Leland+ Content Library

CV and LORs (Recommendation letters): Two documents to get right first [10/15/2026] (Recording)

Most people write their essays first and ask for recommendation letters last. That is backwards, and this session is about why. I did a Master in Management and have spent 8+ years in strategy and finance across six countries. I have mentored clients on their MiM, Master in Finance and MBA applications across the US, Europe and Asia. In this session I will take a real submitted CV and rebuild it in front of you, two pages down to one, and then do the same with a recommendation letter. In 1 hour, I will cover why your CV is read before anything else in your file and what a reader actually sees in the first thirty seconds. The eight problems on a real application CV, marked up live, including the one that has nothing to do with your experience and everything to do with the order of your sections. Two tests you can run on your own CV tonight in ten minutes. Why your referee writes from your CV, which is the reason these two documents belong in the same conversation. How to choose a referee, and why the most impressive person who will say yes is usually the wrong answer. What separates a letter that helps from one that quietly does nothing, using a real example that looks perfectly good until you know what to look for. And the three questions that turn a vague letter into a specific one, which is the only part of this document you actually control. This is for anyone applying to a MiM, Master in Finance, MBA or specialised master's, and it is most useful if you have not yet asked anyone for a letter. Forty five minutes of content, then live Q&A, hands or chat. Everyone who attends gets the Recommendation Workbook by email afterwards.

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

Applying to College in 2026? Here’s What You Should Be Doing Each Month [9/21/2026] (Recording)

In this session, former admissions director, Loubna Bouamane, will walk students and parents through the real college admissions timeline from May through December — including what actually matters each month if you're aiming for competitive U.S. universities. We’ll cover: How to build a balanced college list strategically When students should start essays (and why waiting until September is risky) How extracurriculars and summer activities should be positioned What admissions officers notice early in the review process Common mistakes students make over the summer Testing timelines, recommendation strategy, and application planning How to avoid creating an application that feels overly polished or AI-generated This session is especially helpful for: Rising seniors applying in Fall 2026 International students navigating the U.S. admissions process Families targeting selective colleges and universities Students feeling overwhelmed or behind

Hard GRE Quant Made Simple: 5 Patterns That Turn Intimidating Questions into Easy Ones [10/20/2026] (Recording)

GRE quant questions are designed to disguise a small set of recurring tricks behind unfamiliar wording, so the same five patterns show up again and again dressed differently. This workshop walks through what those patterns actually look like on the page and how to recognize them fast enough to matter under timed conditions. After two decades of tutoring the test, the patterns worth teaching are the ones students keep missing for the same reason: not a math gap, but a failure to notice which old problem a new one is actually restating. Forty-five minutes is enough to start seeing those patterns, not enough to drill all five until they're automatic, so expect a starting point rather than a finished skill.

GMAT Jedi Math Tricks [8/18/2026] (Recording)

Struggling with GMAT math because you're used to relying on a calculator? This session is designed for GMAT test-takers who want to solve quantitative problems more quickly and confidently using mental math and strategic shortcuts. You’ll learn practical techniques for faster estimation, efficient arithmetic, and recognizing patterns that simplify complex calculations without sacrificing accuracy. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the types of problems you find most challenging and see these strategies applied in real time. The speaker works closely with GMAT students and will share the patterns they see across high scorers, along with the mental approaches they use to solve problems efficiently under timed conditions. If you want to feel more confident tackling GMAT quant without a calculator, it’s worth joining live.

How Finance Teams Actually Use AI Day to Day [8/21/2026] (Recording)

AI is becoming part of finance work, but knowing where it actually fits into day-to-day workflows can be harder than knowing what the technology can do. This session is designed for finance professionals who want practical examples of how AI can support the work they already do. You’ll see how finance teams are using AI for tasks like analysis, reporting, research, and process automation, and learn how to identify opportunities to incorporate it into your own workflow. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your specific role and see how AI could apply to the work you do every day. The speaker will walk through real examples and practical best practices for using AI in finance, rather than focusing only on what the technology could do in theory. If you want a clearer picture of where AI can actually fit into finance work, it’s worth joining live.

How PE Firms Are Deploying AI Across Portfolio Companies (and How This Effects Hiring) [7/23/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you'll understand exactly how PE firms are integrating AI tools into portfolio operations and why that shift is quietly reshaping what firms look for in new hires. We'll cover which functional roles are seeing the most demand as a result, how to position operational and technical fluency on your resume, and what due diligence and value creation workflows actually look like when AI is in the mix. Attending live means you can ask how these hiring shifts apply to your specific background, whether you're coming from consulting, banking, or an operating role, and hear how the coach thinks through cases like yours in real time. This coach works directly with PE-track candidates and portfolio operators, and the patterns they share reflect what's actually moving applications forward right now.

How Non-Traditional Candidates Are Breaking Into Private Equity [9/22/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into private equity can feel like an uphill battle for candidates without the traditional background firms tend to recruit. But non-traditional paths are possible when you know how to position your experience, build the right investing skill set, and approach recruiting strategically. This session is for professionals looking to break into PE from outside the typical pipeline. You'll learn how to leverage your existing experience, demonstrate investor potential, and navigate the recruiting process when your background doesn't fit the standard mold. Join live to hear from a PE expert who has held multiple investing roles and now runs an independent private equity platform. The speaker will share firsthand lessons from building a career in investing, practical strategies for positioning a non-traditional background, and insights into what can help candidates stand out with PE firms. Expect actionable advice you can apply to your own path into private equity.

AMA with a Former McKinsey Associate Partner & Interviewer [9/23/2026] (Recording)

Join us for an exclusive AMA session with Faith, a former Associate Partner and seasoned interviewer at McKinsey & Company. Having spent nearly a decade at McKinsey, Faith has honed her expertise in case interview preparation, job search strategies, and general exploration within the management consulting field. Whether you're aspiring to break into consulting or looking to refine your interview skills, this session is a golden opportunity to gain insights from someone who has been on both sides of the interview table. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot for this invaluable session. Don't miss the chance to learn from Faith's journey and elevate your consulting career!

How to Write Standout MBA Essays [7/6/2026] (Recording)

The strongest MBA essays don’t just answer the prompt—they make admissions readers remember the person behind the application. This session is for applicants who want to write essays that stand out in a competitive admissions landscape. You’ll learn how to develop compelling stories, communicate your goals with clarity, and avoid the common pitfalls that cause otherwise strong candidates to blend into the crowd. Join live to hear from a panel of expert MBA coaches and ask questions about your own essays and application strategy. The panelists have helped applicants gain admission to top programs and will share the patterns they see across standout essays, common mistakes, and what admissions committees are truly looking for. Expect practical guidance and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 admissions coaching conversations.

Ex-Bain Manger & Google | Ask Me Anything [9/30/2026] (Recording)

This free AMA is for students and professionals who want to better understand the Bain selection process, prepare more effectively for recruiting, and gain insight into Bain’s distinctive culture. As a former Manager at Bain & Company, and a Trainer in Bain’s Global Internal Training for new Associate Consultants, I will share practical insights on what Bain looks for, how to approach case and fit preparation, and what tends to differentiate the strongest candidates. This will be a live, informal session guided by your questions rather than by slides, so please come prepared with the topics you would most like to discuss. Potential topics include Bain’s interview process, case interview preparation, behavioral and fit interviews, personal storytelling, common mistakes, and how to prepare with more focus and confidence. I can also share perspectives on what makes Bain’s culture and ways of working distinctive, and how that uniqueness is reflected in the selection process and in the qualities the firm looks for in candidates.

How to Build an MBA Application That's Actually Ready for Round 1 [8/3/2026] (Recording)

Preparing for Round 1 can feel overwhelming when you're trying to balance essays, recommendations, test scores, and school research all at once. This session is designed for MBA applicants who want to make sure every part of their application is truly ready before they hit submit. You’ll learn how to assess your application for gaps, prioritize the highest-impact improvements, and build a realistic plan for submitting a polished, competitive Round 1 application. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own application timeline and get real-time guidance on what deserves your attention before deadlines arrive. The speaker works closely with MBA applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates, along with how they evaluate whether an application is genuinely ready for submission. If you want to approach Round 1 with more confidence and a clear plan, it’s worth joining live.

MBA Strategy Session: Pick the Right Schools, Tell the Right Story, Apply at the [8/27/2026] (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.

Insider Tips for the Harvard Kennedy School App from Former AdCom [8/18/2026] (Recording)

Applying to Harvard Kennedy School requires more than simply demonstrating policy interest or public service commitment. This session will provide insider perspective on how the HKS admissions committee evaluates candidates, what distinguishes successful applicants, and the common mistakes that undermine otherwise strong profiles. Attendees will gain practical guidance on how to position their experiences, essays, and career vision to align with what HKS looks for in future public leaders.

Ace the Case: Case Interview 101 [9/12/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into consulting is one of the most competitive career moves you can make and the case interview is the gatekeeper! In this live session, Jonathan Diaz, a BCG alum and Tuck MBA, will walk you through everything you need to know to walk into your next case interview with confidence: from understanding the two case delivery styles used by top firms like McKinsey, BCG, and Bain, to building airtight frameworks, cracking exhibits, performing live math, and delivering a sharp, CEO-ready recommendation. Whether you've never cased before or you're looking to sharpen your edge, you'll leave this session with a clear understanding of the end-to-end case flow, proven strategies for each stage, and the mindset shifts that separate good candidates from the ones who get offers.

Can You Pass the MBA Interview? Live Mock Interview [10/2/2026] (Recording)

What would happen if your MBA interview started tomorrow? This is not a presentation about interview tips. It is a live mock MBA admissions interview. I’ll simulate the type of conversation you can expect in a MBA interview and then break down what worked, what raised questions, and how the candidate could improve. We’ll explore the areas that matter most: Your personal and professional story Career progression and key decisions Leadership and teamwork Why MBA, why now? Post-MBA career goals Your understanding of the MBA nd how you would contribute Follow-up questions that test whether your answers are genuinely your own I’ll also explain what I would be listening for as an interviewer, rather than simply giving you a list of “perfect answers.” The goal is to help you understand the difference between an answer that sounds prepared and an answer that actually convinces an admissions interviewer. Come prepared to participate — I’ll invite applicants to take part in the live mock interview. This is strongly grounded in the actual MBA alumni interviewer guidance: the interview evaluates pre-MBA life/career, leadership and teamwork, school knowledge and post-MBA career goals, and interviewers are encouraged to use follow-up questions to test genuine understanding of the application

Summer Sprint: Jumpstart Your PE Recruiting Prep [6/11/2026] (Recording)

In this session, you will leave knowing how to structure your PE recruiting timeline before fall cycles accelerate, what sourcing and deal experience interviewers actually weight when screening candidates, and how to position your background for firms at different stages and strategies. These are the patterns that consistently separate candidates who get to final rounds from those who stall early. Attending live means you can ask directly about your specific profile and hear how those details change the advice, context a recording cannot give you. The coach works with PE candidates daily and will share the same frameworks they use when evaluating where a candidate actually stands and what needs to move first.

Advanced Quant Questions: Overlapping Sets [7/16/2026] (Recording)

The overlapping set formula you were taught is just wrong. It doesn’t work. Learn the formula that does work and unlock even the hardest questions quickly and easily. This session is for GRE test takers who want to master one of the trickiest quant topics with more speed and confidence. You’ll learn a more reliable framework, avoid common setup mistakes, and solve difficult overlapping sets questions more efficiently. Join live to hear from a GRE expert who specializes in helping students score 325+. The speaker will break down the patterns behind the toughest overlapping sets questions and share practical strategies you can immediately apply in your own prep. Expect high-impact techniques designed to help you pick up points on even the most challenging quant problems.

Everything you need to know about landing an APM role [9/7/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into an APM role can be challenging when you’re trying to understand what companies actually look for in early-career product candidates. This session is designed for aspiring Associate Product Managers who want a practical overview of the skills, experience, and recruiting strategies that can help them stand out. You’ll learn how to build relevant product experience, demonstrate strong product thinking, approach applications and networking, and prepare for the interview process. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own background and get real-time guidance on the parts of the APM recruiting process you’re navigating. The speaker will share practical strategies, common mistakes, and lessons from working with candidates pursuing product management roles. If you want a clearer roadmap for landing an APM role, it’s worth joining live.