Leland+ Content Library

What Top Deferred MBA Admits Do Differently

Top deferred MBA admits don’t just have strong resumes, they position themselves with clarity, maturity, and long-term vision that stands out in a crowded applicant pool. In this session, we’ll break down the specific behaviors, strategic choices, and storytelling techniques that differentiate successful deferred candidates, from how they articulate career goals to how they demonstrate leadership and impact early on. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of what admissions committees are truly looking for and how to elevate your own candidacy.

How to Master Marketing Behavioral Interviews

Many marketing candidates struggle with behavioral interviews, not because they lack strong experiences, but because they haven’t learned how to present those experiences clearly and convincingly. This session is designed for candidates pursuing marketing roles who want to understand how interviewers evaluate behavioral answers and what separates average responses from memorable ones. You’ll learn how to structure stories using a clear framework, highlight measurable impact, and answer common marketing interview questions in a way that demonstrates strategic thinking and collaboration.

Investment Banking 101: Introduction to the Income Statement & Company Valuation [7/6/2026] (Recording)

This session is designed for rising college sophomores who are interested in exploring careers in investment banking. We will cover the fundamentals of the income statement—including revenue, expenses, and profitability—through the example of an apple orchard. Students will also receive an introduction to the most common valuation methodologies used in investment banking, including comparable company analysis, precedent transactions, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. The goal is not to master these concepts in one session, but to develop a foundational understanding of how finance professionals analyze businesses and determine value. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the key line items of the income statement and explain the primary valuation methodologies used in investment banking. No prior finance experience is required.

Where Should I Apply?

Choosing where to apply to medical school is a strategic decision that can significantly impact your chances of acceptance. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a balanced school list based on your GPA, MCAT, state residency, mission fit, and competitiveness, and how to evaluate programs beyond rankings alone. We’ll cover how to categorize reach, target, and safety schools and avoid common list-building mistakes. Whether you’re early in the process or finalizing your applications, you’ll leave with a clear framework to apply strategically and confidently.

Career Wisdom: Navigating rupture in the world order [7/1/2026] (Recording)

The professional world is changing faster than ever, and many people are trying to figure out how to build stable, meaningful careers in the middle of constant uncertainty. This session is for professionals who want a clearer framework for navigating major shifts in the economy, technology, and workplace. You’ll learn how to adapt your career strategy during periods of disruption, identify opportunities within change, and make decisions that position you for long-term growth and resilience. Join live to hear from two experienced career development coaches and ask questions about your own professional path. The speakers have guided individuals through career pivots, industry shifts, and uncertain job markets, and will share the patterns they see across people who navigate change successfully. Expect grounded insights and practical advice similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

✍️ Write MBA Essays That Stand Out: Why MBA, Why Now, Why This School [6/25/2026] (Recording)

🤔Are you struggling to write clear, specific, and convincing answers to “Why an MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” These three questions sit at the heart of almost every strong MBA application. They may look simple, but weak answers are one of the fastest ways to sound generic, unfocused, or interchangeable with thousands of other applicants. In this focused 45-minute session, you’ll learn how to turn these core essay themes into a sharper, more differentiated MBA story. ✍️ We’ll break down what admissions committees are really looking for, why these questions matter so much, and the most common mistakes applicants make when writing about their goals, timing, and school fit. You’ll see examples drawn from successful MBA application materials, along with detailed analysis of what makes an answer strong or weak. We’ll cover how to connect your background, career goals, personal motivations, and school research into essays that feel specific, credible, and authentic. You’ll also learn how to avoid vague claims like “global network,” “diverse community,” and “leadership opportunities,” and replace them with school-specific details that actually strengthen your candidacy. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how to: ✅ Build stronger answers to “Why MBA?”, “Why now?”, and “Why this school?” ✅ Connect your past experience to your future goals ✅ Show real school fit without sounding generic ✅ Make your essays more personal, strategic, and admissions-ready ✅ Avoid common essay mistakes that weaken otherwise strong applications We’ll close with a live Q&A where you can ask about your own essay strategy, school fit, goals, or anything that wasn’t fully clear from the presentation. Seats are limited, so register now to strengthen one of the most important parts of your MBA application. 🚀 ⭐ Plus, attendees who stay for the full session will automatically be entered to win a free 1-hour coaching session with me, a $259 value.

Take‑Home Assignment Playbook for APM & New‑Grad PMs

A comprehensive, step‑by‑step playbook to help you crush take‑home product assignments for APM, PM internships, and new‑grad PM roles. Inside, you’ll get a universal template you can reuse for any prompt, four fully‑fleshed practice assignments (consumer app, B2B execution, AI‑driven feature, and FAANG‑style product strategy), plus self‑evaluation rubrics and fill‑in‑the‑blank scaffolds to structure your answers like a real PM. This resource is designed to take you from “no idea where to start” to confident, clear, and interview‑ready. Who it’s for Aspiring product managers recruiting for APM programs. Candidates applying for PM internships and entry‑level PM roles. Career switchers who understand basic product concepts but need a concrete system for tackling take‑home assignments. Anyone who has ever stared at a PM take‑home prompt and thought, “I don’t even know how to start,” and wants a repeatable, high‑signal approach.

Ask Me Anything with a Former Stanford Admissions Officer

Join me for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session to get answers to your college admissions questions. I'm Isamar, a former Stanford Admissions Officer, a Harvard grad, proud first-generation college graduate, and an experienced college admissions coach. With years working with students from all backgrounds, including US-based, international, and first-generation applicants, I'm here to help you navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to provide thoughtful, empathetic, and strategic guidance. Whether you're a high school student or parent, don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from a seasoned professional. Note: Feel free to ask about any college admissions topic, regardless of your target school. This AMA is not exclusively focused on Stanford admissions.

Tips & Tricks for Applying & Interviewing for the CoS Role

​Landing a Chief of Staff role takes more than luck—it requires a clear strategy for how you present yourself, connect with the right people, and stand out in interviews. In this session, experienced Chief of Staff and hiring expert Sivan R. will break down the process into three actionable parts: ​Tailoring the Resume – How to position your transferable skills, highlight impact, and use the key words hiring managers are looking for. ​Elevating the Outreach – How to identify the right people to get you in the door, craft effective messages, and build meaningful connections. ​Mastering the Interview – How to prepare with confidence, anticipate common Chief of Staff interview themes, and tell your story with clarity. ​By the end, you’ll have a clear playbook for navigating the Chief of Staff application process from start to finish—equipped with practical tips you can put into action right away.

Inside a PM Interview: Live Mock + Breakdown

​Ever wonder what actually happens in a product management interview? In this interactive session, you’ll get a front-row seat to a live mock PM interview—no scripts, no fluff. Watch as experienced product manager Mike M. (Former Atlassian APM, now PM at Leland) interviews expert coach Kate X. (PM at Capital One, former Consultant at Accenture). ​You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to structure your answers, avoid common mistakes, and show up with confidence when it’s your turn in the hot seat. It’s one thing to read about interview strategy—it’s another to see it in action.

Summer Leadership Series: Clarity For Your Next Chapter [7/22/2026] (Recording)

How Great Leaders Make Decisions Without Perfect Information Have you ever felt stuck between multiple good options? Whether you're considering a promotion, changing careers, transitioning from the military, starting a business, or simply trying to figure out what's next, uncertainty can make even capable leaders feel overwhelmed. The challenge usually isn't a lack of information—it's the pressure to make the "right" decision. In this interactive 45-minute workshop, we'll explore why high performers often struggle with major life and career decisions and introduce practical tools to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. This isn't a presentation about finding the perfect answer. It's a conversation about learning to trust yourself, align your decisions with your values, and take the next step with intention. What You'll Learn During this session, you'll: • Understand why capable leaders often feel stuck during periods of transition. • Learn a simple framework for making decisions when certainty isn't possible. • Explore the role values, identity, and energy play in creating clarity. • Work through a guided reflection exercise to identify your own "next waypoint." • Leave with practical questions and tools you can immediately apply to your career and life. Who Should Attend? This session is designed for: Mid-career and senior professionals. Anyone navigating transition. Executives and emerging leaders. Entrepreneurs and business owners. Anyone facing an important decision or a new chapter in life. No matter where you are in your journey, you'll leave with a greater perspective and a practical framework for navigating uncertainty with confidence. What You'll Walk Away With By the end of our time together, you'll have: ✅ A clearer understanding of what's driving your current decisions. ✅ A framework for moving from uncertainty to intentional action. ✅ Reflection tools you can continue using long after the session. ✅ Greater confidence in identifying and taking your next step. My hope isn't that you leave with your next ten years figured out. My hope is that you leave knowing your next waypoint. Because you don't have to see the entire horizon. You only have to trust yourself enough to steer toward the next waypoint.

Summer Leadership Series: Clarity For Your Next Chapter [7/16/2026] (Recording)

How Great Leaders Make Decisions Without Perfect Information Have you ever felt stuck between multiple good options? Whether you're considering a promotion, changing careers, transitioning from the military, starting a business, or simply trying to figure out what's next, uncertainty can make even capable leaders feel overwhelmed. The challenge usually isn't a lack of information—it's the pressure to make the "right" decision. In this interactive 45-minute workshop, we'll explore why high performers often struggle with major life and career decisions and introduce practical tools to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence. This isn't a presentation about finding the perfect answer. It's a conversation about learning to trust yourself, align your decisions with your values, and take the next step with intention. What You'll Learn During this session, you'll: • Understand why capable leaders often feel stuck during periods of transition. • Learn a simple framework for making decisions when certainty isn't possible. • Explore the role values, identity, and energy play in creating clarity. • Work through a guided reflection exercise to identify your own "next waypoint." • Leave with practical questions and tools you can immediately apply to your career and life. Who Should Attend? This session is designed for: Mid-career and senior professionals. Anyone navigating transition. Executives and emerging leaders. Entrepreneurs and business owners. Anyone facing an important decision or a new chapter in life. No matter where you are in your journey, you'll leave with a greater perspective and a practical framework for navigating uncertainty with confidence. What You'll Walk Away With By the end of our time together, you'll have: ✅ A clearer understanding of what's driving your current decisions. ✅ A framework for moving from uncertainty to intentional action. ✅ Reflection tools you can continue using long after the session. ✅ Greater confidence in identifying and taking your next step. My hope isn't that you leave with your next ten years figured out. My hope is that you leave knowing your next waypoint. Because you don't have to see the entire horizon. You only have to trust yourself enough to steer toward the next waypoint.

How to Get Into Medical School Panel

​Getting into medical school is one of the most competitive admissions processes out there—and having the right strategy can make all the difference. In this panel, you’ll hear from experts who have successfully navigated the journey and now help aspiring physicians do the same. ​Our panelists Krysta F., Gloria L., and Floriane K. will cover what makes a strong application, how to stand out in your personal statement, ways to approach letters of recommendation, and tips for excelling in interviews. They’ll also share common pitfalls to avoid and insider advice on navigating the process with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore a pre-med path, looking to get ahead on next year's application or are in the middle of interviews, this session will give you practical insights to maximize your chances of acceptance.

Why Every Leader Needs An Executive Coach

​Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, leading a startup, or managing a high-impact team, having the right support can make all the difference. In this session, we’ll explore why executive coaching is no longer a luxury reserved for the C-suite — it’s a strategic advantage for any ambitious leader. ​Join Kerry R., Keith S., and Debonné N. - top Leland coaches as they break down the real value of coaching: from navigating career transitions and strengthening leadership presence to making smarter decisions and avoiding burnout. You’ll learn what to look for in a great coach, how the coaching process works, and how to unlock your full potential — personally and professionally.

Developing Your MBA Story [6/24/2026] (Recording)

**GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES: ONE FREE YEAR OF LELAND+ ($120 value)** A strong MBA application starts with a clear story, yet many applicants struggle to connect their experiences into a narrative that feels focused and compelling. This session is for candidates who want to strengthen how they present their goals, leadership, and personal journey throughout the admissions process. You’ll learn how to identify the themes that make your background distinctive, connect your experiences into a cohesive narrative, and communicate your “why MBA” with greater clarity. Join live to hear from a panel of MBA admissions experts and ask questions about your own application story. The panelists regularly work with applicants on positioning and essay strategy and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates. Expect practical guidance and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 admissions coaching conversations.

GRE Quant: Time-Saving Strategies [9/15/2026] (Recording)

GRE Quant is as much a test of strategy and efficiency as it is a test of math. The right approach can help you solve questions faster, avoid unnecessary calculations, and save valuable time for the problems that need it most. This session is for GRE test takers who want to improve their pacing and get more out of every minute on test day. You'll learn practical shortcuts, smarter problem-solving approaches, and the strategies that can help you work through Quant with greater speed and confidence. Join live to hear from a GRE expert who has helped thousands of ambitious candidates achieve their target scores and gain admission to top graduate schools worldwide. The speaker will share proven time-saving techniques, common traps that waste valuable minutes, and practical strategies you can immediately apply to your GRE preparation.

How to Make AI Actually Useful at Work [8/6/2026] (Recording)

Opening ChatGPT now and then isn't the same as working better. This session is about the gap between dabbling and real output: finding the repetitive, high-friction workflows worth automating, knowing when to reach for a prompt vs. a project vs. an agent vs. an API, and measuring what you actually save. With practical case studies, you'll leave with two or three workflows you can improve immediately — and a way to find more. What we'll cover: - Finding repetitive, high-friction workflows - Prompts vs. projects vs. agents vs. APIs vs. automation - How businesses are actually implementing AI - Practical case studies - Measuring time saved and output gained You'll leave with: Two or three workflows you can improve immediately, plus a framework for finding more.

3 AI Skills to Land Your Job in ... The Green Energy Industry

Some people assume green energy is about policy, subsidies, and political will. In practice, the industry runs on physical hardware as demanding as any in heavy manufacturing. A wind turbine nacelle housing a gearbox that must perform reliably at 100 meters altitude in North Sea conditions for 25 years. A solar panel assembly sealed well enough to withstand thermal cycling, humidity, and UV exposure across decades of outdoor installation. A battery cell precise enough in its chemistry and construction to store grid-scale energy without degradation. These are tangible products; the energy transition does not happen without them. I spent more than 10 years selling to the green energy industry, working across its supply chain at the component and system level. Beyond that, I have coached candidates on Leland preparing for roles in this sector, several of whom have since been successfully hired. I understand what green energy companies require from their people; I also know which skills are shifting fast right now because of AI. This Tuesday session covers the green energy industry: one of the fastest-growing, most capital-intensive, and most consequential sectors in the global economy. We will discuss three specific AI skills that are changing what hiring managers expect, and how you can demonstrate them before you walk into an interview. If you want a career where the tangible product you help bring to market contributes to something larger than a balance sheet, this session is for you.

The Playbook to Land Your First PM Role [5/11/2026] (Recording)

$50 COACHING CREDIT GIVEAWAY FOR LIVE ATTENDEES. Landing your first product management role is competitive, and many candidates struggle to translate their background into a compelling PM story. This session is for aspiring PMs who want a clearer, more strategic approach to breaking in. You’ll learn how to position your experience for PM roles, build credible product signals through projects or work, and navigate the interview process with more confidence. Join live to hear from PM professionals who have successfully made this transition and now help others do the same. The panelists regularly advise candidates and will share the patterns they see across those who land their first PM role and what stands out to hiring teams. Expect practical guidance and insights similar to what’s covered in 1:1 coaching conversations.

Ask Me Anything: Behind the screening curtain at MBB

Step behind the screening curtain of MBB with Alison L., a seasoned expert in strategic talent acquisition. With 15 years of experience between MBB, Alison has scaled and led global talent teams at McKinsey and Bain and served as a knowledge expert in BCG's global health care practice. These experiences have provided her some unique insights into their cultures and what they seek in candidates. Whether you're exploring a career in management consulting or preparing for interviews, this AMA session is your chance to gain insider knowledge and guidance.