Leland+ Content Library

How I Got Into GSB and HBS Deferred

Curious what it takes to get into the most competitive deferred MBA programs in the world? In this workshop, join Kristen H., who was admitted as a deferred applicant into both Stanford GSB and Harvard Business School, as she shares the real story behind her journey and how you can craft a winning application of your own. ​From building a compelling narrative to navigating the unique challenges of applying while still in undergrad, Kristen will teach you through what worked, what she wishes she’d done differently, and what top programs are really looking for in deferred applicants. She'll also walk you through the key elements of a strong application, showing real examples of successful M7 admit essays. Whether you're just starting your research or deep into your essays, this session will leave you inspired and informed.

Your Path to PE: Non-IB Strategies, Skills, and Opportunities – AMA

Breaking into private equity without an investment banking background is challenging—but far from impossible. In this AMA-style session, expert Leland coach and former consultant turned PE Connor P. will answer your questions about the alternative paths into PE, the skills that matter most, and how to position a non-IB background competitively.

Cracking College Admissions: Insights from Experts

​College admissions is more competitive and complex than ever. Between building a strong academic profile, highlighting extracurricular impact, and telling your story authentically, students often wonder what really matters most to admissions officers. ​In this session, you’ll hear from experienced coaches Annabella G. (Columbia), Alex T. (Caltech), Lucy G. (Harvard) who will break down the college application process and share what top schools are actually looking for. We’ll cover how to approach essays and supplements, strategies for building a balanced school list, and ways to stand out beyond test scores and GPA.

The Long Game in College Admissions: What to Do Now

College admissions success isn’t just about acing the next test or writing the next essay—it’s about strategically planning your path over time. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify priorities, build a compelling profile, and make choices now that will set you up for stronger applications later. We’ll cover actionable steps for academics, extracurriculars, and personal development, helping you focus on what truly matters and avoid common missteps. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for playing the long game in college admissions with confidence and purpose.

Top 5 MBA Application Tips From a Former HBS AdCom

MBA admissions are highly competitive—and small strategic choices can make a big difference. This session shares insider insights from a former Harvard Business School admissions committee member on what truly matters in MBA applications. In this event, you’ll learn the top five factors that strengthen your candidacy, from positioning your story and selecting recommenders to crafting standout essays and avoiding common application mistakes. We’ll also cover how admissions committees evaluate applicants and what sets successful candidates apart. Whether you’re early in the process or polishing final submissions, you’ll leave with clear, actionable guidance.

Ask Me Anything: Excelling in PE Interviews

​​​Join us for an interactive AMA with a John C., a seasoned private equity professional who has successfully navigated the industry’s most competitive recruiting processes. In this session, you’ll get insider insights on how to stand out in both technical and behavioral interviews, master case studies and modeling tests, and convey your fit for a PE role with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first interview or looking to refine your approach, this is your chance to get your most pressing questions answered directly by an expert.

GMAT Quant Workshop: Exponents & Roots

Exponents and roots are foundational GMAT quant topics that show up frequently and can be major score boosters when mastered correctly. This workshop breaks down the core rules, common traps, and efficient problem-solving techniques to help you approach these questions with speed and confidence. You’ll learn how to simplify expressions, recognize patterns, and avoid overcomplicating calculations, all while improving accuracy under time pressure.

How to Properly Set up Claude Cowork for Agentic AI workflows

If you want to set up Claude Cowork so that you can properly create and automate your business workflows, you need to check out this playbook. It will give you step by step instructions to set up what you need to get agentic AI outcomes. It doesn't matter what business you are in, the set up will be applicable!

The Non-Technical Manager’s AI Toolkit

AI is useful when it saves time and reduces errors, not when it adds noise. In this practical session, join Noah T. (AI Product Manager @ Ergo) in this session where you’ll learn how to turn everyday work into faster, cleaner outcomes by drafting, summarizing, analyzing, and automating tasks with confidence, using simple quality checks to keep results reliable.

M7 MBA Essay Question Bank: Prompts by School (2024–25)

A reference guide to official M7 MBA essay prompts — organized by school. Covers all seven programs with each school’s full prompt list, word counts, what the admissions committee is actually evaluating per prompt, the most common mistakes that cost applicants, and strategic tips on what each school’s adcom is really looking for. Includes a format comparison table and universal essay principles that apply across all M7 applications.

From Field to Framework: Crafting a Civilian-Ready MBA Resume

Military experience translates powerfully to MBA admissions when it’s framed in the language schools understand. This session shows you how to convert roles, missions, and outcomes into civilian-ready impact, highlight leadership and decision-making, and align your resume with post-MBA goals. You’ll learn how to quantify results, choose the right stories, and avoid common translation pitfalls so your resume clearly signals readiness for top programs.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 8) Essay Drafting & Finalize Application [7/2/2026] (Recording)

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This is the final event of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will move from preparation to writing and turning your outlines into strong, authentic essays. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. This session moves your MBA application forward by turning your preparation and outlines into written application materials: • Learn an efficient strategy for drafting your essays. • Understand how to move from outline to draft without losing focus or structure. • Ensure consistency while avoiding repetition across essays, resume, and recommendations. • Prepare other written and recorded components of the application. This is the phase where all of your preparation comes together. Instead of starting from a blank page, you will be writing from a clear plan that reflects the work you have already done throughout the Identity Mapping process. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to turn your preparation into polished application materials and move confidently toward submission, this is your final step in the series.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 7) School Fit & Application Strategy [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the seventh of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will map your story directly to each school’s application components and develop a clear strategy for how your application will come together. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. This session moves your MBA application forward by translating your story, goals, and strengths into a clear strategy for each target school: • Map your themes and key stories to each school’s essay prompts. • Determine which experiences and examples will appear in each component of the application. • Integrate insights from your outreach conversations with students and alumni. • Identify any gaps or risks in your profile and plan how to address them. This is the phase where preparation turns into a clear application plan. Instead of staring at essay prompts and wondering where to start, you will have a structured outline of exactly what each part of your application will communicate. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to translate your story into a clear plan for each school on your list, this is your next step.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 4) Short & Long-Term Goals & Purpose

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the fourth of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will clarify your short- and long-term goals and build a credible, purpose-driven career narrative. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 4 shapes your identity into a credible, purpose-driven career plan: • Define clear short-term and long-term career goals. • Connect your past experiences and core values to your future direction. • Articulate your broader purpose and the impact you want to have. • Stress-test the realism and logic of your plan. • Ensure your goals align with your strengths and readiness for an MBA. This is the phase where your identity turns into direction. Instead of listing ambitions, you construct a thoughtful, believable path that admissions committees can understand and support. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to move from abstract aspirations to a grounded, compelling career plan, this is your next step.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 3) Core Values, Superpowers & LOR Strategy

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the third of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will identify your core values and defining strengths and begin aligning your Letters of Recommendation with your overall narrative. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 3 clarifies your defining characteristic and begins the recommendation process: • Identify 3–5 core values and superpowers that consistently appear across your key stories. • Define what each strength truly means in your life and how it shows up in action. • Ensure your positioning reflects who you actually are, not who you think admissions wants you to be. • Learn how to select recommenders and ensure strong narrative alignment. This is the phase where your stories become identity. Instead of a collection of experiences, you now articulate the defining qualities that connect your past, present, and future. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to clarify what truly defines you and ensure your recommendations reinforce your positioning, this is your next step.

8 Steps to an MBA App: 3) Core Values, Superpowers & LOR Strategy

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the third of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will identify your core values and defining strengths and begin aligning your Letters of Recommendation with your overall narrative. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to watch individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 3 clarifies your defining characteristic and begins the recommendation process: • Identify 3–5 core values and superpowers that consistently appear across your key stories. • Define what each strength truly means in your life and how it shows up in action. • Ensure your positioning reflects who you actually are, not who you think admissions wants you to be. • Learn how to select recommenders and ensure strong narrative alignment. This is the phase where your stories become identity. Instead of a collection of experiences, you now articulate the defining qualities that connect your past, present, and future. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to clarify what truly defines you and ensure your recommendations reinforce your positioning, this is your next step.

8 Steps to Complete MBA App: 2) Key Stories/Strategic School Outreach

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the second of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will turn your experiences into structured story summaries and begin strategic outreach to students and alumni. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you focused and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 2 transforms your experiences into structured story material and begins meaningful school outreach: • Distill 10–20 high-impact stories from your Life Story Timeline using a structured framework. • Learn how to select stories that reveal leadership, growth, resilience, and character. • Apply tagging to identify recurring themes that will shape your positioning. • Begin outreach to current students and alumni. This is the phase where your raw experiences begin turning into usable material. You move from “I’ve done a lot” to “Here are the defining stories that show exactly who I am.” The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to develop a compelling story bank and begin connecting with your target schools in a thoughtful, intentional way, this is your next step.

Do Your Deferred MBA in Spain: Interview with IESE Admissions Director

Join Jesse L., a Leland Top 10 MBA coach for international applicants, for a live interview with Patrik Wallén, MBA Admissions Director at IESE Business School (ranked #3 in the world by the Financial Times), followed by an open audience Q&A. This will be the first interview focused primarily on IESE’s Young Talent Path (YTP), IESE’s early-career, deferred-style pathway that ultimately leads into the full-time MBA. While the main focus is on YTP, this session will also be highly valuable for any applicant considering IESE, as it offers direct insight into IESE’s admissions philosophy, values, career development, and case-method-based MBA program. ✨ What makes IESE’s YTP unique Unlike most U.S.-based deferred MBA (DMBA) programs that require candidates to apply during their final undergraduate year or while completing a graduate degree, IESE allows applicants to apply both during their senior year and after graduation, with up to two years of full-time work experience. This makes YTP accessible to a broader group of early-career professionals who may not have been ready to apply as seniors. In this conversation, Jesse will interview Patrik on how YTP works in practice, how candidates are evaluated, and how YTP admits transition into the regular IESE MBA. We will also cover the support IESE provides to YTP admits during the deferral period, including engagement with the school, career guidance, and preparation for joining the MBA cohort. 📌 Topics will include: • What the Young Talent Path (YTP) is and how it compares to other deferred MBA-style programs • Who YTP is designed for and how candidates are assessed • Applying to YTP after graduation with less than two years of experience • What admission through YTP means in practice • How IESE supports YTP admits during the deferral period • How and when YTP participants join the full-time IESE MBA • What the IESE MBA experience looks like • Live audience Q&A 🎯 Who should attend This session is designed to give applicants real clarity on YTP and the IESE MBA, directly from the source.

Proving the ROI of AI: How PMs Turn Models into Business Impact

Proving the ROI of AI: How PMs Turn Models into Business Impact AI means nothing without outcomes. This session teaches PMs how to connect model metrics (precision, recall) to product metrics (conversion, retention) and ultimately to business value. Using the Taskly case study, learn how to measure, communicate, and sell AI impact to executives and stakeholders. Learning Objectives Master the AI ROI Formula: Model → Feature → User → Business → ROI. Build an Impact Dashboard to track user and business improvements from AI features. Craft persuasive narratives that win stakeholder support for AI initiatives.