Leland+ Content Library

Networking, Side Letters, and Intangibles

Learn how networking and more can help you maximize your chances of getting accepted to top MBA programs.

Awards & Honors Overview

Understand the purpose of the awards and honors section and what you should include in your application.

Nailing Your Deferred MBA Essay

Learn what MBA programs look for in standout deferred MBA essays.

Preparing Your MBA Recommender Prep Packets

Learn how to create comprehensive packets that empower your recommenders to write powerful, impactful letters for your application.

Deferred MBA Planning - Preparing for a Successful Application

Watch an event with Leland CEO, John K., where he walks through the components of and timeline for deferred MBA applications.

Home for Ambition #1: Staying Ahead in a Changing World [3/18/2026] (Recording)

In this first episode of Home for Ambition, we’re diving into one of the biggest questions facing ambitious people right now: what’s actually changing in the world of work, learning, and opportunity, and what should you do about it? We’ll unpack where AI is truly creating leverage, which skills are becoming more valuable, what people are wasting too much time on, and how to stay ahead as the rules keep shifting. — Home for Ambition is a show from Leland for ambitious people trying to stay ahead as work, learning, and opportunity get rewritten. Each episode tackles a few important questions shaping careers, education, AI, and the future of opportunity, then breaks down what’s changing, what’s overhyped, what matters, and what to do about it.

Founder Playbooks: Growth Strategies for Early-Stage Startups

Building an early-stage startup is an exciting but daunting journey, especially when it comes to driving sustainable growth. From finding product-market fit to scaling operations and building the right team, founders face countless decisions that can make or break their trajectory. ​In this session, Renato V. (Founder and CEO of Parallel), Angela C. (Founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub and Founder of instructiv) and John K. (Founder and CEO of Leland) will share proven playbooks for navigating the critical growth stages. You’ll gain practical insights on refining your go-to-market strategy, attracting customers, raising capital, and avoiding common early pitfalls so you can build a strong foundation and accelerate your path to success.

Product Recruiting AMA with a PM from LinkedIn, Uber, and a Startup

Hear insights from a Product Manager from LinkedIn, Uber, and a startup! Get your questions answered on product recruiting, career paths, and breaking into top tech roles.

Leland MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff

​Join us for Leland's FREE MBA Week (June 2-6) Kickoff! You’re invited to the ultimate MBA admissions prep week, designed to help you get into your dream program. ​This week will feature a series of online sessions hosted by some of Leland’s top admissions coaches—former admissions officers and application experts who have helped hundreds of applicants get into schools like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Booth, and more. ​Throughout the week, you’ll gain extremely tactical insight on school selection, application strategy, essay writing, interviews, and more. Last year, more than 3,000 participants joined us, and we can’t wait to welcome even more of you this year! ​In this kickoff session, we’ll cover essential topics like crafting your personal story, selecting the right schools, and what MBA programs are really looking for. Our expert panelists include Timothy F. (former Chicago Booth Admissions Fellow with 150+ M7 admits), and Geri T. (former Associate Director of Harvard Business School with 75+ M7 admits). With their extensive experience reading applications, conducting interviews, and coaching successful applicants into every M7 school, they’ll provide top insights to help you stand out in a competitive admissions process.

Founder Playbooks: Growth Strategies for Early-Stage Startups

Building an early-stage startup is an exciting but daunting journey, especially when it comes to driving sustainable growth. From finding product-market fit to scaling operations and building the right team, founders face countless decisions that can make or break their trajectory. ​In this session, Renato V. (Founder and CEO of Parallel), Angela C. (Founder of Stanford’s Education Entrepreneurship Hub and Founder of instructiv) and John K. (Founder and CEO of Leland) will share proven playbooks for navigating the critical growth stages. You’ll gain practical insights on refining your go-to-market strategy, attracting customers, raising capital, and avoiding common early pitfalls so you can build a strong foundation and accelerate your path to success.

Crushing Your Deferred MBA Applications

Applying to deferred MBA programs or curious about the process? Leland is excited to provide this FREE event to cover tips to help you get accepted into top MBA programs like Harvard Business School, Stanford GSB, Wharton, and more. ​​This workshop is hosted by John K, CEO and Founder of Leland. He was accepted to Stanford GSB and HBS though their deferred enrollment programs and will share key tips and tactical strategies to help you submit an application you are proud of. ​​​If you are interested in applying to a top 10 MBA program, have questions about the process, or just want to receive valuable insight, join us. It's completely free!

Deferred MBA Planning — Preparing for a Successful Application [3/5/2026] (Recording)

Are you gearing up for the deferred MBA application process sometime in the next couple of years? Join me for a session dedicated to making sure you are well prepared when application season rolls around. I'm John, CEO of Leland, and I'll be your host for this session. Prior to Leland, I was admitted to HBS 2+2 and Stanford GSB deferred, and then founded Deferred MBA Consulting. In the past 8 years I have helped thousands of people with their deferred applications. Space is limited, so make sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

Startup Insights: Lessons From Successful Founders

​​​​​​​​Building a company from the ground up comes with both challenges and breakthroughs. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from successful founders who have navigated the early stages of entrepreneurship and scaled their startups into thriving businesses. ​Our panelists will share candid stories about their journeys, the biggest lessons they’ve learned, and what they wish they knew when starting out. From fundraising and product development to hiring and growth, you’ll gain actionable insights into what it really takes to build and lead a successful startup.