Leland+ Content Library

MBA Essay Self-Discovery Workbook: Unlock Your Narrative & Write

This is a reflection-focused, 13-section workbook for MBA applicants to uncover and build your story before embarking on the complex, layered process of writing your essays. This resource is informed from my time in Stanford GSB's Interpersonal Dynamics (Touchy Feely), my time helping dozens of other GSB classmates find their voice as the Managing Editor for Stanford GSB's Paper (Nondisclosure), and in helping over 500 MBA applicants self-reflect in a way that feels genuine, personal and clarifying. I wrote this resource with just enough structure (but not too much), and with a practical eye towards covering the ground you'll need for your MBA apps. You'll go deep, but every question has a purpose. I also use this with everyone I work with, and it's something we'll cover at the very beginning of our process. My hope is that this resource, in addition to being a big help, feels like we're in conversation. The goal is just to get to know you a little better, one step at a time, in a way that feels natural, even enjoyable. Even if you're the only one who ever sees it, I've tried to write this in a way that I'd speak about this kind of thing with you. Because I think humans are the best way to help other humans see themselves a little deeper. And trust me, plenty of "coaches" could use more of that too ;) This workbook will cover your background, motivations, short and long-term goals, values, behavioral stories, and more. A PDF is attached here, but there's also a downloadable Word file I recommend using to make things much easier for you to fill out as you go. This took me about 20-30 hours of time to put together, and I suggest putting at least 5-10 into filling this out. Some go at it all at once, but most do it in a few sittings. Long walks are good to interperse between writing sessions, and I actually recommend you reflect and go back to this to update your answers several times throughout your MBA process. Save new versions as you go and you'll be able to see your application pixellate over this monthslong process. If you're reapplying, I'd push you to compare what you end up with here with what you submitted last time. The differences may be revealing. I hope ends up a real tool for you, and that it helps you find answers you might not have found otherwise. It also will give you a glimpse into what coaching together feels like. Don't hesitate to reach out if you feel like sharing this. Working on your writing and applications together is a natural byproduct of the kind of reflection you'll be doing here, and it's my favorite thing to help someone with. Happy writing :) -Ben

Networking with Students & Alumni

Strategies for meaningful outreach to Kellogg students and alumni.

Knight-Hennessy Individual Interview Prep Guide

Sample Questions and Guideline of Knight-Hennessy Finalist Interview

Winning Essays from My HBS Admits [7/17/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for HBS.

Winning Essays from My Kellogg & Booth Admits [8/7/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Chicago Booth & Northwestern Kellogg

Winning Essays from My Stanford GSB Admits [7/24/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Stanford's top MBA program.

Winning Essays from My Wharton Admits [7/31/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Wharton.

Wharton MBA Essay – From Military Service to Public Policy Impact

A clear and purpose-driven response to Wharton’s “What do you hope to gain” prompt, outlining a path from consulting to elected office, supported by Wharton’s academic flexibility, leadership programs, and veteran-friendly community.

How to Answer the "Tell Me About Yourself" Question

Learn how to craft a compelling and concise answer to the "Tell me about yourself" question. We'll show you how to structure your response to highlight your relevant experience and leave a lasting impression.

Beyond the Career Plan: Agile Mindsets & Strategies for Modern Work

Revolutionize your approach to your professional journey. Learn agile mindsets and practical strategies to navigate uncertainty, embrace continuous learning, and proactively design a dynamic, fulfilling career that adapts to today's rapidly changing work landscape.

Market Data Pipeline Repair Lab

Repair a broken market-data pipeline using Python, SQL, and synthetic files. Work through schema drift, timestamps, duplicates, symbol mapping, late events, stale runs, and split adjustments, then verify the result with twelve tests.

Powerpoint Skill

"/pptx" will create, edit, and analyze PowerPoint presentations (.pptx files) including layouts, content, and speaker notes. To install, run this in your terminal after downloading the file: unzip ~/Downloads/pptx-skill.zip -d ~/.agents/skills/

Letter of Continued Interest: How to Submit

Learn how to write and submit a compelling Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI) to a college after being deferred or waitlisted, including what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and where to send it.

Inside the Interview Room: Live McKinsey Case, Ex-McKinsey & HBS MBA

⏱ Timestamps 00:00 Welcome & introductions 14:08 Why smart people still fail the McKinsey case 17:22 The 4 things your interviewer is scoring 19:04 Live case: XYZ Holiday Parks 59:55 Next steps The McKinsey case interview is one of the highest-stakes 45 minutes in consulting recruiting. Most candidates walk in without ever having seen what the interviewer is actually scoring. In this live session, I'll walk you through a real McKinsey-style case from start to finish. Clarifying questions, structure, data analysis, the math, and the recommendation. Along the way I'll show you what McKinsey interviewers are really listening for at each stage. The things that separate a good answer from a great one, and where most candidates lose points without realizing it. I've been on both sides of the table. I worked at McKinsey across Johannesburg, New York and San Francisco, did my MBA at Harvard, and I've coached friends and classmates into McKinsey, BCG, Bain and other top firms. Whether you've got an interview in three weeks or you're just starting to think about consulting, you'll leave with a clear picture of how MBB interviews actually work and a much sharper sense of what your own prep should focus on next. One thing worth checking before you post: YouTube only auto-links timestamps into clickable chapters if the first one starts at 00:00 and there are at least three total, both true here, so this should render as a proper chapter bar under the video. No dashes or brackets needed, just time then a space then the label.

Beyond ChatGPT: The Right AI for Every Use Case

If you've been defaulting to ChatGPT for every task and wondering why the results feel inconsistent, this session is for you. Designed for professionals and job seekers looking to build a smarter AI workflow, this webinar will help you understand how to match the right tool to the right use case. You'll leave knowing how leading AI tools differ in practice, when to use alternatives like Claude, Gemini, or Perplexity over ChatGPT, and how to structure your prompts and processes to get consistently better outputs.

How to Get Started with the LSAT

Starting your LSAT prep can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to begin. In this session, you’ll learn how the exam is structured, what skills it truly tests, and how to build a smart study plan that fits your timeline and goals. We’ll cover foundational strategies for Logical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension, how to track progress effectively, and common mistakes to avoid early on. Whether you’re months away from test day or just exploring law school, you’ll leave with a clear, confident starting point.