Leland+ Content Library

Writing the “Why MBA?” Essay

Learn to clearly articulate why you need an MBA now, why each school fits, and how it connects to your long-term vision.

GSB Admit - Rec Letter - Direct Manager VC

Example Direct Manager Recommendation from GSB Admit

GSB Admit - Recommendation Letter - Board Chair

Example Recommendation from GSB Admit, by Board Chair of the community service organization they founded

VC 101 - How Venture Capital Actually Works

Curious about how venture capital really works? We'll be venture capital for founders who've never raised before - understanding the VC business model, fund economics, decision-making process, and what VCs actually look for in early-stage investments to best understand how to 1) target VCs and 2) obtain term sheets. As a Stanford entrepreneurship instructor and founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub, I bring a wealth of experience in guiding first-time founders through the complexities of launching and scaling their ventures. With a background in founding a global SaaS product and investing in the future of work, I offer a 360-degree perspective on entrepreneurship. Whether you're looking to refine your pitch or understand the nuances of venture capital, this event is your chance to gain valuable insights. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

The 'Favorite Product' Question

Session 4 from Oct25 Product Management Recruiting bootcamp

Is a U.S. Degree Still Worth It? Hear from Recent F-1 Grads & BigTech Hiring Managers

​With a turbulent U.S. political climate, difficult economic conditions, and the rise of global multipolarity, many applicants are asking: Is a U.S. degree still worth it? ​Recent U.S. visa policy updates have added new layers of complexity to the decision, leaving international students and early-career professionals weighing the risks and rewards of moving to the US more carefully than ever. ​In this panel moderated by Soundarya (Author of Unshackled, O-1 recipient, Columbia MS'19), you’ll hear from Angela C. (recent O-1 recipient, Stanford MIP '23), David H. (Former Recruiter @ Meta, Intuit & A16Z), and Madhuri M. (recent green card recipient, former Product Hiring Manager @ Adobe) who have hired, coached, and worked with with dozens of international applicants. They’ll share candid perspectives on how U.S. employers view international candidates, what still pays off, what may be shifting, and how to think about long-term career security in light of today’s environment. ​You’ll leave with a grounded understanding of both the opportunities and the risks of studying in order to work in the U.S., so you can make an informed decision about whether pursuing a U.S. degree aligns with your future goals.

AI-Proofing Your Career

Join this session to learn how to manage your career in a world increasingly run by AI. Expert coach Audra Z. will walk through what AI can--and can't--do now and how these trends extrapolate into the future. Then she will dive into what you can do to adapt and stay at the top of your game, including incorporating AI into your workflow, developing/deepening transferable skills, and leaning into the things that we, as humans, do best. ​This workshop draws on Audra's extensive experience with AI and AI safety communities, including work at xAI, the Center for AI Safety, Cornell Tech, Arkose, and Penn Engineering.

Mock McKinsey PEI with 2 McKinsey Alums

The McKinsey Personal Experience Interview (PEI) can be just as challenging as the case—if not more. In this session, two McKinsey expert coaches James H. and Christina B. will walk through a live mock PEI, showing you exactly how top firms evaluate leadership, impact, and problem-solving in behavioral interviews. ​Whether you’re just beginning your prep or refining your final stories, this event will give you a front-row look at how to succeed in one of the most critical parts of the McKinsey interview process.

How to Create a Winning DMBA Resume

The resume is one of the most important elements of your Deferred MBA application. Besides being the basis of your entire application, it's also where you get to sell the Admissions Committee on your story, and prove to them why they should take a chance on you. In this event, we'll review the various components of the resume and discuss how to mine your background and experience to make you stand out!

Crack the MBB Case

​Breaking into McKinsey, Bain, or BCG requires mastering one of the toughest hurdles in consulting recruiting: the case interview. In this workshop, Mattijs B.—a Bain consultant who has personally completed 250+ cases and delivered 2,000+ mock interviews—will walk you through what it takes to succeed. With experience helping dozens of candidates land offers at MBB and other top firms in both the U.S. and Europe, Mattijs will share proven frameworks, strategies, and insights to help you stand out.

Breaking Into & Excelling in Product Marketing: Top 10 Proven Attributes of Exceptional PMMs

Product Marketing is one of the most dynamic and impactful roles in marketing. It is also not consistently defined across organizations. Without a clear understanding of what truly drives success, it’s easy to get overlooked for promotions, or miss the mark when trying to break into the role. ​Join Amy Chou (Former Google & TikTok Product Marketing Exec) and Kevin Au (Former Product Marketing Executive at Bill) for a 45-minute Q&A style discussion. Designed for: ​Marketers looking to break into PMM, and ​Current PMMs wanting to level up and accelerate their career growth ​Together, these two former PMM senior leaders will share insider insights on the Top 10 Attributes of Exceptional PMMs, qualities that separate great PMMs from good ones. ​You’ll walk away with: ​What hiring managers really look for when building PMM teams. ​The critical skills and traits top-performing PMMs consistently demonstrate. ​Guidance to assess your own strengths and identify growth areas. ​Real-world examples of how these show up in day-to-day work. ​Join us and leave with practical tips to elevate your impact and accelerate your PMM growth!

Sample Written Communications to Supervisor

See real examples of effective emails for status updates, feedback requests, and tough conversations to manage your supervisor’s expectations.

Synthesizing Interview Discoveries into Useful Insights

Learn how to consolidate interview data, identify patterns (problem, solution, pain point, language, and buyer patterns), prioritize insights using frequency × urgency framework, validate your JTBD statement with real customer language, and make three critical decisions: Is this worth solving? What's the MVP? Who do we build for first?

Working Effectively with Your Supervisor

Master the art of managing up, ensuring clear communication, and securing the guidance you need to thrive on your project.

Executive Systems for Life and Work: Applying CEO-Level Tools to Your Personal and Family Life

The best leaders don’t just run great companies—they run their lives with the same level of clarity, structure, and purpose. In this session, expert Leland coach Gwen T. will share how to apply executive-level systems and frameworks to your personal and family life to create more alignment, efficiency, and peace of mind. ​You’ll walk away with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to operate your life like a high-performing organization—without losing sight of what matters most.

Making a Law School Prep Plan: How to Ace the LSAT and your Application

Applying to law school takes strategy—from your LSAT prep timeline to how you craft your personal statement. In this session, expert Leland coaches Eshaan S. and Machmud M. will walk you through how to build a smart, structured plan that sets you up for success across every part of the process. ​By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for tackling the LSAT, managing your application materials, and presenting your best self to admissions committees.

Key Skills to Prioritize in Year 1

Focus your development efforts on the few core competencies—like structured thinking and executive presence—that drive promotions and impact.

Building a Technical Skills for Non-Technical PMs

A practical guide for non-technical Product Managers to build technical fluency and lead confidently in tech-driven teams.