Leland+ Content Library

How to Prepare for a Hedge Fund Interview Process [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Hedge fund interviews test far more than technical knowledge—they evaluate how you think about businesses, markets, and investment decisions under pressure. This session is for candidates preparing for hedge fund recruiting who want to understand what distinguishes successful interview performance. You’ll learn how to prepare for investing-focused questions, communicate your ideas with clarity and conviction, and avoid the common mistakes that hurt otherwise strong candidates. Join live to hear how an experienced coach prepares candidates for hedge fund interviews and the patterns they see across successful applicants. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions about your preparation strategy and get real-time guidance typically shared in 1:1 coaching sessions.

Preparing for the Kellogg Interview [10/6/2026] (Recording)

Getting a Kellogg interview is an exciting step, but knowing how to prepare can make the difference between simply answering questions and making a memorable impression. This session is for MBA applicants preparing for their Kellogg interview who want to understand what to expect and how to approach the conversation with confidence. You’ll learn how to prepare for common Kellogg interview questions, communicate your goals and experiences effectively, and highlight the qualities that make you a strong fit for Kellogg. Join live to hear from a Kellogg MBA graduate who has firsthand experience with the school and its interview process. The speaker will share practical preparation strategies, common mistakes to avoid, and insights into how to approach the interview authentically. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for walking into your Kellogg interview prepared and confident.

Get Into IESE Business School — Admissions Briefing [9/11/2026] (Recording)

In this session, I’ll share my perspective as an IESE MBA graduate and Alumni Admissions Interviewer, with four years of experience interviewing candidates and continued connections across the IESE community. I’ll give you a candid view of the application and interview process, what to expect in each stage, and how to position your profile effectively. We’ll also go beyond the application itself: life at IESE, the case method, study groups, student and professional clubs, international opportunities, case competitions, career services, and the experience of living in Barcelona. Whether you are applying in Round 1, Round 2, or a later round, this session is designed to help you understand IESE from the perspective of someone who has actually lived the MBA experience and continues to be closely involved with the school. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what IESE is looking for, how to approach your application, and how to make the most of the process. The interview perspective is particularly relevant because IESE's current alumni guidance emphasizes assessing a candidate's pre-MBA journey, career trajectory, motivation for an MBA, IESE fit, career goals, and depth of knowledge about the school.

The Career Pivot Playbook: How to Change Lanes Without Starting Over [9/8/2026] (Recording)

Most people think a career pivot means starting over. It doesn't. It means arriving at the right destination from a direction most people didn't expect. I made the move from full-cycle recruiter and sourcer at JPMorganChase, EY, and Fisher Investments to People Analytics Developer at JPMorganChase. No CS degree, no data science bootcamp. Just a clear why, a transferable story, and a strategy for making the move without walking away from everything I had built. This session is that exact playbook. The data backs it up: 80% of career changers report greater happiness after making the move. 77% earn the same or more within two years. The risk is real but it's smaller than the fear makes it feel. The timing also matters: 53% of employers have dropped degree requirements in favor of demonstrated skills. The credential gap that used to stop most pivoters is closing. The playbook has changed. This session is built around that reality. Here's what we'll cover: The Decision: How to tell the difference between a real signal and a bad week, and the excuses that keep people stuck. The Internal Pivot Advantage: The most underrated career move available. Why pivoting before you have to, inside your current company, can change everything. Your WHY as the Thread: Most people answer the pivot question defensively. We build the narrative that makes your non-linear path look intentional, not accidental. The Transferable Asset Audit: You are not starting from zero. We map what already transfers, and identify the one gap actually worth closing. Overcoming It in Interviews: The three pivot traps that trip up career changers, and how to handle each one without apologizing for your path. Live Q&A closes the session.

What Top College Admissions Officers Look For [7/7/2026] (Recording)

College admissions can feel like a black box when you're trying to understand what actually makes one applicant stand out over another. This session is designed for students and families who want a clearer understanding of how applications are evaluated and what admissions officers prioritize throughout the review process. You’ll learn how admissions readers assess academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, and personal storytelling, as well as the common traits that appear across compelling applications. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions directly and get real-time answers about your own admissions strategy. The speaker has extensive experience evaluating applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates, along with what they look for when reviewing applications in practice. If you want a better understanding of how admissions decisions are made and how to strengthen your candidacy, it’s worth joining live.

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [6/16/2026] (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!

How Non-Target Candidates Are Breaking Into IB [10/15/2026] (Recording)

You don't need to come from a target school to break into investment banking, but you do need a strategy that gets you noticed. Non-target candidates face a different recruiting landscape, making it critical to know how to build credibility, access the right opportunities, and turn limited connections into real interviews. This session is for students from non-target schools who want to compete for investment banking roles and build a path into the industry. You’ll learn how to approach recruiting strategically, strengthen your profile, and overcome the barriers that can make breaking into IB more difficult. Join live to hear from an IB expert with nearly two decades of investment banking experience, including leadership roles at Wells Fargo and UBS. The speaker will share firsthand insights into what separates candidates who break through from non-target schools, along with practical strategies for networking, recruiting, and earning opportunities. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer playbook for breaking into IB from a non-target background.

(Early in Career) AI Career Blueprint: Build the Skills Employers Want [6/20/2026] (Recording)

Are you eager to break into the world of AI and build the skills that top employers are seeking? Join me, Sukant, for an insightful session on crafting your AI career blueprint. With a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence from Royal Holloway, University of London and extensive experience as an Agentic AI Engineer at Accenture/Avanade, I have been at the forefront of designing intelligent, autonomous AI systems that revolutionise business operations. In this event, we'll dive into essential skill-building strategies that will set you apart in the competitive AI job market. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your current skill set, this session will provide you with the tools and insights needed to succeed. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

From Chat to Agents: Become the AI Person on Your Team (No Code) [10/26/2026] (Recording)

Every team now has one person others go to when they want to use AI. That person gets pulled into bigger projects, gets visibility with leadership, and has the strongest story for their next role. It doesn't take an engineering background. It takes a few working systems and the ability to explain them. This session covers the path from "I use ChatGPT" to "I built our team's AI workflows": The three levels: chat, automations and agents, and what each can realistically do today Live build: a simple no-code agent that does real work, built start to finish using https://openmeld.ai/ How to pick your first team-level project so it gets noticed How to write up what you built so it's credible in performance reviews, promotion cases and interviews Best for: non-technical professionals in any function who want to own AI on their team. Registration question: What does your team do manually that makes you think "there has to be a better way"?

What MBA Admissions Committees Look For in Every Part of Your App [10/21/2026] (Recording)

Every part of an MBA application gets read together, but most applicants prepare it in pieces: one draft for the essays, a separate pass at the resume, then a scramble on recommender guidance near the deadline. This panel breaks down how admissions readers actually move through a file, and where they notice when the pieces don't add up. Cathy, Faisal, and Joy each read applications from a different angle: essay strategy, narrative building, and holistic file review. Hearing three perspectives back to back is useful because they don't always agree on what matters most, which is closer to how an actual admissions committee works than any single person's take.

You've Submitted, Now What? 5 Strategies for a Successful Application Year [9/15/2026] (Recording)

You’ve submitted your applications. Now what? The months that follow can be an exciting but also stressful time, filled with uncertainty, waiting, and plenty of wondering about what you should be doing next. Join Ellen and Melinda, health professions advisors with over 45 years of collective experience advising applicants for health professional schools. In this session, we’ll explore five strategies for making the most of your application year and discuss how to stay engaged and intentional while navigating the uncertainty of the process. You’ll come away with a clearer sense of what to focus on now, what you can control, and how to make the most of the months ahead. RSVP Today!

MBA Strategy Session: Pick the Right Schools, Tell the Right Story, Apply at the [9/8/2026] (Recording)

In this free 45-minute strategy session, I’ll help you understand how to approach the MBA decision before jumping into applications. We’ll cover how to choose the right MBA format, build a smart school list, assess timing, and start shaping a compelling admissions narrative. What we’ll cover: How to decide whether now is the right time for your MBA Full-time vs Executive vs one-year MBA options How to choose schools beyond rankings What admissions committees look for in strong candidates How to connect your career goals, story, and school selection Common mistakes candidates make when starting too late or applying too broadly This session is especially useful for applicants targeting European and global MBA programs such as IESE, INSEAD, LBS, HEC, Oxford, Cambridge, IE, ESADE, and top US schools. I’ll also share practical insights from my experience as an IESE MBA alumnus, admissions collaborator, professor, and MBA coach.

System Builder Sprint: Your Q3 AI Outbound Plan [6/6/2026] (Recording)

Want to enter Q3 with a fully built AI outbound system instead of scrambling to put one together? In this live System Builder Sprint, we'll build out your Q3 outbound plan in real time — step by step. Agenda: - Welcome & Quick Win (5 min) - Mini-Framework: Q3 AI Outbound System Blueprint (10 min) - Live Hot Seats: Live system builds with real participant input (20 min) - Recap & Resource Drop (5 min) - CTA: Book a System Builder Sprint to complete your build (5 min) What you'll walk away with: - A documented Q3 AI outbound system blueprint - Tool stack recommendations and workflow structure - A clear 30-day execution plan to hit your Q3 pipeline goals Who this is for: B2B founders, sales ops leaders, and growth-focused entrepreneurs who want to build a scalable, AI-powered outbound system for Q3. Ready to build? Book a System Builder Sprint session today.

The PhD Statement of Purpose: Research Fit, Faculty Fit & What Actually Belongs [9/28/2026] (Recording)

What We’ll Cover What admissions committees actually look for in a PhD SOP How to articulate your research interests clearly How to demonstrate meaningful faculty and program fit How specific you should be about future research Common SOP mistakes that weaken strong candidates How to balance your background, research experience, and future goals How to tailor your SOP for each program without rewriting it from scratch

Non-Traditional Background? How to Turn Your Background into an MBA Advantage [8/23/2026] (Recording)

If you’re applying to an MBA without a classic finance or consulting background, this session is for you. As a former Director of MBA Admissions, I’ve reviewed thousands of applications from artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, healthcare professionals, teachers, athletes, and career-switchers — and I know exactly how unconventional profiles can rise to the top of the pile. In “Non-Traditional Background? Here’s How to Make the MBA Adcom Say Yes”, I’ll break down how admissions committees actually evaluate candidates with unique paths, what they value most, and how you can present your story in a way that feels authentic, powerful, and strategically aligned with what top programs are seeking. We’ll cover: What “non-traditional” really means in MBA admissions The strengths and blind spots most unconventional applicants have How to highlight your transferable skills (leadership, analytical ability, impact) How to position pivots, gaps, or non-linear paths The elements of a compelling narrative that stands out Real examples of successful non-traditional admits A live Q&A to answer your specific questions Whether you come from the arts, education, government, startups, healthcare, hospitality, science, military, or any unexpected field, you’ll walk away with clarity and a concrete strategy for making the adcom say yes.

Your Marketing Career, Next Steps: How To Know If You're Really On Track [10/22/2026] (Recording)

Are you wondering if your marketing career is on the right track, or how AI is impacting job descriptions? Join me, Mike, for an insightful session on leadership development and career progression in the marketing field. With over 30 years of experience in B2B and technology marketing, including executive roles at Fortune 500 companies and as the Founder of Harris CMO Partners, I've guided numerous professionals through pivotal career decisions. During this event, we'll explore how to assess your current career trajectory, identify growth opportunities, and develop the leadership skills necessary to advance in the competitive marketing landscape. Whether you're aiming for a director, VP or CMO role or looking to refine your strategic approach, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate your career path effectively. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you take the next steps in your marketing career!

Home for Ambition #16 — Weekly Live Show [7/22/2026] (Recording)

Home for Ambition is a weekly live show, hosted by Leland CEO, John Koelliker, for people trying to stay ahead as work, learning, and opportunity keep changing. Each episode tackles a handful of timely, high-signal topics across AI, careers, education, and the future of work. We expect thoughtful debate, unique perspectives, and practical takeaways you can actually use. It is not a typical interview show or a generic news recap. It is a live roundtable built to help ambitious people make sense of what is changing, understand what matters, and leave with a sharper point of view on how to navigate what comes next.

What HBS Doesn’t Tell You About the Interview: An Adcom Reveals All [10/7/2026] (Recording)

Getting an HBS interview means your application has already made it through a highly selective process, but the interview is where you have the chance to bring your story to life. Knowing what HBS interviewers are evaluating, what they’re really trying to learn about you, and how to prepare can make a major difference in how you show up. This workshop is for MBA applicants preparing for an HBS interview who want to go beyond generic interview advice and understand the process from the inside. You’ll learn how to approach common questions, communicate your experiences and goals effectively, and prepare for the moments that can shape your interview. Join live for a workshop led by two MBA experts with firsthand experience on both sides of the application process, including admissions committee experience. They’ll share insider perspectives on what HBS looks for, practical preparation strategies, and how to make your interview feel authentic rather than rehearsed. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer strategy for making the most of your HBS interview.

Frameworking Mindset Shifts: How to Solve Any Case Prompt [7/14/2026] (Recording)

Many candidates treat case interviews as a memorization exercise, but the strongest performers know how to adapt their thinking to any problem they face. This session is for aspiring consultants who want to develop the mindset and frameworking skills needed to tackle unfamiliar case prompts with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure ambiguous problems, think more strategically under pressure, and build flexible frameworks that work across a wide range of case types. Join live to ask questions about your own case prep and hear directly from a consulting expert who has helped more than 1,000 candidates improve their performance. The speaker will share the patterns they see across top candidates, the mindset shifts that lead to stronger case performance, and practical techniques you can use immediately in interviews. Expect actionable insights similar to what’s covered in high-impact 1:1 case coaching sessions.

Breaking Into PM Without a PM Title: Live Q&A + Resume Reviews [10/23/2026] (Recording)

👋 Thinking about transitioning into Product Management but don't have a PM title yet? Let's talk about it! I went from Strategy Consulting at Deloitte to Product Operations at Meta, and eventually landed a Senior PM-T (L6) role at Amazon. Now I'm hosting a casual, interactive session to share what I learned and answer your questions. 💬 We'll chat about: - Breaking into PM from Product Operations, consulting, or other backgrounds - Positioning your experience when you don't have a PM title - Navigating PM interviews at Big Tech companies - Figuring out whether you're ready to make the leap - What I wish I'd known before making the transition 📝 I'll also offer 1–2 live resume reviews for volunteers who want feedback on positioning their experience for PM roles. No formal presentation or slides packed with frameworks. Just an open conversation, practical advice, and an opportunity to get your questions answered. Come with your resume, questions, or just curiosity. I'd love to meet you!