Leland+ Content Library
How Top MBA Applicants Nail “Why MBA” and “Why Now”
“Why MBA” and “Why now” are two of the most important—and most challenging—questions in any MBA application. This session is designed to help you craft clear, convincing answers that show purpose, timing, and fit. In this event, you’ll learn how top applicants connect past experiences to future goals, articulate strong motivations, and avoid common pitfalls that weaken these essays and interview responses. We’ll also cover what admissions committees look for and how to make your story stand out. Whether you’re just starting your application or refining your narrative, you’ll leave with practical frameworks and greater confidence.
M7 Interview Series: Stanford
Stanford interviews are a pivotal step in the M7 admissions process, and thoughtful preparation can set you apart. This interview series is designed to help you approach your Stanford interview with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to structure strong answers, communicate your goals and values effectively, and handle common behavioral and fit questions. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or refining your approach, you’ll leave with practical strategies to stand out.
Making Your Grad School Application Memorable
In a crowded applicant pool, strong credentials are not enough to stand out. In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a compelling, cohesive application that clearly communicates your story, goals, and fit beyond test scores and GPAs. We’ll break down what admissions committees actually remember, how to connect your essays, resume, and recommendations into a unified narrative, and the common mistakes that cause applications to blend in. You’ll leave with practical strategies to make your graduate school application distinctive, authentic, and impactful.
Term Sheets 101 - For First Time Founders
Are you a first-time founder navigating the complex world of venture capital and fundraising? Join me for "Term Sheets 101" where we'll demystify the essentials of term sheets and equip you with the knowledge to confidently engage with investors - decoding the term sheet so you don't get burned on your first raise. By the end of the event, you'll understand valuation, dilution, liquidation preferences, and protective provisions - which are all critical terms that affect your company for years. With a background as a Stanford entrepreneurship instructor and founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub, I've guided numerous entrepreneurs in securing their first term sheets and then scaling their ventures nationally >> globally. My experience spans founding, operating, investing, and ecosystem building, providing a comprehensive perspective on entrepreneurship.
Stanford Learning Design & Technology - Rec Prep
Comprehensive recommender prep guide for aspiring candidates of the Stanford MS Learning, Design & Technology, Graduate School of Education
Final Push: Perfecting Your Master’s Application Before the Deadline
The deadline is almost here—make sure your Master’s application is truly ready. In this session, expert Leland coaches will walk you through the final checks that matter most, from tightening your narrative to eliminating subtle weaknesses that could cost you an admit. You’ll leave with a clear, prioritized plan to submit a polished, compelling application with confidence.
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!
GSB Admit - What Matters Most - Finance VC Climate
What Matters Most Essay Example - climate, career, and future ambitions
GSB Admit - Why Stanford Essay - Climate VC
Why Stanford essay from finance > climate VC candidate
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
GSB Admit - What Matters Most Essay Example
What Matters Most Essay Example - exploring family history, career, and future ambitions at GSB
GSB Admit - Recommendation Letter Example
Example Direct Manager Recommendation from GSB Admit
GSB & HBS Admit - Resume - Finance / VC - Climate
Resume of American admit to GSB and HBS - GS to VC - Climate Tech
GSB Admit - Resume
Resume for an international student GSB admit - woman working in manufacturing
M7 MBA Resume Differentiators - School by School Guide
A detailed school-by-school guide on refining your resume for competitive M7 MBA programs
Bootstrapping Versus Fundraising for Startup Founders
One of the biggest decisions every founder faces is how to fund their startup—should you bootstrap or raise capital? In this workshop, Angela C.—a Stanford entrepreneurship instructor and founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub—will walk you through the pros and cons of each approach and how to determine what’s right for your business. Having bootstrapped her own SaaS startup to users in 80+ countries and coached hundreds of first-time founders, Angela will share frameworks for evaluating funding strategies, building sustainable business models, and pitching effectively when you’re ready to raise. Whether you’re launching your first MVP or scaling toward growth, this session will help you make smarter, more strategic funding decisions.
Score Your Shot - M7 MBA Candidate Profile Evaluation
Evaluate your M7 MBA competitiveness with this comprehensive scoring rubric. Discover your true standing across 6 dimensions.
Didn’t Land an MBB Offer? Here’s What to Do Next
Not landing an MBB offer isn’t the end of your consulting journey—it’s the start of your next opportunity. In this workshop, Angela C.—a Stanford instructor, venture coach, and former Deloitte Senior Consultant—will share how to turn a setback into a launchpad for success. With experience coaching founders, high-achieving professionals, and aspiring consultants, Angela will walk you through practical next steps to strengthen your profile, explore adjacent roles, and strategically position yourself for future cycles or alternative paths in consulting, startups, or venture capital. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and an actionable plan to move forward.
The How Might We Framework for Reframing Problems
Learn what makes a great "How Might We" statement (broad enough for creativity, narrow enough to be actionable, outcome-focused), see examples from Notion and Loom showing insight-to-HMW transformation, and get tips for writing HMWs that inspire your team.
