Leland+ Content Library

Targeting M7 Schools? What It Really Takes [5/20/2026] (Recording)

1YR FREE LELAND+ GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES ($119 VALUE). After this session, you'll know how to assess whether your profile is genuinely competitive for M7 schools and where the real gaps tend to appear. We'll cover how admissions committees at these programs actually differentiate candidates at the margin, what a strong post-MBA narrative looks like for the most common applicant profiles, and how to decide where to apply given your specific background and goals. Attending live means you can hear how experienced coaches thinks through cases like yours in real time, context a recording simply cannot replicate. These coaches work with M7 applicants daily and will share the patterns that separate candidates who get in from those who fall short at the final round.

What AI Can’t Do in MBA Admissions [5/18/2026] (Recording)

Artificial intelligence has transformed how applicants brainstorm, draft, and prepare for business school applications, but the strongest MBA applications still require far more than polished prose. This session will break down where AI can help, where it often hurts, and the critical aspects of strategy, reflection, and storytelling that technology cannot replicate. Attendees will learn why top admissions committees continue to reward authenticity, judgment, and narrative depth, and how to use AI as a tool without allowing it to dilute what makes an application compelling.

Crafting Powerful Narratives for MBA Applications

Many MBA applicants have strong experiences but struggle to turn them into a clear, compelling story that resonates with admissions committees. This session is designed for candidates who want to understand how to connect their past experiences, leadership moments, and career goals into a cohesive narrative that strengthens every part of the application. You’ll learn how successful applicants frame their impact, choose the right stories for essays and interviews, and communicate a believable path from where they are today to where they want to go.

The MBA Narrative Lab: Where Story Meets Strategy

Most MBA applicants have strong resumes. Far fewer know how to turn their experiences into a cohesive, compelling narrative that actually drives admissions decisions. In The MBA Narrative Lab: Where Story Meets Strategy, you’ll learn how to connect your career moves, leadership moments, and future goals into a clear story that resonates. The speaker regularly works 1:1 with MBA candidates, and this session offers rare access to the same narrative frameworks used in coaching sessions to shape standout applications. Who This Is For - Applicants planning to apply in the next 1–2 cycles - Reapplicants who need a stronger, clearer positioning - Candidates struggling to connect “why MBA” to long-term goals - High achievers whose story feels scattered on paper What You’ll Walk Away With - A practical framework to define your core narrative arc - How to align past experience with future goals convincingly - The patterns I see across successful candidates at top programs - The kinds of story gaps and positioning mistakes I fix in 1:1 sessions - A simple exercise to pressure-test your narrative before writing essays

Break into Investment Banking + Private Equity

Join this discussion moderated by @YourAverageFinanceBro, a leading finance comedy creator on Instagram and LinkedIn! A panel of expert Leland coaches who help candidates land roles in investment banking and private equity will break down these industries' complex recruiting processes into clear, actionable advice. This session will cover what it really takes to break into highly competitive finance careers through practical guidance on recruiting strategy, preparation, and common pitfalls, providing insights you can apply immediately to stand out and secure interviews at the top firms.

How to Ace Master’s Interviews

Master’s interviews are your chance to bring your application to life and show why you’re a strong fit for the program. In this session, you’ll learn what interviewers are really evaluating, how to answer common questions with clarity and confidence, and how to communicate your academic goals, experiences, and motivation effectively. We’ll cover proven preparation strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and tips for standing out across different types of master’s programs. You’ll leave with a clear framework and actionable guidance to approach your interviews prepared, polished, and confident.

From Waitlisted to Admitted: Insider Tips for MBA Admissions

Navigating the MBA waitlist can feel like walking a tightrope—but with the right strategy, it’s often your strongest chance to turn a “maybe” into a “yes.” Join Karla M., a seasoned AdCom-trained strategist who has coached over 300 MBA applicants, helped more than 150 M7 admits, and has deep insight into waitlist dynamics. Drawing on her experience shaping successful narratives and guiding candidates through revisits, updates, and communication, she’ll walk you through proven tactics to strengthen your profile, re-engage with schools, and advocate for your admission.

Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Master Essay Draft

Ever wonder what turns a decent essay into an admit-worthy one? In this live session, expert Leland coach and former AdComs at Harvard Karla M. will walk you through the process of transforming a real, underwhelming master’s essay into a compelling, polished narrative. You’ll see how to refine structure, elevate storytelling, and bring clarity and personality to your writing. By the end, you’ll have a clear framework and practical editing techniques to strengthen your own essays and stand out in the admissions process.

Consulting-to-MBA: Stand out as a "Traditional" Candidate

​Consultants make up one of the largest applicant pools to top MBA programs—which means standing out is more important than ever. In this panel, Leland coaches Andy P. (Top MBA coach for 20 years), Karla M. (150+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, Harvard/Booth dual degree grad), and Ben L. (300+ M7 Admits, prior consultant, GSB grad) will share how to craft an authentic, differentiated story that sets you apart from thousands of other applicants with similar backgrounds. ​You’ll learn how to translate your consulting experience into powerful application essays, recommendations, and interviews that highlight your leadership, impact, and future goals. Whether you’re a current analyst, associate, or engagement manager preparing for a future cycle, this session will give you actionable strategies to turn a “traditional” background into a standout advantage.

Exploring the MPP/MBA Dual Degree

Considering a path that blends business and public policy? The MPP/MBA dual degree might be the perfect fit. In this workshop, you'll hear from Karla M., a seasoned coach with an MBA from Chicago Booth and an MPP from Harvard, who will share insights from her own journey and what she’s learned guiding hundreds of applicants into top programs. ​You’ll get an inside look at what these programs offer, who they’re right for, and how to position yourself for success. Whether you’re actively applying or still exploring, this session will help you move forward with clarity.

Applying and Succeeding as a Diverse MBA Candidate

Designed specifically for individuals from diverse backgrounds, this event aims to provide valuable insights, strategies, and resources to empower aspiring MBA candidates to thrive in the application process and beyond. Through an interactive presentation, practical tips, and inspiring stories, we will explore the unique strengths and perspectives that diverse applicants bring to the MBA landscape. ​By the end of this session, you will understand how to showcase your background in a way that is compelling to the AdCom and highlights what you, specifically, bring to the table. ​Meet our panelists: ​Amanda I., Stanford GSB, with professional experience at Google and Peloton! She's passionate about helping clients tell their story with clarity and confidence. ​Karla M., Harvard MPP and Booth MBA, and J.P. Morgan professional, with 10 years of coaching experience and a track record of helping clients secure top MBA admits with substantial scholarships. ​Lucas S., Harvard MBA and MPP, consultant at the Bridgespan group & former Transportation and Infrastructure Director for the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Right MBA, Not the Same MBA: Uncovering Program Nuance [6/3/2026] (Recording)

Not all MBA programs are created equal, and treating them interchangeably is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. This session will examine the subtle but important differences across top business schools, from culture and academic philosophy to recruiting strengths and leadership development models. Attendees will learn how to assess fit more thoughtfully and how to leverage program-specific nuance to build stronger school lists and more tailored applications.

Public Policy / Government in the Era of AI Disruption [6/9/2026] (Recording)

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how governments operate, how policy is designed, and what future public leaders will be expected to navigate. From regulatory challenges and workforce disruption to national competitiveness and public sector modernization, policymakers must be prepared to lead through rapid technological change. This session will explore how AI is transforming the public sector and how applicants to top policy and government programs can position themselves as future-ready leaders in this evolving environment.

How Top 1% Applicants Build Cohesive MBA Application Narratives [6/9/2026] (Recording)

The strongest MBA applicants do more than present impressive credentials—they tell a coherent, strategically crafted story across every component of the application. This session will break down how top candidates create alignment between their resume, essays, recommendations, and interviews to present a clear and compelling narrative. Attendees will learn the principles behind building an application that feels intentional, differentiated, and greater than the sum of its parts.

Standout Recommendations: Turning Letters Into Game-Changers [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Recommendations can meaningfully strengthen or weaken an application, yet many applicants treat them as an afterthought. This session will explore what separates generic recommendation letters from truly impactful ones and how applicants can better equip recommenders to advocate effectively on their behalf. Attendees will learn how top candidates strategically manage the recommendation process to ensure letters reinforce and elevate their broader application narrative.

MBA Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Draft [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Strong MBA essays are built through strategy and revision, not first drafts. In this live workshop, attendees will watch a real-time transformation of an underwhelming MBA essay into a far stronger and more compelling submission. Along the way, the session will unpack the strategic thinking behind each edit, illustrating how top applicants improve storytelling, structure, reflection, and differentiation throughout the drafting process.

Navigating Dual/Concurrent Degrees: MBA + Policy, Education, and STEM [6/11/2026] (Recording)

For some applicants, a traditional MBA is not the only path. Joint and concurrent degree programs can offer powerful ways to build interdisciplinary expertise, but they require careful strategic consideration. This session will explore when pairing an MBA with another graduate degree makes sense, how to evaluate program structures and tradeoffs, and how to determine whether a dual-degree path aligns with your long-term goals. Attendees will also learn how admissions committees assess dual-degree applicants and what makes for a compelling rationale.