Leland+ Content Library

Turn a Non-Traditional Background Into a Super Power as an MBA Applicant

Learn how to leverage your unique experiences and stand out in the competitive MBA application process.

MBA Submit & Speak Part 1: The Final Ten Days [8/27/2026] (Recording)

Ten days out from your Round 1 deadline, everything feels urgent, and much of it truly is. What you may not have is time to do it all. This session opens a new three-part series, MBA Submit & Speak. We start where you are right now, in the last stretch before Round 1 closes, and we make the decisions that are still genuinely open to you. Not another round of line edits, but the calls that change what an admissions committee receives. Across the three sessions, we move from the last days before you submit to the interviews that follow. Attend all three to go from deadline to interview with one continuous plan, or drop into the single session you need most. In this session, you will learn how to spend your final ten days: • Decide school by school which programs belong in Round 1, and which one you should move to Round 2 on purpose rather than by accident. • See why the online application form itself, the biographical, employment, education, and activities sections that feel like paperwork, is read as closely as anything you write. • Learn when an optional essay or addendum helps you, and when saying nothing is the stronger answer. • Handle a recommender who has gone quiet with days left, without damaging the relationship or the recommendation. • Rank what is worth fixing in the last seventy-two hours and give yourself permission to leave the rest alone. The hardest part of the final ten days is not effort, it is order. A dozen legitimate tasks compete for the same few evenings, and from where you are sitting they all look equally important. This session puts them in sequence, so you know what to do first, what can wait until the night before, and what to let go of entirely, and you submit an application you chose rather than one the clock chose for you. I have guided more than 100 applicants into every M7 program, across the top 20 in the U.S., and into leading international programs, including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Spend your last ten days on what actually changes the outcome. Register now to claim your spot.

Differentiate your MBA Application: School Research & Networking Part 1 of 2

⚡School research and networking are the secret weapons that separate good MBA applicants from the ones admissions committees can’t forget. They shape every part of your application, from essays and interviews to your ability to turn a waitlist into an admit. Yet most applicants never learn how to do them at the level that truly changes the game. This is Part 1 of a two-part workshop series. In this session, you will learn the research and networking strategy and methods. You will then have two weeks to complete your own school research and networking as guided homework. In Part 2, I will demonstrate how to put this work into action through a live walkthrough, including discussion of participant progress and real questions that arise during the process. ⚠️Register for Part 2 in the event calendar on March 13th Part 1 has been my most popular event, run multiple times each year, and consistently rated by attendees as one of the most helpful and actionable MBA preparation sessions they’ve experienced. This is the first time I am introducing the Part 2 execution workshop. In this session, you’ll discover how to: 🔷 Conduct deep-dive school research that goes far beyond websites and brochures 🔷 Strategically network with the right people, turning what may be the greatest networking opportunity of your life into a clear advantage for admission and beyond 🔷 Create an MBA Journey document that becomes your central reference for aligning fit, goals, and contributions across the application 🔷 Integrate your findings seamlessly into essays, interviews, networking conversations, and campus interactions You’ll learn how to pinpoint the exact courses, professors, centers, career services, experiential programs, internships, clubs, culture elements, current students, and alumni connections that will help you achieve your goals, and how to clearly show the value you will bring in return. By the end of this session, you will know how to demonstrate, with clarity and credibility, that you and your target MBA program are the right fit for each other. Bonus Offer ✅1 attendee will receive a free 1-hour coaching session. ✅All attendees may request a free copy of the MBA Research & Networking Template. ⚡Spots are limited. Register now to gain the advantage that can set your MBA application apart.

Everything you need to know about landing an APM role [9/7/2026] (Recording)

Breaking into an APM role can be challenging when you’re trying to understand what companies actually look for in early-career product candidates. This session is designed for aspiring Associate Product Managers who want a practical overview of the skills, experience, and recruiting strategies that can help them stand out. You’ll learn how to build relevant product experience, demonstrate strong product thinking, approach applications and networking, and prepare for the interview process. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own background and get real-time guidance on the parts of the APM recruiting process you’re navigating. The speaker will share practical strategies, common mistakes, and lessons from working with candidates pursuing product management roles. If you want a clearer roadmap for landing an APM role, it’s worth joining live.

How to Structure an MBA Application Essay: The Classical Arrangement [7/25/2026] (Recording)

As a former AP English teacher and college essay tutor now pursuing an MBA, I want to share how I used certain classical writing and rhetorical strategies to write cogent and compelling MBA application essays.

[Recording] How I Built an AI-Powered Grocery Expense-Splitting App [8/11/2026]

Splitting grocery bills fairly, without the back-and-forth of screenshots and mental math, is exactly the kind of everyday problem AI is now good enough to solve. In this session, you'll see how one Leland customer built an app that does just that: tracking shared purchases and automatically figuring out who owes what. No coding background required, and that's the point. The speaker will demo the app live, then break down how she actually built it: the tools she used, the choices she made along the way, and where she got stuck. If you've got a small, nagging problem in your own life, this session should leave you with a real sense of how to go build the fix yourself.

Don't Use an LSAT Wrong Answer Journal. Do This Instead. [5/27/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you'll know exactly how to identify why you're missing LSAT questions and what to do about it in your next study session. Instead of logging wrong answers in a journal that tells you what went wrong, you'll learn how to track the reasoning errors that actually repeat across question types, and how to build a correction habit that sticks. This session will also cover how to distinguish a knowledge gap from an execution error, because the fix for each is completely different. Attending live means you can describe your current study setup and get a direct response about whether your approach is working or working against you. The coach works with LSAT students at every score level and brings a clear sense of the patterns that separate candidates who plateau from those who break through.

Building an AI Travel Agent That Plans Your Entire Trip [8/11/2026] (Recording)

Planning a trip can involve hours of research, comparisons, and coordination, but AI can now handle much of that work for you. This session is for anyone interested in building practical AI applications, regardless of their technical background. You'll learn how to create an AI-powered travel agent that can research destinations, build itineraries, and help plan an entire trip with minimal manual effort. Join live to hear from a Leland customer who successfully built AI-powered applications without any coding experience. The speaker will walk through the process of building a travel planning agent, share the tools and workflows they used, and demonstrate how today's AI platforms make it possible for anyone to turn an idea into a functional product. Expect practical insights and inspiration for building your own AI projects.

Fit Is Not a Freebie: How Firms Actually Evaluate Your Behavioral Interviews [8/11/2026] (Recording)

Most candidates spend 90% of their prep time on cases and assume fit will take care of itself. It doesn't. Fit is evaluated with the same rigor as the case at every MBB firm, and the interviewers asking behavioral questions are trained to score them. As a former BCG interviewer, I've sat on both sides of that table, and the gap between what candidates think they're being evaluated on and what's actually happening is significant. This session covers what firms are actually looking for and how to build a fit preparation strategy that works. How Fit Is Actually Scored at MBB: This isn't a casual conversation, it's a structured evaluation with specific criteria. -Why fit isn't just about whether your interviewer likes you, but it's a scored component with defined qualities -The qualities that interviewers are looking for in every fit story, regardless of firm Telling Fit Stories That Actually Work: The format most candidates use produces weak answers. -Why STAR produces flat, unmemorable answers and what to do instead -How to structure a leadership, impact, or conflict story so it actually lands -What makes a fit story memorable vs. one that interviewers forget before the next candidate walks in Building Your Story Bank Before Recruiting Season: Having one good story is not enough. -How many stories you actually need and how to choose which experiences to use -Why most candidates recycle the same stories across question types and how to avoid it -How to adapt a single experience to multiple fit questions without it sounding rehearsed Live Example: A strong fit answer, broken down for what makes it work, and the common version of the same story that doesn't.

Slides for Fit Is Not a Freebie: How Firms Actually Evaluate Your Behavioral Interviews

Most candidates spend 90% of their prep time on cases and assume fit will take care of itself. It doesn't. Fit is evaluated with the same rigor as the case at every MBB firm, and the interviewers asking behavioral questions are trained to score them. As a former BCG interviewer, I've sat on both sides of that table, and the gap between what candidates think they're being evaluated on and what's actually happening is significant. This session covers what firms are actually looking for and how to build a fit preparation strategy that works. How Fit Is Actually Scored at MBB: This isn't a casual conversation, it's a structured evaluation with specific criteria. -Why fit isn't just about whether your interviewer likes you, but it's a scored component with defined qualities -The qualities that interviewers are looking for in every fit story, regardless of firm Telling Fit Stories That Actually Work: The format most candidates use produces weak answers. -Why STAR produces flat, unmemorable answers and what to do instead -How to structure a leadership, impact, or conflict story so it actually lands -What makes a fit story memorable vs. one that interviewers forget before the next candidate walks in Building Your Story Bank Before Recruiting Season: Having one good story is not enough. -How many stories you actually need and how to choose which experiences to use -Why most candidates recycle the same stories across question types and how to avoid it -How to adapt a single experience to multiple fit questions without it sounding rehearsed Live Example: A strong fit answer, broken down for what makes it work, and the common version of the same story that doesn't.

Career Breakthrough Masterclass [6/17/2026] (Recording)

🔓 Corporate Hiring Secrets Uncovered Do you want the unvarnished truth? The most qualified candidate rarely gets the corporate job. The candidate who knows how to package their value does. To dismantle these systemic roadblocks, I am partnering with international executive resume writer and career strategist Andrew Stoner for the Career Breakthrough Masterclass on June 17 on the following: 1. Resume & LinkedIn Architecture: Build a bulletproof profile and high-impact narrative that instantly captures global decision-makers. 2. Elite Personal Branding: Master the executive presence and strategic positioning needed to command top-tier rooms. 3. The Interview Process: Learn the exact storytelling frameworks to confidently navigate and dominate high-stakes conversations. Meet Your Hosts Sarika Puri is a Career Strategist with nearly two decades of global HR leadership and executive hiring experience at top firms like Spencer Stuart, Lenskart, and BYJU’S. She uses her deep insider knowledge of the hiring table to help ambitious professionals conquer imposter syndrome, master executive presence, and land top-tier roles. Andrew Stoner is an International Executive Career Coach with over 20 years of experience shaping personal brands and crafting over 500 elite resumes for corporate leaders. He specializes in transforming complex career histories into powerful storytelling frameworks and bulletproof LinkedIn profiles that instantly hook global decision-makers. Together, we are exposing the friction points between elite document architecture and the cold realities of the executive hiring room. Join us live on June 17 at 8:00 PM IST / 10:30 AM EDT for this high-value, 90-minute intensive session, complete with a live Q&A and a full recording provided afterwards. Register immediately by clicking on the link in this event and follow this space for more.

What Actually Kills a PhD Application (From an Ex-Adcom Perspective) [8/16/2026] (Recording)

Most PhD applicants don’t get rejected because they’re unqualified. They get rejected because their application raises quiet concerns that are never explicitly communicated. In this session, I’ll walk you through how admissions committees actually evaluate PhD candidates behind closed doors—and more importantly, what tends to kill otherwise strong applications. Drawing from my experience reviewing applications, I’ll break down the specific patterns I’ve seen across candidates who were ultimately denied, even with solid GPAs, research experience, or strong institutions. We’ll go beyond surface-level advice and focus on the real decision drivers: research fit, narrative clarity, faculty alignment, and how convincingly your trajectory makes sense for a PhD. You’ll learn how small positioning gaps can create doubt, and how those doubts translate into a rejection. This session is designed for both first-time applicants and reapplicants who want to approach the next cycle more strategically. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of where your application may be falling short and what to fix before the next round of deadlines. There will also be time for live Q&A, where you can ask questions about your own profile and get direct, candid feedback.

Starting Your GMAT Journey: An Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition [5/21/2026] (Recording)

Starting GMAT prep can feel confusing when you’re not sure what’s changed in the Focus Edition or how to begin effectively. This session is for anyone looking for a clear introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition and what it takes to succeed. You’ll learn how the exam is structured, what each section tests, and how to build a study plan that aligns with your strengths and target score. Join live to ask questions about your starting point and get guidance on how to approach your prep with confidence. The speaker is an expert GMAT coach who regularly helps candidates navigate the early stages of studying. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful test takers and the foundational strategies typically covered in 1:1 prep sessions.

Starting Your GRE Journey: An Introduction to the GRE General Test [5/14/2026] (Recording)

Starting your GRE prep can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure what the test actually involves or how to begin. This session is for anyone looking for a clear introduction to the GRE General Test and how to approach it effectively. You’ll learn how the exam is structured, what each section tests, and how to build a study plan that sets you up for steady improvement. Join live to ask questions about your starting point and get guidance on how to approach your prep with more confidence. The speaker is an experienced GRE coach who regularly helps students navigate the early stages of preparation. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful test takers and the foundational strategies typically covered in 1:1 prep sessions.

Starting Your GRE Journey: An Introduction to the GRE General Test [6/23/2026] (Recording)

Starting GRE prep can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure how the test works or what it actually takes to reach a competitive score. This session is for anyone looking for a clear introduction to the GRE General Test and a smarter way to begin preparing. You’ll learn how the exam is structured, what each section is really testing, and how to build an effective study plan from the start. Join live to ask questions about your own prep and hear directly from a GRE coach who scored a 336 and has tutored 100+ students. The speaker has helped test takers across a wide range of score goals and will share the patterns they see across successful students and the foundational strategies that consistently make the biggest difference.

Starting Your GMAT Journey: An Introduction to the GMAT Focus Edition [6/30/2026] (Recording)

Starting GMAT prep can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure how the Focus Edition works or where to begin. This session is for anyone looking for a clear introduction to the GMAT and the strategies that lead to strong performance over time. You’ll learn how the exam is structured, what each section is designed to test, and how to build a study plan that sets you up for steady improvement. Join live to ask questions about your own starting point and get guidance from a GMAT expert with over 25,000 hours of tutoring experience. The speaker has worked with students across a wide range of score goals and will share the patterns they see across successful test takers and the foundational strategies that consistently make the biggest difference.

The Career Pivot Playbook: How to Change Lanes Without Starting Over [9/8/2026] (Recording)

Most people think a career pivot means starting over. It doesn't. It means arriving at the right destination from a direction most people didn't expect. I made the move from full-cycle recruiter and sourcer at JPMorganChase, EY, and Fisher Investments to People Analytics Developer at JPMorganChase. No CS degree, no data science bootcamp. Just a clear why, a transferable story, and a strategy for making the move without walking away from everything I had built. This session is that exact playbook. The data backs it up: 80% of career changers report greater happiness after making the move. 77% earn the same or more within two years. The risk is real but it's smaller than the fear makes it feel. The timing also matters: 53% of employers have dropped degree requirements in favor of demonstrated skills. The credential gap that used to stop most pivoters is closing. The playbook has changed. This session is built around that reality. Here's what we'll cover: The Decision: How to tell the difference between a real signal and a bad week, and the excuses that keep people stuck. The Internal Pivot Advantage: The most underrated career move available. Why pivoting before you have to, inside your current company, can change everything. Your WHY as the Thread: Most people answer the pivot question defensively. We build the narrative that makes your non-linear path look intentional, not accidental. The Transferable Asset Audit: You are not starting from zero. We map what already transfers, and identify the one gap actually worth closing. Overcoming It in Interviews: The three pivot traps that trip up career changers, and how to handle each one without apologizing for your path. Live Q&A closes the session.

Study & Work in Europe Kickoff: What It Takes To Be an Expat [9/14/2026] (Recording)

Moving to Europe for school or work can open incredible opportunities, but breaking into a new country and international job market comes with its own challenges. This kickoff session is for students and professionals considering a move to Europe who want a clearer picture of what it actually takes to make the transition. You'll learn how to navigate international recruiting, position yourself for opportunities abroad, and prepare for the practical realities of studying and working in a new country. Join live to hear from a panel of experts who have studied and worked across Europe and know what it takes to build a career internationally. They'll share firsthand lessons, recruiting strategies, and practical advice for making the move successfully. Whether you're exploring Europe for the first time or actively planning your next step abroad, this session will give you a strong foundation for the week ahead.

How to Build an MBA Application That's Actually Ready for Round 1 [8/3/2026] (Recording)

Preparing for Round 1 can feel overwhelming when you're trying to balance essays, recommendations, test scores, and school research all at once. This session is designed for MBA applicants who want to make sure every part of their application is truly ready before they hit submit. You’ll learn how to assess your application for gaps, prioritize the highest-impact improvements, and build a realistic plan for submitting a polished, competitive Round 1 application. Attending live gives you the opportunity to ask questions about your own application timeline and get real-time guidance on what deserves your attention before deadlines arrive. The speaker works closely with MBA applicants and will share the patterns they see across successful candidates, along with how they evaluate whether an application is genuinely ready for submission. If you want to approach Round 1 with more confidence and a clear plan, it’s worth joining live.