Leland+ Content Library

Transform Your Personal Brand

An introspective video to help you clarify, refine, and communicate your unique value across resumes, interviews, and networking conversations.

Admissions Insiders: What Schools are Really Looking For [8/19/2026] (Recording)

Admissions can feel like a black box. What actually moves the needle on your application? How much does the interview matter? Nobody tells you, because the people who know aren't usually the people talking. This panel changes that. Three former MBA admissions officers, the people who used to sit on the other side of the table deciding who got in and who didn't, are coming together to tell you what they actually looked for. Now they coach applicants through this exact process, so they've seen it from both sides: what gets an application noticed, and what gets it rejected. If you're applying to a top MBA program, this is the closest you'll get to sitting in on the room where those decisions get made.

What MBA Interviewers Are Really Evaluating

MBA interviews are less about having the “right” answers and more about how you show up. In this panel, former MBA interviewers will share firsthand insight into what admissions committees are actually assessing during interviews, from leadership presence and self-awareness to clarity of goals and authenticity. You’ll learn how interviewers interpret your stories, what common signals raise red flags, and how to prepare in a way that feels confident rather than rehearsed. Whether you’re interviewing soon or planning ahead, this session will help you understand how to perform at your best when it matters most.

LBS Example Essays - Admitted Candidate

LBS (London Business School) Example Essays - Admitted Candidate

Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA

MBA Optional Essay Example addressing a low GPA and mental health challenges. Asian Male.

CBS MBA Example Essays

CBS MBS successful example essays. Asian Male, low GPA.

HBS MBA Example Successful Essays

HBS MBA Example Successful Essays. Asian Male - Consulting.

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

MBA Recommendation Letter Example

Women in MBA Panel

Join us for an exclusive Office Hours session with former MBA Admissions Committee members and top admissions experts! ​This is your chance to get insider advice on the MBA application process—directly from those who used to make the decisions. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative, avoid common pitfalls, and stand out in competitive applicant pools. Whether you're just starting your MBA journey or putting the finishing touches on your application, our panelists are here to answer all your questions. ​Meet our panelists: ​Faisal K., Chicago Booth MBA, Chicago Booth Admissions Office, coached 100+ M7 admits, 15 years of experience aiding US and international applicants translate their rich global experiences into compelling, relevant, and memorable applications.

Strategy & BizOps Resume – Growth, GTM, and Team Leadership

Resume featuring 15+ years of experience across startups, Big Tech, and consulting, with a focus on go-to-market strategy, operational design, and cross-functional team leadership.

Columbia Business School Essay Examples– Fashion, Sustainability, and Inclusive Leadership

A set of CBS essays from an admitted applicant, weaving together a passion for heritage fashion, operational sustainability, and community building through DEI initiatives.

How to Get Into a Top 10 Deferred MBA Program: Insider Advice [10/13/2026] (Recording)

Getting into a top 10 deferred MBA program can give you a head start on your future, but standing out with limited professional experience requires a different application strategy. This session is for college students applying to deferred MBA programs who want to understand what top business schools look for and how to make the most of their undergraduate experiences. You’ll learn how to position your academics, leadership, internships, and goals, build a compelling application story, and avoid common mistakes that can weaken an otherwise strong candidacy. Join live for a panel of MBA experts who understand what it takes to build a competitive deferred MBA application. They’ll share practical strategies, firsthand insights, and lessons from the admissions process to help you approach your application with greater clarity. Bring your questions and leave with a stronger game plan for targeting top 10 deferred MBA programs.

MBA Round 1: Your 5 Week Roadmap [7/30/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to tackle your MBA Round 1 applications but feeling the pressure of the ticking clock? Join me, Melanie, for a detailed 5-week plan to craft a standout application for your dream MBA program. With my background as an MBA graduate from both Columbia Business School, MBA Admissions Interviewer, and Professional Coach, I'm here to guide you through every step of the process. In this session, we'll cover your plan to craft an excellent application in just 5 weeks before the September deadline. Whether you're aiming for a traditional full-time MBA or a specialized program like MBA-JD or MBA-MD, this event is designed to help you shine. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. Let's make your MBA aspirations a reality!

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [7/8/2026] (Recording)

Are you ready to tackle the Columbia Business School MBA essays with confidence? Join me, Melanie, for an exclusive session where we'll dive into the latest tips for the 2026 application cycle. With my background as an MBA Admissions Interviewer at CBS and an MBA alum from both Columbia Business School, I have the insights you need to craft compelling essays that stand out. In this session, we'll cover proven, actionable strategies specific to each of Columbia's essays. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time MBA or a dual degree program, this event is designed to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you on your journey to CBS!

Acing the CBS Interview - from an Interviewer & Alumna [10/9/2026] (Recording)

Getting an interview at Columbia Business School is a major step, but the interview is your chance to turn a strong application into a compelling case for admission. Knowing what interviewers are evaluating and how to communicate your goals, experiences, and fit can make all the difference. This session is for MBA applicants preparing for a CBS interview who want to walk in prepared and confident. You’ll learn how to approach common CBS interview questions, tell your story effectively, and avoid the mistakes that can weaken an otherwise strong interview. Join live to hear from a Columbia Business School alumna and current admissions committee member who has interviewed CBS applicants. She’ll share firsthand insights into what interviewers look for, how to prepare your answers, and how to make a strong impression in the interview. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for acing your CBS interview.

Crafting an MBA Essay That Actually Stands Out [5/12/2026] (Recording)

FREE LELAND + FOR 1 MONTH FOR ALL LIVE ATTENDEES. Strong MBA essays aren’t just well-written, they clearly communicate who you are and why you belong at a program. This session is for applicants who want to move beyond generic advice and craft essays that genuinely stand out. You’ll learn how to develop a focused personal narrative, avoid common mistakes that dilute your story, and align your essays with what admissions readers are actually looking for. Join live to hear from MBA admissions experts and ask questions about your own essay ideas. The panelists regularly work with applicants on essay development and will share the patterns they see across successful submissions. Expect practical feedback and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.