Leland+ Content Library

Successful MBA Client Case Studies: From Applying to Completing the First Year [8/25/2026] (Recording)

What does a successful MBA journey really look like, from developing an application strategy to completing the first year of business school? In this live conversation, I will be joined by Alana, a former client who has just completed her first year at her dream school, London Business School. Although her experience is at LBS, the lessons from her application, waitlist journey, school decision, and first year are relevant to applicants targeting leading MBA programs around the world. We will look back at her complete journey: how she approached the application process, presented her background and goals, navigated the uncertainty of being waitlisted, and ultimately earned admission. We will also move beyond admissions to discuss what happened after she arrived on campus. Alana will share how the academic, professional, social, and community experience compared with what she expected while applying. We will discuss: How Alana developed her MBA application strategy The challenges she faced during the application process What it was like to be waitlisted How she responded and continued strengthening her candidacy What helped her ultimately earn admission How she evaluated the opportunity and prepared for business school The biggest surprises from her first year How the reality compared with her expectations What she wishes she had understood as an applicant Her advice for current MBA candidates This will be an honest conversation about both sides of the MBA journey: what it takes to present yourself effectively during the admissions process, and what the experience is actually like once you arrive. Bring your questions about applications, waitlists, selecting a program, student life, career development, and the transition from applicant to MBA student.

How to Stand Out in the Schwarzman Scholars Application

After this session, you will know how to position your leadership narrative for the Schwarzman Scholars rubric, structure your essays to reflect the program's focus on global impact and cross-cultural collaboration, and avoid the framing mistakes that consistently weaken otherwise strong applications. These are patterns that surface repeatedly when reviewing what separates admitted candidates from those who fall short.

MBA Week Kickoff: What You Can Do to 3X Your Chances at Landing in the M7 [8/17/2026] (Recording)

Leland is teaming up with Poets & Quants for a week built around one thing: helping you maximize your chances at your dream MBA program. This kickoff panel brings together MBA coaches who have helped hundreds of clients get into M7 schools. They'll break down what actually works, and what doesn't, on essays, resumes, letters of recommendation, and the rest of your application. This isn't another online article or Reddit thread. It's advice straight from people who know what gets someone in versus what gets them rejected. Throughout the week, we'll go deeper into each part of the process so you'll leave with a clear plan for what your application needs to stand out.

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Feb 5)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

From College to Stanford GSB: The Deferred MBA Strategy Session (Dec 11)

Getting into Stanford GSB’s Deferred MBA program is not about checking boxes: it’s about building a strategy years before most candidates even think about business school. In this exclusive session, Dr. Loubna Bouamane, former MBA Admissions Director and founder of Admission Concierge, will walk you through exactly how top students position themselves for Stanford straight from college. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling early-career narrative, select the right internships and leadership experiences, stand out academically, and avoid the most common mistakes that derail otherwise strong candidates. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or recent graduate, this session will give you a clear roadmap to Stanford’s deferred MBA pathway with real-world insights from inside the admissions process.

Future-Proof Your Business with AI

AI is transforming how businesses operate—from automating workflows to driving strategic decision-making and unlocking new growth opportunities. But how can organizations practically adopt AI in ways that are impactful, ethical, and sustainable? ​In this session, Tara C. (Co-founder of Gravi AI), Logan K. (AI Program Director @ Fabletics), and Michael A. (AI & Product Strategy Mentor at a16z and ex-Microsoft) will explore the real-world applications of AI across different sectors, sharing frameworks for identifying high-value use cases, building data-ready teams, and managing change effectively. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate AI tools, integrate them into existing systems, and lead teams through digital transformation with confidence.

Nailing the Schwarzman Scholars Finalist Interview

Have you been selected as a Finalist for the Schwarzman Scholars program? If you've made it this far, a huge congratulations is in order, as you already overcame substantial odds - invitations to the in-person interview are extended to just 5-6% of the total applicant pool. However, the hardest part is yet to come! I'm here to offer advice and tips to help you navigate what will most definitely be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. This free event will cover what to expect in the Finalist round, alongside strategies to prepare for both the behavioral/application-based portion of the interview and the notoriously challenging 'Global Affairs' question.

Getting into Stanford GSB

Are you aiming to secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me, Sydney, for an insightful session on how to navigate the MBA application process and stand out among a competitive pool of applicants. As a recent MBA graduate from Stanford's Graduate School of Business and a former MBA Student Admissions Ambassador, I am passionate about guiding prospective students through this journey. During this event, we'll cover essential topics such as general exploration, essays, application strategy, recommendations, and networking strategy. Whether you're considering applying in round 2 or looking for an extra push for round 1, this session is tailored for you. Let's work together to present your authentic story and find your passion through business.

How to Nail Your Virtual Medical School Interviews

You’ve completed steps 1 and 2 of the medical school application process by submitting your primary and many secondary essays. Now, you are in the long-awaited stage of preparing for interviews (and perhaps you’ve already received an interview invite). Interviews are opportunities to showcase who you are much beyond your application materials. They are a chance to become familiarized with a program, get to know the faculty and students, and envision yourself at the medical school. During this event, you will learn how to prepare for interviews, what to expect on interview day, how to answer the most commonly asked questions, the difference between traditional and MMI interviews, tips for a smooth-running virtual Zoom experience, and more.

From 309 to 324 | Tips to Improve Your GRE Score [8/30/2026] (Recording)

Are you aiming to boost your GRE score and secure a spot in a top MBA program? Join me for an insightful session on how I improved my GRE score from 309 to 324 and how you can too! As a London Business School MBA2025 alumni and Strategy Consultant at Accenture, I'll share my tips and tricks on how I prepared for the test (on top of a busy and unpredictable work schedule) to help you excel in your assessment. Whether you're targeting a traditional full-time MBA or just looking to enhance your GRE performance, this session is designed for you. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP and secure your spot today!

How To Write a Winning M7 Resume [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Crafting a standout resume is crucial when applying to M7 business schools, and I'm here to help you do just that! Join me, Sabrina, a Wharton MBA alum and experienced product manager, for an insightful session on how to write a winning M7 resume. During my time at Wharton, I served on the student admission committee, was co-president of the largest club on campus, and co-hosted the Wharton Fintech Podcast, giving me firsthand insight into what top business schools are looking for in applicants. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your resume shine and increase your chances of getting into your dream MBA program. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

Military to MBA Panel Oct 2025

​In this panel, Alex S., Alec E., and Zack D., veterans who have successfully transitioned from military service to top MBA programs will share their experiences and advice on making the leap. You’ll hear how they translated their leadership and operational skills into compelling applications, built strong narratives, and navigated the unique challenges of the transition. ​Whether you’re just starting to explore an MBA or actively preparing your applications, this session will give you practical insights, strategies, and inspiration to help you take the next step in your career with confidence.

Ask an HBS Grad Anything: R1 Polish, R2 Timeline, & Standout Strategies [9/16/2026] (Recording)

Have burning questions about your MBA application strategy? Get direct, candid answers from an HBS graduate in a fast-paced, 30-minute AMA. Bring your questions on: Round 1: Last-minute R1 polish, essay tweaking, and optional essays. Round 2: Fall timeline planning, test retakes, and application strategy. Top-Tier Admissions: What HBS and M7 programs look for during application review. No slides, no filler—just 30 minutes of live Q&A. Stick around at the end to learn how to lock in a 1:1 review before Round 1 deadlines!

What Deferred MBA Essays Need to Accomplish, and How to Get There

Deferred MBA essays are less about polished resumes and more about potential, clarity of goals, and long-term impact, and getting them right requires a very specific approach. In this session, you’ll learn what top programs actually expect deferred candidates to demonstrate, how admissions committees read these essays differently from traditional MBA applications, and how to structure your responses to show maturity, self-awareness, and trajectory. We’ll break down common pitfalls, winning themes, and practical steps to move from a blank page to a compelling final draft with confidence.

Deferred MBA Admissions Event Sprint Kickoff

Kick off Deferred MBA Week with an overview of everything you need to know to build a winning application strategy from start to finish. In this session, we’ll break down what makes deferred programs unique, what top schools are really looking for in early-career candidates, and how to use the rest of the sprint—panels, workshops, and AMAs—to your advantage. You’ll walk away with a clear game plan for essays, recommendations, testing, and timelines, plus guidance on how to prioritize your time based on where you are in the process.

How to Ace PM Interviews

Product management interviews can feel daunting—but with the right frameworks and preparation, you can walk into every conversation confident and ready. This session breaks down the core components of PM interviewing, from product sense and analytical thinking to execution, communication, and behavioral storytelling. You’ll learn how to structure clear, compelling answers, showcase your problem-solving skills, and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up candidates. Whether you're targeting Big Tech, high-growth startups, or rotational PM programs, this workshop will give you the tools to stand out and make a lasting impression.

Top 5 Tips for Succeeding on the GMAT

Want to boost your GMAT score with advice that actually moves the needle? Join Leland coach Bruce H., a seasoned GMAT expert who has helped candidates earn elite scores and gain admission to top MBA programs. Bruce will break down his top five most impactful strategies-from mastering data sufficiency to managing timing and building a high-yield study plan-so you can approach test day with confidence. Whether you're just starting or looking for a final score jump, you'll walk away with practical techniques you can implement immediately.

Am I Ready to Apply to Grad School?

​Applying to graduate school is a big step—and knowing when you’re truly ready can make all the difference. In this workshop, Kelly B.—a former Stanford admissions officer with experience reviewing thousands of applications across disciplines—will help you evaluate your readiness, strengthen your application strategy, and understand what admissions committees are really looking for. ​Whether you’re still exploring programs or preparing to hit submit, Kelly will share insider insights and practical tools to assess where you are in the process, highlight your unique strengths, and position yourself as a strong candidate.

8 Make or Break Founder Decisions

​Every startup journey is filled with tough choices—but some matter more than others. In this session, expert coach and founder Angela C. will walk through the eight critical decisions that can determine whether your company scales successfully or stalls. Drawing on firsthand experience and lessons learned, she’ll share practical advice you won’t find in a textbook. ​Whether you’re still refining your idea or actively scaling your venture, you’ll leave this session with clarity on which decisions to prioritize, how to approach them, and how to avoid the pitfalls that trip up many founders.