation. Whether you've never cased before or you're looking to sharpen your edge, you'll leave this session with a clear understanding of the end-to-end case flow, proven strategies for each stage, and the mindset shifts that separate good candidates from the ones who get offers.

The MBB Reapplication Playbook [6/24/2026] (Recording)

Getting rejected from McKinsey, Bain, or BCG is discouraging, especially when consulting is a goal you've worked hard toward. If you're considering reapplying, know that what you're feeling is completely normal, and you're far from alone in this situation. The good news is that MBB firms regularly extend offers to candidates on their second attempt. Reapplication is not just accepted; it's common, and firms genuinely want to see candidates grow and try again. Many consultants currently at MBB firms have a rejection somewhere in their story. The difference between those who succeed the second time and those who don't usually comes down to a few deliberate steps taken between applications. In this webinar, we'll break down exactly what those steps are, from strengthening your profile to refining your case prep approach, so you can put your best foot forward and turn that rejection into an offer.