Leland+ Content Library
Optional MBA Essay Example – Low GPA
MBA Optional Essay Example addressing a low GPA and mental health challenges. Asian Male.
Private Equity Interviews: The Deal Walkthrough
The deal walkthrough is often the most grueling part of the private equity interview process, serving as the ultimate test of a candidate’s investment logic and technical command. In this session, Derek O. leverages his experience at Audax Private Equity and Vista Equity Partners to deconstruct how to successfully pitch a deal from an institutional perspective. Attendees will learn how to articulate a compelling investment thesis, navigate rigorous technical questioning, and defend assumptions under pressure—essential skills for standing out in elite recruiting cycles. This workshop is designed for ambitious professionals looking to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and the high-stakes delivery required to secure an offer.
AMA/Office Hours: Sales "deal desk"
Got a tough deal you're trying to close? Not sure how to handle a tricky objection, or how to structure pricing for your early-stage product? Need help figuring out why a once-hot opportunity has gone cold? Bring your sales questions to this open “Deal Desk” AMA session. Whether you’re a founder doing your own sales, an AE trying to close faster, or a BDR struggling to get responses, this is your space to get unfiltered, tactical guidance from a startup sales coach who’s been in your shoes. I’ve helped dozens of venture-backed startups go from zero to repeatable sales processes, and I’m opening up the floor to help you work through your blockers in real-time. Think of this like having a VP of Sales on speed dial for 60 minutes. About me: I have an MBA from Stanford and was the first sales hire at two venture-backed startups that now have 9 figure valuations (Arc Technologies and Trunk Tools). I'm now a full-time sales coach and consultant to help B2B SaaS startups to scale beyond founder-led sales, turning interested prospects into paying customers. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights and strategies tailored to your needs.
Stress Management
Get practical, actionable strategies used by top-tier consultants to proactively manage project pressures and maintain mental resilience.
AI Software Case Interview: Market Sizing Walkthrough
Practice estimating a $50B+ AI market using real assumptions—perfect for mastering structure and mental math in tech-focused cases.
Consulting Math Guide: Master the Numbers
Crack the case interview. Learn mental math shortcuts, common formulas, and how to confidently calculate anything from market size to profitability.
IB Technical Interviews: Ace the Most Common Questions
A former investment banker shares the frameworks and mental shortcuts you need to master your technical questions and land the offer.
Synergies vs. Dissynergies: What Really Drives Deal Value
Break down the key differences between synergies and dissynergies—and how each impacts success.
Deal Walk-Throughs: How to Present Your Experience
Learn how to structure a walk-through of your deal or project experience - even if you had limited exposure - by focusing on key drivers, your contribution, and commercial impact.
Case Math: Shortcuts & Strategies
Master the math section of your case interview. Learn mental shortcuts, key formulas, and proven strategies to solve complex problems with speed and accuracy.
GMAT Official Practice Test 1 Walkthrough - Data Insights Section
A complete walkthrough of the Data Insights section from GMAT Focus Official Practice Test 1. Learn the strategies and mental shortcuts to ace every question type.
How to Structure a Deal Walkthrough for PE Interviews
Deal walkthroughs in Private Equity interviews are among the toughest hurdles candidates face—interviewers expect you to walk through the logic, assumptions, and risks of an entire investment, often on the spot. To excel, you need a repeatable structure, sharp instincts, and clarity under pressure. Join Max M., a former tech investor turned Wharton MBA and one of Leland’s Top 50 Coaches, who has worked on deals at Thomas H. Lee Partners and Goldman Sachs. Max has coached hundreds of candidates across PE, IB, and hedge funds, helping them land offers at top firms. In this session, Max will break down a clear framework you can apply during deal walkthroughs: how to decompose the investment thesis, model growth and margins, identify key value levers, and address deal risks. He’ll also walk through common “curve ball” questions and teach you how to think on your feet.
What VCs Want: Thesis, Diligence, and Deal Flow Explained
Understanding how venture capitalists evaluate startups is essential for anyone looking to break into VC or strengthen their investing skill set. In this workshop, Kenny J.—an operator and investor with experience at Google Ventures, CapitalG, Honeywell M&A, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs—will break down how VCs develop investment theses, source and evaluate deals, and run diligence with rigor. Drawing on his background evaluating 25+ early-stage opportunities, supporting $400M in transactions, and helping an autonomous trucking startup raise capital and build financial discipline, Kenny will offer a structured, no-nonsense look at the frameworks, modeling expectations, and sourcing strategies that matter most in venture.
Venture Capital 101: Players, Funds, and the Deal Process
Venture capital can feel opaque without a clear map of how firms operate and how deals actually get done. This session breaks down the VC ecosystem, who the key players are, how funds are structured, and what the end-to-end deal process looks like, from sourcing and diligence to investment decisions and portfolio support. You’ll leave with a practical understanding of how venture capital works and how to navigate conversations, recruiting, or founder interactions with greater confidence.
Kellogg MBA Essay Examples – Leadership & Inclusion
A pair of compelling Kellogg essays showcasing the applicant’s leadership in launching a high-impact team and her personal journey advocating for mental health and diversity in the workplace.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
Crafting Your Throughline
Distill your story into a central theme or “throughline” that ties together your experiences and goals.
PE 101 for Interviewees and Professionals: Deal Dynamics, Diligence, & Value Creation
Private equity can feel complex from the outside, but understanding deal flow, diligence, and value creation is essential—whether you're preparing for interviews or entering the industry. In this session, Saleem H., an early graduate from a non-target school who has built a career in private equity after consulting, will break down the fundamentals in a way that’s approachable and practical. Having mentored dozens of candidates into top MBA programs, MBB and Tier-2 consultancies, boutique firms, and competitive PE roles, Saleem brings hands-on experience and a passion for supporting nontraditional, first-gen, and early-career professionals. He’ll walk you through how firms evaluate deals, where analysts and associates drive the most impact, and what interviewers expect you to know about value creation from day one.
Craft Winning Cover Letters & Resumes for PE: How to Tell a Deal Story
In private equity recruiting, your deal experience is your story—and how you tell it can make or break your candidacy. In this workshop, James W.—a Wharton MBA with experience as an M&A attorney at Kirkland & Ellis and Paul Weiss, an investment banker at Guggenheim Securities, and a private equity operator at GenNx360—will walk you through how to craft resumes and cover letters that showcase your deal experience with clarity and impact. Having sat on every side of the table, James will share what recruiters and hiring managers actually look for, how to structure your deal descriptions, and how to highlight the strategic thinking behind your work. Whether you’re recruiting for your first on-cycle role or positioning yourself for a post-MBA move, this session will give you the insider perspective and tools to stand out in the competitive PE hiring process.
Wharton MBA Essays - Energy Finance Career Vision
These essays detail a candidate’s transition from renewable energy project management to investment banking, with a focus on leadership, community impact, and long-term goals in energy innovation.
