Leland+ Content Library

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.

How to Secure Top Graduate Fellowships: Rhodes, Truman, Knight-Hennessy & More!

​Curious about how to earn prestigious fellowships like Rhodes, Marshall, Schwarzman, Knight-Hennessy, and others? In this session, coaches Machmud M. and Claire R.—both Knight-Hennessy Scholars themselves—will share what it takes to stand out in highly competitive selection processes. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling personal narrative, choose and prepare strong recommenders, approach essay prompts, and succeed in interviews, all while highlighting leadership, impact, and academic excellence. ​Whether you’re exploring opportunities for graduate study abroad, pursuing a master’s in the U.S., or looking to expand your academic and professional horizons, this session will give you clear strategies and practical tools to strengthen your application. With proven frameworks and insights from past awardees, you’ll walk away ready to approach fellowship applications with confidence.

The AI Skillset That Gives PM Candidates an Edge

AI is rapidly becoming part of the product manager’s toolkit, and candidates who understand how to apply it thoughtfully are starting to stand out in hiring processes. This session is for aspiring and current PMs who want to understand which AI skills actually matter and how to incorporate them into their product thinking. You’ll learn how PMs are using AI in real product workflows, which capabilities hiring managers are beginning to value, and how to demonstrate AI fluency in interviews and projects.

Start Now: Build Your PM Network

Breaking into product management is competitive, and one of the most overlooked advantages is building the right network before you need it. This session is for aspiring and early-career PMs who want a practical approach to networking that actually moves the needle. You'll leave with a clear framework for identifying and reaching out to the right people, language that gets responses from busy PMs and hiring managers, and a repeatable system for staying visible in the communities that matter most.

Mastering the Chief of Staff Interview

Join us for a practical breakdown of what top Chiefs of Staff look for when hiring this uniquely high-leverage role. Expert Leland Coach and ex-Google and Stitch Fix CoS Cherizza L. will cover how to tell your story, demonstrate strategic thinking, and show you can operate as a true force-multiplier to executives. You’ll gain insight into the interview styles, case prompts, and signals that matter—so you can walk in prepared, confident, and ready to stand out.

Decoding the GMAT FE: What You Need to Know Before You Register

Thinking about business school? The new GMAT Focus Edition is here—shorter, smarter, and designed to highlight the skills that matter most in today's data-driven business world. Whether you're transitioning from the classic GMAT or comparing it to the GRE, this session breaks down everything you need to know: from exam structure and section strategies to scoring and test-day logistics. Join us to get insider tips, practice problems, and the confidence to plan your prep—and your future—effectively.

MBA Essay Bootcamp: How to tell a story no other applicant can [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Unlock the secrets to crafting an unforgettable MBA essay with our MBA Essay Bootcamp! Join me, Hanie, as we dive into the art of storytelling that sets you apart from the competition. With my background as a Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University and an MBA graduate from Columbia Business School, I bring a wealth of experience in admissions and essay crafting. In this session, we'll explore how to weave your unique experiences into a compelling narrative that resonates with admissions committees. Whether you're just starting your application journey or looking to refine your essays, this bootcamp is designed to elevate your application strategy. Spaces are limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step towards your dream MBA program!

Crafting an MBA Essay That Actually Stands Out [5/12/2026] (Recording)

FREE LELAND + FOR 1 MONTH FOR ALL LIVE ATTENDEES. Strong MBA essays aren’t just well-written, they clearly communicate who you are and why you belong at a program. This session is for applicants who want to move beyond generic advice and craft essays that genuinely stand out. You’ll learn how to develop a focused personal narrative, avoid common mistakes that dilute your story, and align your essays with what admissions readers are actually looking for. Join live to hear from MBA admissions experts and ask questions about your own essay ideas. The panelists regularly work with applicants on essay development and will share the patterns they see across successful submissions. Expect practical feedback and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

Understanding Your Burnout: When Ambition Outpaces Alignment

​This workshop is designed to support ambitious professionals in understanding burnout beyond just feeling tired—it’s frequently a sign of mismatch between personal values, work, and environment. Executive and leadership coaching expert Debonné N. (Current Sr. Director of Comms @ Blue Shield) led the TIS program for the city and county of San Francisco which diagnosed and proactively addressed burnout in essential workers. ​Debonné N. will look into how burnout manifests in high-achievers, paying attention to the emotional and physical signals that might go unnoticed. Plus, we'll share practical strategies to help you regain clarity, boost creativity, and find balance. Combining insights, stories, and strategies, this session will help you build self-awareness to confidently reimagine your next career chapter with renewed energy and purpose.

MBA Admissions Panel: How to Get into your Dream School

​Breaking into a top MBA program takes more than strong grades and work experience — it requires a compelling application strategy that sets you apart. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Kelsey K. (Admissions at Columbia), Ben L. (Stanford MBA), and Allie K. (Wharton MBA) who have successfully navigated the admissions process at leading business schools. ​Our panelists will share their best advice on crafting standout essays, building a competitive profile, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for interviews. They’ll also dive into common mistakes to avoid and the strategies that helped them get admitted to their dream schools. Whether you’re just starting to think about an MBA or are in the thick of applications, this session will give you the insider guidance you need to stand out.

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!

How to Choose the Right International Career Move [6/10/2026] (Recording)

If you're considering a move abroad, a degree in another country, or a pivot into a more international career, the hardest part is often not ambition: it's choosing well. A lot of smart professionals get stuck between several “good” options: stay where you are and keep building, go abroad for a master's, switch markets, accept a less obvious opportunity that may open bigger doors later, or wait for a clearer path. This webinar is designed to help you think through those decisions more strategically. In this session, we'll look at how to evaluate an international move in a way that goes beyond excitement, fear, or generic expat advice. We’ll cover how to weigh career upside against cost, visa realities, employability, timing, and quality of life, and how to identify which option actually fits your long-term goals. In this webinar, you'll learn: - how to evaluate whether an international move is strategically worth it - when a degree abroad makes sense and when it probably doesn’t - how to compare countries, cities, and career markets more realistically - what people often underestimate about visas, employability, and timing - how to choose between a safer path and a more ambitious one - how to make a move that is not just exciting, but coherent By the end of the session, you’ll leave with: - a clearer framework for evaluating your next international career step - better questions to ask before committing time, money, or energy - a more realistic understanding of what makes a move viable - more clarity on whether your best next step is to relocate, study, stay put, or reposition first This webinar is for professionals who are: - considering relocating for work - debating whether to pursue a master’s or MBA abroad - trying to break into a new international market - weighing multiple career paths across countries - looking for a more strategic way to plan a global career move Whether you're early in the process or already deciding between specific options, this session will help you think more clearly and move forward with a stronger strategy.

Stand Out: R3 MBA Admissions

Are you gearing up for Round 3 MBA applications and wondering how to make your application stand out? Join me for an insightful session - we'll focus on 5 key insights to help you stand out in the most competitive round of MBA admissions! With extensive experience helping applicants gain admission to top MBA programs like Stanford GSB, Harvard Business School, and Wharton, I specialize in guiding you through every step of the application process. Whether you're looking to pivot careers, secure scholarships, or simply present your best self, this session will provide you with the strategies and insights you need.

Deciding Where to Apply to Law School

Choosing where to apply to law school is one of the most consequential decisions you’ll make—and Leland coach Machmud M. is here to help you approach it strategically. In this session, he’ll break down the factors that actually influence your career trajectory, from employment outcomes and geographic placement to culture, curricular strengths, and long-term fit. You’ll learn how to separate signal from noise, evaluate programs through the lens of your personal goals, and build a school list that maximizes both opportunity and alignment. If you want to make confident, well-informed application decisions, this workshop is a must-attend.

From Draft to Done: Finalizing Your PhD Applications

​Applying to PhD programs is a long process—and the final stretch can make all the difference. In this session, Madeleine L., Diane K., and Kenneth T., will teach you how to refine and polish your application materials so that every component works together to present a cohesive, compelling story. ​We’ll cover strategies for tightening your statement of purpose, ensuring your research interests are clear, aligning your recommenders, and avoiding last-minute mistakes. Whether you’re weeks away from submitting or just want a stronger review process, this event will give you practical tools to finalize your PhD applications with confidence.

Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume

​Join Leland coach Betsy M. (Former Resume Coach for Stanford GSB Career Management Center) for a hands-on workshop on Crafting the Perfect MBA Resume—a crucial step in standing out during the business school admissions process. In this session, Betsy will break down exactly what top MBA programs are looking for, how to translate your work experience into impact-driven bullet points, and how to tailor your resume specifically for admissions (not just job hunting). ​Whether you're starting from scratch or revising a draft, you'll leave with clear takeaways and expert guidance to elevate your MBA resume to the next level.

How AI is Changing Software Engineering Recruiting

AI is transforming software engineering faster than most candidates realize. The hiring playbook that worked a few years ago is no longer enough. In this session, you’ll explore how AI is influencing the recruiting landscape and what that means for aspiring software engineers. We’ll discuss emerging trends, evolving expectations, and how to think strategically about preparing in a market that’s changing in real time. If you want to compete where hiring is headed, not where it used to be, this conversation will help you stay ahead.

Build Your Medical School Application Plan

Medical school applications are a marathon, not a sprint—and the right plan can change everything. This session helps you step back, see the full picture, and build an application strategy that actually works. You’ll learn how to map out your timeline, focus on the experiences and metrics that matter most, and avoid common missteps that derail strong applicants. If you want to approach the med school process with confidence and control (instead of stress), this session will give you the framework to do it.