Leland+ Content Library

Decoding Power and Presence: How to Navigate Organizations and Show Up in High-Stakes Rooms

Organizations aren’t run by org charts alone. Beneath every structure is an invisible operating system — the flow of influence, unspoken rules, and subtle cues that shape how work actually gets done. The ability to move effectively across different leaders and rooms isn’t about having the biggest title; it’s about understanding power and showing up with clarity and confidence. ​In this workshop with Abid C., we’ll explore how to read organizational dynamics, recognize the informal networks that matter, and build presence that resonates in high-stakes environments. You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your influence and navigate complex situations with credibility.

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.

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.

Business Culture Guide UK For Americans

A first overview on the particularities of British business culture

Inside the Admissions Process: Featuring Directors from Yale, NYU, and Duke

What really happens behind the scenes when you hit “submit” on your MBA application? In Part 1 of this session, admissions directors from Yale SOM, NYU Stern, and Duke Fuqua 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 Bruce DelMonico (Assistant Dean for Admissions @ Yale), Matthew Moll (Director of MBA Admissions @ Stern), and Allison Jamison (Assistant Dean of Admissions @ Duke). ​​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.

Trends in VC Hiring: What Firms are Looking For

Breaking into venture capital is notoriously challenging—often less about chasing the biggest brand names and more about finding the right fit. In this session, expert coach Natalie L. unpack the latest trends in VC recruiting and share what firms actually value when evaluating candidates. ​You’ll learn how the hiring landscape is evolving, what skills and experiences stand out today, and how candidates from non-traditional backgrounds can successfully position themselves for roles in venture. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for networking, building credibility, and navigating a process that’s often informal and relationship-driven. ​Whether you’re actively recruiting or just exploring a career in VC, this session will give you insider insights and actionable advice to sharpen your approach and increase your chances of breaking in.

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.

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.

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.

The Application Mindset That Changed Everything: My Path to Stanford

Most school applications sound the same: "I've always dreamed of attending your prestigious program because..." But what if there's a completely different approach that admissions committees actually want to see? In this free session, I'll share the exact mindset shift that transformed my application strategy and led to my Stanford acceptance. You'll discover: - Why traditional application advice often backfires - The critical perspective change that makes you stand out instantly - How to demonstrate value to programs (not just desire to attend) - Real examples from my Stanford application materials Whether you're targeting top-tier programs or finding your best-fit school, this session will fundamentally change how you approach your applications.

Introduction: The Three Whys

Overview of "Why Me," "Why the Role," and "Why the Company" for behavioral interview questions.

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.

Develop Your Plan of Attack: Breaking 705 on the GMAT

Develop Your GMAT Plan of Attack: How to Break 705 with Precision, Stamina, and Strategy Crushing the GMAT isn’t about memorizing facts—it’s about sharpening logic, mastering time pressure, and building test-day readiness. In this session, we’ll walk through how to practice effectively, which prep resources to trust, how to simulate the real exam environment, and how to craft a weekly study plan that builds stamina and precision. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to cross the 705 threshold with confidence.

School List Development Guide

A step-by-step guide to developing a balanced and compelling school list for any master’s program. Learn how to categorize, research, and narrow your options strategically.

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.

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.

The ACT Has Changed—Here’s How to Get Ready

With recent updates to the ACT, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s new—and how to prepare strategically. In this workshop, Rebekah R.—a perfect scorer with over a decade of test prep experience, including as a former SAT/ACT tutor at The Princeton Review—will break down the changes and share how students can adapt their study approach for success. ​Rebekah has guided countless students to their target scores by combining proven strategies with personalized support. She’ll walk you through what’s different on the test, what remains the same, and the most effective ways to prepare with confidence. Whether you’re testing soon or planning ahead, this session will help you stay ahead of the curve.

From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications

​Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. ​We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.

Your Problem Statement: The Most Significant Issue You Care About Solving In Your Career

Identify the problem or opportunity that most motivates you and articulate how it connects to your long-term goals.