Leland+ for MBA

What Top Candidates do Well in the Booth MBA Interview [5/5/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know how to structure your responses to stand out in the Booth MBA deferred enrollment interview. We will cover the behavioral frameworks that successful candidates use to demonstrate self-awareness, how to articulate long-term goals convincingly at an early career stage, and the specific signals Booth interviewers look for when evaluating fit with the school's entrepreneurial culture. Attending live means you can ask how to handle the parts of your background that feel like liabilities, and hear real-time guidance shaped around your actual situation rather than a generic script. The coach works with deferred MBA candidates regularly and is sharing the patterns that consistently show up in strong Booth interview performances.

8 Steps to a Complete MBA App: 4) Short & Long-Term Goals & Purpose

Applying to business school can feel overwhelming! You have dozens of moving pieces: essays, short answers, video content, resume, recommendations, outreach, research, and more. This workshop is the fourth of a structured 8-part MBA Identity Mapping series designed to take you from fragmented tasks to a clear plan of action. In this session, you will clarify your short- and long-term goals and build a credible, purpose-driven career narrative. These sessions walk you step by step through building one fully aligned MBA application. In every workshop, you will be assigned tasks to complete over the next two weeks, keeping you organized and accountable. By the end, you will have strong, authentic essays and a cohesive narrative that runs consistently through your resume, goals, recommendations, school strategy, and interviews. You are absolutely welcome to attend individual sessions if you only need focused help on a specific component(s) of your MBA application. Event 4 shapes your identity into a credible, purpose-driven career plan: • Define clear short-term and long-term career goals. • Connect your past experiences and core values to your future direction. • Articulate your broader purpose and the impact you want to have. • Stress-test the realism and logic of your plan. • Ensure your goals align with your strengths and readiness for an MBA. This is the phase where your identity turns into direction. Instead of listing ambitions, you construct a thoughtful, believable path that admissions committees can understand and support. The MBA Identity Mapping process has guided 100+ applicants into every M7 program, all other top 20 U.S. programs, and leading international programs including INSEAD, London Business School, IESE, Esade, Oxford, Cambridge, NUS, and more. Clients consistently describe it as transformative because it replaces scattered effort with forward momentum and strategic clarity. If you are ready to move from abstract aspirations to a grounded, compelling career plan, this is your next step.

Your Guide to the Columbia MBA Interview [5/7/2026] (Recording)

Strong candidates still get tripped up in the Columbia MBA interview because they underestimate how much clarity and fit matter in a short conversation. This session is for applicants who want a clearer understanding of how to navigate Columbia’s interview process with confidence. You’ll learn how to structure your answers, communicate your goals and fit for the program, and handle the types of questions that commonly come up. Join live to ask questions about your own interview preparation and get guidance tailored to your background. The speaker is an expert in the Columbia MBA interview process and regularly works with candidates preparing for this stage. They’ll share the patterns they see across successful applicants and the kinds of feedback typically given in 1:1 interview prep.

The Key to Mastering Combinations and Permutations on the GMAT [5/7/2026] (Recording)

After this session, you will know exactly how to recognize when a GMAT problem calls for combinations versus permutations and how to set up the math without second-guessing yourself. We will cover the slot method for counting arrangements, how to handle restrictions like repeated elements or fixed positions, and the fastest way to simplify factorial expressions under timed conditions. Attending live means you can bring a specific problem type that keeps tripping you up and hear how to think through it in real time, not just watch a solved example. The coach works through these problems with GMAT students regularly and will share the reasoning patterns that consistently separate confident solvers from those who guess and move on.

MBA Goals & Purpose Guide: Define Your Short- and Long-Term Goals

Most MBA applicants know they need goals. Few know how to make them specific, grounded, and genuinely their own. This guide gives you a clear framework for defining your short-term and long-term post-MBA goals, along with the purpose behind them. Inside you will find what strong goals include, what weak ones look like, worked examples you can learn from, and the reflection questions that help you get there. Everything is in one place and structured so you can work through it in order or go straight to what you need. Whether you are just starting to think about direction or refining goals you have already begun to develop, this guide will help you arrive at goals you can defend confidently in essays, interviews, and school conversations.

MBA Interview Series: Columbia

​The Columbia Business School interview is your chance to move beyond the application and show who you are as a candidate. In this event, Melanie E. (a former CBS Adcomm and interviewer) will walk you through what to expect, how to prepare, and strategies to stand out in the CBS interview process. You’ll gain insight into the types of questions asked, how to tell your story with confidence, and what Columbia admissions committees value most in applicants. ​Whether you’re applying this round or preparing for the future, this session will give you the tools to approach your interview with clarity, poise, and authenticity.

CV that Worked for Stanford GSB

CV I submitted as part of my application for Stanford GSB MSx Program

Writing a Holistic Set of Booth Essays

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those that really maximize the essay-writing process find a way to make clear how their experiences inform their goals, and develop clear narrative through-lines that make their contributions to the school and program tangible. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. Reference the slides from a past event that draws from example essays written by successful U Chicago Booth admits. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a three-dimensional applicant who top Booth AdComs could envision contributing to their community. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make their specific kind of difference in the world.

The Deferred Blueprint: A Detailed Guide to Breaking into M7 as a Deferred Applicant

Applying to deferred MBA programs can feel like a black box—especially when it comes to the ultra-competitive M7 schools. In this session, expert coach Tim F. will break down exactly what it takes to stand out as a deferred applicant. ​By the end, you’ll have a step-by-step blueprint for building a competitive application and putting yourself on the fast track to an M7 admit.

MBA to Consulting Panel

Still planning to break into consulting before graduation? You're not alone, and it's not too late. This panel is designed for MBA students who are exploring full-time roles in consulting, whether you’re re-recruiting, pivoting, or looking to refine your strategy. ​Hear from Taylor R., Andrew H., and Rifat M., all of whom successfully landed consulting offers later in the MBA journey as they share practical advice on networking, storytelling, case prep, and how to stand out in a competitive recruiting cycle. If you're hoping to make the jump into MBB or other top firms, this session will help you make the most of the months ahead.

How U.S. MBA Admissions Work

Application components, holistic review, timelines (Round 1 vs Round 2), application portals

AI & Your MBA Application: Dos and Don'ts for Written Content

Are you thinking about using AI tools like ChatGPT to improve your MBA application essays, but are unsure how to do it ethically and effectively? Join me, M, for a practical and candid session designed to equip MBA applicants with the necessary knowledge and strategies for using AI to assist them in crafting authentic and compelling written content while remaining policy compliant. This session will help you understand how to responsibly integrate AI support into the written components of your application while maintaining your personal voice and authenticity. Learn how to use AI as a supportive tool without violating school guidelines or compromising the integrity of your narrative. I’ll share examples that show the difference between a compelling story that captures your real voice and an AI-produced generic essay.

Cambridge MBA | Application Essays

Successful admission with bursary scholarship

It's October, But I'm Stuck on my Essays!

Feeling stuck on your MBA application essays? You're not alone, and I'm here to help you successfully get to a Round 2 deadline. Join me for an insightful session where we'll tackle the art of crafting compelling essays that truly reflect your unique story and aspirations. With over 15 years of experience admitting student to every top MBA institution in the world, I will distill the components of effective essays that my clients have written to help you understand how to make your essay powerful and memorable. Whether you're applying for a traditional full-time MBA, deferred, executive, part-time, or online MBA, this session will provide you with the strategies and insights needed to elevate your application. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge—RSVP now to secure your spot!

Find Your MBA Fit

Considering an MBA but not quite sure which programs are the right fit? All these MBA options sound the same? Not even sure why you want an MBA yet? Should you apply to 2 schools, or 7? Been there. As a Stanford GSB Alum who's helped over 300 applicants land a coveted spot at top programs like GSB, HBS, Wharton, Kellogg and more, I'm throwing together this free 45-minute event to cover some criteria you can use to narrow your search. You'll come away with a clearer idea of how to pick the right schools for you so you can focus your time and energy. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take the first step not just towards applying, but applying to the right places.

Interviews for International Candidates

Mock structures + success strategies

Demonstrating Cultural Adaptability

Global perspective + U.S. fit

Visa Strategy

F-1 visa basics, OPT, STEM extension, sponsorship challenges, school support

MBA Admissions Panel: How to Get into your Dream School

​Breaking into a top MBA program takes more than strong grades and work experience — it requires a compelling application strategy that sets you apart. In this panel, you’ll hear directly from Kelsey K. (Admissions at Columbia), Ben L. (Stanford MBA), and Allie K. (Wharton MBA) who have successfully navigated the admissions process at leading business schools. ​Our panelists will share their best advice on crafting standout essays, building a competitive profile, securing strong recommendations, and preparing for interviews. They’ll also dive into common mistakes to avoid and the strategies that helped them get admitted to their dream schools. Whether you’re just starting to think about an MBA or are in the thick of applications, this session will give you the insider guidance you need to stand out.