Leland+ Content Library

Stanford GSB Personal Statement | Technology Background

A compelling Stanford GSB personal statement from an applicant with a background in technology, highlighting purpose-driven leadership and a clear vision for impact.

Full AMCAS Application Example | Stanford MD/PHD

Get an inside look at a successful AMCAS application. Discover how a strong combination of experiences and a compelling narrative can get you accepted.

Stanford GSB Essay: What Matters Most (Deferred)

An in-depth look at a compelling "What matters most to you, and why?" essay that helped a deferred candidate get into Stanford GSB.

Oxford Personal Statement Example

A deep dive into an impactful Oxford personal statement. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative that showcases your personal experiences and analytical skills.

BYU Activities Example Essay - Piano

An essay responding to BYU application prompt about extracurricular activities, detailing a long-term commitment to piano and the lessons it taught about perseverance.

Avoid Burnout During Recruiting Cycles [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Job searching while managing work, family responsibilities, financial pressure, or everyday life can quietly become overwhelming. Many people approach recruiting as an “always on” process — constantly applying, preparing, networking, and second-guessing decisions — until exhaustion starts affecting their focus, confidence, and well-being. In this practical and supportive session, former Amazon Recruiting Leader and Executive Coach Lisa Lawrence shares a structured approach to navigating recruiting cycles without burning out. Drawing from years of experience in hiring, coaching, and leadership, Lisa breaks down how to approach the process more intentionally — with better systems, clearer priorities, and healthier boundaries. You’ll learn how to manage the mental load of job searching alongside existing responsibilities, prepare effectively without falling into endless “grind mode,” communicate your experience with greater clarity, and make more grounded decisions throughout the process. The session also includes simple mindfulness and nervous system regulation practices designed to help you stay focused, resilient, and clear-headed during periods of uncertainty and transition. In this session, we’ll cover: • Why recruiting feels so mentally draining • How to structure your search more sustainably • Setting boundaries while balancing work and job hunting • Smarter approaches to interview preparation and networking • How to communicate your impact and experience clearly • Simple mindfulness tools to reduce overwhelm and improve clarity • Avoiding the “always applying” cycle that leads to burnout

HBS Interview Prep: Make Them Remember You [10/12/2026] (Recording)

Congrats on your HBS interview! The hard part is done, now you get to have fun. Yes, I said fun! I loved my HBS interview, and I'm going to convince you to as well and equip you for a memorable interview day. What we'll cover: - HBS interview structure: what to expect from start to finish, and how the conversation flows - Why the HBS interview is the best: what makes it unique and why it works in your favor - How to shine: telling your story in a compelling way and conveying your personal brand - Interview dos and don'ts: the habits that set candidates apart and the mistakes to avoid - What comprehensive preparation looks like: a practical roadmap for the weeks before your interview - Live Q&A: bring your questions and get answers in real time - Special discount for attendees: an exclusive offer for anyone who joins live Whether you're just starting to prepare or polishing your final answers, you'll leave with a clear plan and a stronger sense of how to show up as yourself. Join live and bring your questions!

HBS Interview Prep: Make Them Remember You [10/18/2026] (Recording)

Congrats on your HBS interview! The hard part is done, now you get to have fun. Yes, I said fun! I loved my HBS interview, and I'm going to convince you to as well and equip you for a memorable interview day. What we'll cover: - HBS interview structure: what to expect from start to finish, and how the conversation flows - Why the HBS interview is the best: what makes it unique and why it works in your favor - How to shine: telling your story in a compelling way and conveying your personal brand - Interview dos and don'ts: the habits that set candidates apart and the mistakes to avoid - What comprehensive preparation looks like: a practical roadmap for the weeks before your interview - Live Q&A: bring your questions and get answers in real time - Special discount for attendees: an exclusive offer for anyone who joins live Whether you're just starting to prepare or polishing your final answers, you'll leave with a clear plan and a stronger sense of how to show up as yourself. Join live and bring your questions!

Job Search Week Kickoff: Hiring Manager Round Table

Job Search Week is here—and this kickoff session sets the tone for a focused, intentional approach to finding your next role. Join us for an opening event designed to help you start your search with clarity and momentum. In this session, we’ll outline how to approach the job search strategically, share key principles for staying organized and motivated, and highlight what to focus on in today’s market. Whether you’re just starting or resetting your search, this kickoff will help you move forward with purpose.

Breaking Into Product Management: What Actually Gets You the Offer [10/8/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into product management is one of the most competitive career moves in tech, and simply checking the right boxes on your resume is not enough. The candidates who land offers know how to demonstrate product thinking, tell a compelling story, and prove they can create impact. This session is for aspiring PMs who want to understand what actually separates candidates who get interviews from those who get offers. You’ll learn what hiring teams look for, how to position your experience, and how to stand out throughout the PM recruiting process. Join live for a panel of PM experts who have successfully navigated the path into product management. They’ll share practical strategies, firsthand lessons, and insights into what can make the difference between getting close and actually landing the offer. Bring your questions and leave with a clearer roadmap for breaking into PM.

AI Agents vs. Skills: How to Know What to Build

AI Agents and Skills handle tasks in fundamentally different ways. You don't want to create a custom agent when a simple skill will suffice, but a skill won't have the same scope an agent would. This guide outlines the differences between the two approaches and their use cases.

Amazon Interview Prep: What You Need to Know to Succeed

You will get practical tips on what to do in days and weeks leading up to an Amazon behavioral interview. I am a professional coach and I worked at Amazon for 4 years. During that time I interviewed dozens of people. I myself went through several interview loops.

MBA Hiring Trends & Application Goals

​What are the latest trends in MBA recruiting? Are your post-MBA career goals aligned with your past experiences and the current market? This session offers insider insight into recruiting trends at top MBA programs, along with a framework for creating compelling, realistic, and ambitious goals that strengthen your application. ​Whether you’re pivoting careers or advancing in your current industry, learn current trends and best practices for positioning yourself effectively to gain acceptance to a top MBA program and set yourself up for the internship and job search processes. ​This course is taught by Laura N., a former MBA admissions committee member, pro admissions coach, and accredited member of AIGAC (Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants). Laura has been an MBA admissions consultant for 16 years and has guided more than 500 clients towards admission to elite MBA programs, including HBS, Stanford, Wharton, and more.

October Series - Crafting your Brand (Session 3)

We all know you can’t apply for jobs without a resume. While you technically can without a LinkedIn profile, it’s not advised. (Also, add a head shot...). Many job seekers try to fix things on the fly, but this approach is vague and leads to wasted time. Without a networking template, you’re flying blind, and without testing your materials, you’re stuck. Preparation means having your resume, LinkedIn, and networking materials ready before you start applying. It’s about making sure your documents are polished and your stories are clear. (Many people struggle with both). If you don’t prepare in advance, you’ll spend more time fixing mistakes and less time making real progress. Before you take off, make sure to run through your "pre-flight checklist."

Want to work abroad? Unlocking international opportunities

After this session, you'll know how to evaluate which countries and visa pathways are realistically accessible based on your current background, and how to position yourself competitively for international roles. We'll cover how to identify employers who actively sponsor foreign candidates, what hiring timelines look like across different markets, and how to adapt your application materials for non-U.S. audiences. Attending live means you can bring your specific situation, whether that's a particular country you're targeting or a visa status question, and get a direct answer rather than a general one. The coach works with internationally mobile professionals regularly and will share the patterns that separate candidates who successfully land abroad from those who stay stuck in the research phase.

Using AI to help with executive functioning [10/16/2026] (Recording)

Unlock the potential of AI to enhance your executive functioning skills in this transformative event! Join Elyse, an experienced executive coach with a rich background in client service and learning development, as she guides you through skill-building strategies tailored for high-achievers and professionals seeking to optimize their performance. With a BSBA in Accounting from Northeastern University, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and a Coaching Certification from Barefoot Coaching, Elyse has a wealth of knowledge to share. Her extensive experience at EY, where she pioneered AI-enhanced learning journeys and drove transformative initiatives, makes her uniquely qualified to help you leverage AI for personal and professional growth. Whether you're a professional feeling overwhelmed or someone looking to enhance your executive functioning, this session is designed to provide you with actionable insights and strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned expert—RSVP now to secure your spot!

From Strong to Unforgettable: Crafting Essays That Help You Break into the Ivies

Writing a strong college essay is one thing—writing one that stays with an admissions reader is something else entirely. This session is designed for students who want to elevate their essays beyond polished writing and create a narrative that feels personal, memorable, and distinctly their own. You’ll learn how to identify the stories worth telling, build a compelling narrative structure, and avoid the common mistakes that make essays blend together.

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.

How I Broke Into Product Management Without a CS Degree

​Think you need a computer science degree to land a PM role? Think again. In this candid session, you’ll hear firsthand from Niina A. about how she broke into the field without a technical background—and what she learned along the way. ​She'll unpack the strategies that worked, the obstacles faced, and the key moves that helped her stand out. You’ll walk away with actionable tips on how to highlight your strengths, close skill gaps, and make the leap into product—no CS degree required.