Leland+ Content Library

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [7/8/2026] (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!

Nailing the CBS MBA Essays w/ New 2026 Tips! [8/4/2026] (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!

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 Answer "Why this Company"

One of the most common interview questions is "Why do you want to work here?" In this video we will discuss what your approach and strategy should be as you answer this question in your behavioral interviews.

10 Common Mistakes Applicants Make in Private Equity Recruiting - And How to Avoid Them

Private Equity (PE) recruiting is one of the most competitive processes in finance. Whether you're an investment banking analyst, a management consultant, or coming from corporate development, breaking into PE takes more than just technical know-how. It’s about strategy, preparation, and self-awareness.

5 Month Countdown to AMCAS Submission

With less than 6 months to go until AMCAS opening dates, come hear from a seasoned coach on how to maximize the next few months. We'll cover application strategy, timeline, and tips from someone with multiple school acceptances and 10+ program interviews.

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

Top 5 Tips to Break into IB

Breaking into investment banking is competitive—but with the right strategy, it’s achievable. Join Top 5 Tips to Break into IB, a focused session designed to give you clear, actionable guidance on how to stand out in the recruiting process. In this event, we’ll cover the five most important factors for breaking into IB, from building a strong resume and networking effectively to preparing for interviews and positioning your story. You’ll gain practical insights you can apply immediately, whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach. Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a smarter strategy for breaking into investment banking.

Gaming the GMAT FE: Advanced Strategies to Outsmart the Test and Break 705

The GMAT Focus Edition rewards strategy just as much as content mastery—and if you understand how the test thinks, you can dramatically boost your score. In this workshop, Mihir G.—a top GMAT FE scorer (765, 100th percentile) and strategic test-prep specialist—will teach you the advanced tactics, time-management systems, and pattern-recognition techniques that high scorers use to break the 705+ threshold. Drawing on his deep understanding of the exam’s logic and structure, Mihir will walk you through how to approach problems with efficiency, eliminate traps, and leverage a results-driven framework tailored to your strengths. Whether you’re stuck at a plateau or aiming for a top-tier MBA score, this session will give you the tools to think like the testmaker and outperform the competition.

AI Monthly News Update - January 2026 (Slides)

These slides are from the first of a series of monthly news updates related to advancements in AI. This update covers AI tools and LLMs, global AI and infrastructure, robotics and gadgets, and the impact of these advancements on daily life and business. Check out the event here: https://www.joinleland.com/content/item/urn:contentEntry:69839327a1f4968d5ca1feb5?fromName=all

SHARP Interview Worksheet

A comprehensive, actionable framework and workbook designed by Caolan Hunter for high-stakes international interview preparation. This resource introduces the SHARP framework (Situation, Hard Part, Approach, Result, Point), a methodology engineered to eliminate generic responses by injecting specificity, clinical credibility, and visible executive judgment into professional narratives. The document features practical tools for candidates navigating global transitions, including: 1. The Fork in the Road Technique: A diagnostic tool to uncover and articulate active decision-making over passive responsibilities. 2. The Market Adaptation Guide: A regional framework for tailoring delivery styles across the US, UK, Germany/Netherlands, and APAC markets without altering core professional history. 3. Structured Story Templates: Four dedicated layouts optimizing narratives for Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Strategic Pivots, and Resource Constraints. 4. An Interview Mapping Matrix: A tactical guide pairing common high-stakes interview questions with the correct template and timing strategy.

Networking Checklist

A strategic, actionable plan for building and maintaining a professional network through daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly tasks

Deferred MBA Panel: Getting Started Early

​In this panel, expert MBA coaches Geri T. (Harvard Business School), Timothy F. (Chicago Booth), and Claire R. (Stanford Graduate School of Business) will break down what you need to know about applying to deferred MBA programs and how to set yourself up for success early. From understanding what top schools look for to planning your academics, internships, and extracurriculars, you’ll get insider guidance on how to build a competitive profile while you’re still in school. ​You’ll also hear strategies for writing compelling essays, securing strong recommendations, and avoiding the common mistakes that applicants make. Whether you’re a college junior, senior, or early-career professional exploring deferred programs, this session will give you the tools and confidence to start your MBA journey on the right foot.

Crypto Intelligence [7/9/2026] (Recording)

Join a monthly conversation exploring the deepest questions shaping crypto, stablecoins, AI, governance, market structure, incentives, financial infrastructure, and the future of digital assets. This is not a news recap, trading discussion, or beginner session. Each month we explore a topic that deserves deeper examination, drawing from industry research, emerging trends, historical parallels, and open questions that even experienced operators continue to debate. Expect thoughtful discussion, contrarian perspectives, and ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Designed for founders, investors, executives, builders, and anyone interested in understanding where crypto may be headed next.

Build an Investor-Level Pitch Deck with Claude, Excel & PowerPoint [5/29/2026] (Recording)

Build Anything Series · Event 03 · Free · Live Investor decks are a specific genre. They aren't "presentations." They're a tight argument backed by a defensible model, told in 12 slides. This event walks through how to build one with Claude, Excel, and PowerPoint working together — the way real founders actually do it now. What we'll build live: - The financial model — TAM/SAM/SOM, unit economics, P&L forecast, sensitivities, all in Excel/Sheets with Claude generating and reviewing the formulas - The story — problem, market, solution, traction, team, ask. Each slide does one job. We'll write them tight. - The slides — clean figures, charts that read in 3 seconds, narrative continuity. Polished and ready to send. Who it's for: - Founders fundraising (or about to) - Operators building internal pitches for new initiatives - Anyone who's stared at a blank deck for two weeks waiting for inspiration Not a fit if: - You don't have a real business or initiative to pitch - You want me to make a deck for you — this is a workshop, you build alongside We'll be honest about what investors actually look at (versus what advisors say they look at), and where AI helps versus where it gets in the way. Bring your data — even rough — and we'll build live.

Example Stanford GSB Essay - The Power of Personal Reflection and Entrepreneurship

This essay addresses: "Why Stanford?" Learn to clearly articulate how Stanford's unique environment aligns with your aspirations and leadership journey.

Why Most Medical School Essays Fail (And How To Fix Yours)

Most medical school essays don't fail because of poor writing. They fail because they blend in. After reviewing hundreds of applications, I've seen the same costly mistakes over and over again. In this focused session, I'll break down exactly why most medical school essays miss the mark—and how to start fixing yours. You'll leave knowing: • The most common traps applicants fall into with personal statements and secondaries • How to transform your experiences into a stronger, more cohesive narrative • Practical strategies you can apply to your essays right away Don't miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance from an admissions coach whose clients have earned admission to top medical schools like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, Duke, and Vanderbilt. Reserve your spot today!

Using LLMs and AI to Supercharge Your Personal Brand in Networking

Leverage AI and LLMs to refine your personal brand, create compelling introductions, and stand out in professional networking opportunities.

AI in Product Interviews: What to Expect and How to Prep

Product management interviews are evolving fast, and AI-related questions are showing up in ways most candidates aren't prepared for. This session is for aspiring and practicing PMs who want to understand how to navigate product interviews at AI-first companies or answer AI-related prompts in traditional PM roles. You'll leave knowing how to frame your thinking around AI product decisions, how to approach metrics and trade-offs specific to AI features, and what strong versus weak answers actually look like in this context.