Leland+ Content Library

How Top MBA Applicants Differentiate Themselves [7/28/2026] (Recording)

Top MBA applicants are rarely defined by a single accomplishment. What sets them apart is how they position their experiences, communicate their potential, and tell a story that admissions committees remember. This session is for candidates who want to understand what truly differentiates successful applicants in a highly competitive admissions landscape. You’ll learn the qualities that stand out most to top programs, the common traits shared by compelling candidates, and how to highlight your own strengths more effectively. Join live to hear from a panel of MBA experts and ask questions about your own application strategy. The panelists have worked closely with applicants targeting top programs and will share the patterns they see across standout candidates, common mistakes, and the subtle factors that often make the difference between a good application and a great one. Expect practical insights you can immediately apply to your MBA journey.

From Enlisted Green Beret to Stanford MBA and Deep Tech VC: AMA with Ian Kennedy [6/9/2026] (Recording)

This is an informal, no-agenda open AMA on my path from the Army Special Forces to business school at Stanford and a career in venture capital. Bring your questions about the transition out of the military, applying to business school while still serving, breaking into VC and tech, or anything else! I served as an enlisted Green Beret (18E) in 1st SFG and applied to business school while on deployment, with admittance to Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley. I chose to go to Stanford, where did a joint MBA/MS in Electrical Engineering with a focus on AI and quantum computing. After business school, I was Chief of Staff at Khosla Ventures, where I helped invest in and manage a large portfolio of deep tech companies. I'm now a full-time coach helping military and veteran applicants through the MBA admissions process.

Cómo posicionarte para una búsqueda de empleo internacional [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Buscar trabajo en un contexto internacional no consiste solo en traducir tu CV al inglés o postular a más ofertas. Muchas veces, el verdadero problema es otro: tienes experiencia, capacidades y criterio, pero tu perfil no se entiende con claridad fuera de tu mercado, tu sector o tu país. En este webinar veremos cómo posicionarte mejor para oportunidades internacionales, para que tu experiencia tenga más sentido para recruiters, hiring managers y programas en entornos globales. Hablaremos de cómo presentar tu trayectoria de forma más clara, cómo destacar lo que realmente importa y cómo construir una narrativa profesional que resulte creíble, relevante y competitiva. En este webinar aprenderás a: - entender por qué un perfil sólido puede perder fuerza en un proceso internacional - identificar qué partes de tu experiencia no se están traduciendo bien fuera de tu contexto local - presentar tu trayectoria de una manera más clara, estratégica y atractiva - construir un perfil que conecte mejor con empleadores internacionales - mejorar la forma en que explicas tu experiencia en tu CV, LinkedIn y entrevistas - evitar errores comunes al postular a oportunidades globales Al final de la sesión, saldrás con: - una idea más clara de cómo posicionar tu perfil para el mercado internacional - un mejor marco para explicar tu experiencia y tus fortalezas - más claridad sobre qué cambiar en tu CV, LinkedIn y narrativa profesional - una forma más estratégica de presentarte para oportunidades fuera de tu país o sector actual Este webinar es para profesionales que: - quieren acceder a empleos en empresas internacionales o en otro país - están intentando reorientar su perfil hacia un mercado más global - sienten que su experiencia tiene valor, pero no está “aterrizando” bien en procesos internacionales - quieren presentarse con más claridad, confianza y estrategia - están aplicando a roles globales, programas internacionales o posiciones en inglés Tanto si estás empezando tu búsqueda como si ya llevas tiempo postulando sin conseguir la respuesta que esperabas, esta sesión te ayudará a entender cómo hacer que tu perfil sea más claro, más legible y más competitivo en un contexto internacional.

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!

Get into T-3 Law Schools | Harvard Law School Admit [8/21/2026] (Recording)

Join me in conversation about getting into HLS and the T-14! Come with any questions you may have as you compile and prepare to apply this cycle.

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.

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.

Why Strong Candidates Get Dinged from the Buy-Side in EMEA — and the Positioning That Gets Them In [7/10/2026] (Recording)

Many candidates assume strong credentials are enough to break into the buy side, yet even highly qualified applicants often get rejected for reasons they never fully understand. This session is for candidates targeting private equity and buy-side roles (PE, hedge funds, asset managers) in EMEA who want to better understand what separates successful applicants from the rest. You’ll learn why strong candidates get dinged, the positioning mistakes that commonly hurt otherwise competitive profiles, and how to present your experience in a way that resonates with firms. Join live to hear from a former AVP at Citi and private equity expert with firsthand insight into buy-side recruiting. The speaker will break down the subtle signals firms evaluate beyond technical ability, how recruiting expectations differ across EMEA, and the positioning strategies that can meaningfully improve your odds of breaking in. Expect candid insights and practical guidance you can immediately apply to your recruiting process.

Free AI Outbound Audit Live: Last Chance Before Mid Q3 [6/13/2026] (Recording)

Q3 is around the half point— is your outbound working? Join this live AI Outbound Audit session to uncover the top revenue leaks in your outbound system before the quarter kicks off. We'll review real outbound systems and give you a clear action plan to fix what's broken. Agenda: - Welcome & Quick Win (5 min) - Mini-Framework: Q3 Outbound Reset — What Actually Works (10 min) - Live Hot Seats: Real audit teardowns with immediate fixes (20 min) - Recap & Resource Drop (5 min) - CTA: Book a Free AI Outbound Audit before Q3 starts (5 min) What you'll walk away with: - Your top 3 outbound revenue leaks identified - A prioritized fix list to implement before Q3 - A proven framework for AI-powered outbound that converts Who this is for: B2B founders, sales leaders, agency owners, and anyone running outbound who wants to enter Q3 with a winning system. Don't wait until Q4 to fix your pipeline. Book your Free AI Outbound Audit today.

How to Prep for Final Round Interviews with a Former McKinsey Associate Partner [7/30/2026] (Recording)

In this session, you will learn how to structure your thinking and communication for the final round of a McKinsey-style interview, where the bar shifts from competence to fit and judgment. The coach will walk through how to approach personal experience interviews using the McKinsey PEI framework, how to read the room when a partner pushes back on your logic, and what separates candidates who advance from those who stall at this stage. Attending live means you can bring your actual situation, whether you are preparing for a specific practice area or struggling with a particular type of case, and hear how the coach thinks through it in real time. This coach spent years evaluating candidates as an Associate Partner, and the patterns they share reflect what that judgment actually looks like from the other side of the table.

MBA Application Fundamentals for Non-Traditional Candidates [7/7/2026] (Recording)

Are you applying to business school with a non-traditional or non-business background? Are you intimidated by the application process, unsure on where to start, or just a little stuck on ways to communicate your experience? If so, this session is for you! ​During this event, we'll discuss: • Common myths about MBA class profiles • Current trends in MBA admissions • Market trends about post-MBA jobs • How non-traditional candidates can stand out About Laura: I've led a multifaceted career path across the entertainment, tech, marketing, and consulting industries, with a particular focus on guiding MBA candidates toward their dreams. Early on, I recognized that I wanted to pursue marketing. To learn more about it, I networked, listened, pitched myself, and floated the idea of pursuing an MBA. I heard "no" more often than not, and I forged ahead. The University of Michigan - Ross School of Business's full-time MBA was a transformational experience, building my business foundation, practical experience, network, and confidence. Simultaneously, I started paying it forward to future MBA candidates. My professional and MBA admissions consulting experience make me uniquely qualified to support candidates seeking admission to top MBA programs to facilitate their professional and development goals. As a marketing professional, I've: 🧱 Established departments at 4 startups – from Series A to publicly held companies 📈 Generated demand for >50% of revenue across 2 organizations 🚀 Launched new products, features, and lines of service 💵 Served at 2 consecutive organizations with acquisition exits ↗️ Ascended to the VP of Marketing role on an executive leadership team As an MBA admissions consultant, I've: 🥇 Contributed to 2 leading MBA admissions firms 📝 Collaborated with >300 candidates applying to top MBA programs 🎓 Facilitated successful applications to all M7, Top 20 U.S., and Top 10 international MBA programs 💰 Enabled clients to earn millions of dollars in scholarship funding 💫 Co-founded a brand and earned consistent 5-star ratings from satisfied clients

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.

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.

AMA with Liz C., former admissions director @ University of Houston Law Center [8/3/2026] (Recording)

If you're thinking about going to law school, you've likely got a TON of questions. While the application process is largely standardized across schools, not every admissions officer is going to have the same perspective, so it can be useful to hear from more than one. I was an assistant and associate director of admissions at the University of Houston Law Center for eight years, and my goal is to demystify the process for all applicants. Join me for an AMA-style office hours where you can bring your questions and we can chat about all things law school admissions!

Deferred MBA Application Overview Session [8/12/2026] (Recording)

Are you considering applying for a Deferred MBA program and unsure where to start? Join me, Noah, for an insightful session on navigating the Deferred MBA application process. With extensive experience in admissions at top institutions like the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, I have a deep understanding of what it takes to stand out in the competitive landscape of deferred MBA applications. During this session, we'll cover timelines, target schools, as well as tips & tricks for strengthening your application! Deferred MBA programs are competitive - put your application on the right track before applications open. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or are ready to dive into the application process, this session will provide valuable insights to guide your journey. Spaces are limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot. I look forward to helping you take the next step toward your MBA goals!

Ask me anything: Job Searching in a Challenging Job Market [8/24/2026] (Recording)

The job market is challenging right now. Job searches are taking longer and old approaches aren't working the way they used to. It's a long game. So having the right mindset and strategies are even more important. In this "Ask me anything," we'll be talking about: - Job search mindset - Finding purpose - Job search networking - Thoughts for career pivoters - Avoiding burnout - Interview prep ... and any other job search topics that come up.

Should I Reapply This Cycle? I'm So Confused! [7/24/2026] (Recording)

Feeling uncertain about whether to reapply to dental school this cycle? Join me for an insightful session where we'll tackle this common dilemma together. With decades of experience in prehealth advising and admissions, including my role as Director of Admissions at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and Assistant Dean at both Fordham University and Columbia University, I've guided countless applicants through the complexities of the dental school application process. Whether you're considering reapplying with the same material, or retooling your whole application, this session will provide you with the clarity and confidence you need to make informed decisions.

Before You Apply: The Foundation Every First-Time Graduate Applicant Needs [6/25/2026] (Recording)

You already have everything you need to apply to graduate school. What most first-time applicants are missing aren’t stronger credentials, a more impressive resume, or more time. It's actually the inner work — a clear, grounded foundation that addresses the most important questions in the graduate application process: 🔍 What do you actually want? 🔍 Why is graduate school the right next step? 🔍 And what are you passionate about? Without that foundation, even the most qualified applicants jump straight into researching programs and drafting essays, trying to sound impressive instead of sounding authentic. The result is an application that's technically fine, but not very compelling. Most graduate applicants write from the pressure to sound impressive. In trying to present a version of themselves they think admissions wants to see, they lose what makes them unique. Without a clear foundation, every draft, every decision— will be met with self-doubt and more confusion. This session is about taking a different approach. No outside noise. No external pressure. In this masterclass, you’ll learn how to slow down long enough to find what's actually true about your story: what you want, why it matters, and where you’re headed. You’ll learn how to say it in a way that actually sounds like you, not a performed version of you trying to meet expectations. After the session, you'll walk away with more clarity on your direction, more confidence in your story, how to identify the core themes in your narrative, and a foundation for an application that feels intentional, grounded, and real. In a sea of overly polished applications that all sound the same, authenticity will set you apart. By end of this masterclass, you’ll walk away with: ✨ A clear sense of whether graduate school is the right next step and why 💡 An understanding of what you’re actually looking for in a program beyond rankings and prestige 🌱 The foundation of your narrative — the story that already exists that your application should tell 📋 A simple framework for making decisions with intention and clarity

MBA Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Draft [7/21/2026] (Recording)

Strong MBA essays are built through strategy and revision, not first drafts. In this live workshop, attendees will watch a real-time transformation of an underwhelming MBA essay into a far stronger and more compelling submission. Along the way, the session will unpack the strategic thinking behind each edit, illustrating how top applicants improve storytelling, structure, reflection, and differentiation throughout the drafting process.