Leland+ for MBA

Inside the Mind of an MBA Admissions Committee [7/14/2026] (Recording)

What actually happens when your application is reviewed? This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at how admissions committees evaluate candidates, compare profiles, and make difficult decisions among highly qualified applicants. Attendees will gain insight into what drives admissions decisions beyond surface-level credentials and learn how to frame their candidacy in a way that resonates with the evaluators behind the process.

Resume from HBS, GSB, & Kellogg Admit | Technology and Life Sciences Background

A polished resume from an applicant admitted to HBS, GSB, and Kellogg, demonstrating a strong track record in technology and life sciences.

From Enlisted Green Beret to Stanford MBA and Deep Tech VC: AMA with Ian Kennedy [6/9/2026] (Recording)

This is an informal, no-agenda open AMA on my path from the Army Special Forces to business school at Stanford and a career in venture capital. Bring your questions about the transition out of the military, applying to business school while still serving, breaking into VC and tech, or anything else! I served as an enlisted Green Beret (18E) in 1st SFG and applied to business school while on deployment, with admittance to Stanford, MIT, and Berkeley. I chose to go to Stanford, where did a joint MBA/MS in Electrical Engineering with a focus on AI and quantum computing. After business school, I was Chief of Staff at Khosla Ventures, where I helped invest in and manage a large portfolio of deep tech companies. I'm now a full-time coach helping military and veteran applicants through the MBA admissions process.

The Right MBA, Not the Same MBA: Uncovering Program Nuance [6/3/2026] (Recording)

Not all MBA programs are created equal, and treating them interchangeably is one of the most common mistakes applicants make. This session will examine the subtle but important differences across top business schools, from culture and academic philosophy to recruiting strengths and leadership development models. Attendees will learn how to assess fit more thoughtfully and how to leverage program-specific nuance to build stronger school lists and more tailored applications.

How to Choose the Right International Career Move [6/10/2026] (Recording)

If you're considering a move abroad, a degree in another country, or a pivot into a more international career, the hardest part is often not ambition: it's choosing well. A lot of smart professionals get stuck between several “good” options: stay where you are and keep building, go abroad for a master's, switch markets, accept a less obvious opportunity that may open bigger doors later, or wait for a clearer path. This webinar is designed to help you think through those decisions more strategically. In this session, we'll look at how to evaluate an international move in a way that goes beyond excitement, fear, or generic expat advice. We’ll cover how to weigh career upside against cost, visa realities, employability, timing, and quality of life, and how to identify which option actually fits your long-term goals. In this webinar, you'll learn: - how to evaluate whether an international move is strategically worth it - when a degree abroad makes sense and when it probably doesn’t - how to compare countries, cities, and career markets more realistically - what people often underestimate about visas, employability, and timing - how to choose between a safer path and a more ambitious one - how to make a move that is not just exciting, but coherent By the end of the session, you’ll leave with: - a clearer framework for evaluating your next international career step - better questions to ask before committing time, money, or energy - a more realistic understanding of what makes a move viable - more clarity on whether your best next step is to relocate, study, stay put, or reposition first This webinar is for professionals who are: - considering relocating for work - debating whether to pursue a master’s or MBA abroad - trying to break into a new international market - weighing multiple career paths across countries - looking for a more strategic way to plan a global career move Whether you're early in the process or already deciding between specific options, this session will help you think more clearly and move forward with a stronger strategy.

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!

Cómo posicionarte para una búsqueda de empleo internacional [6/22/2026] (Recording)

Buscar trabajo en un contexto internacional no consiste solo en traducir tu CV al inglés o postular a más ofertas. Muchas veces, el verdadero problema es otro: tienes experiencia, capacidades y criterio, pero tu perfil no se entiende con claridad fuera de tu mercado, tu sector o tu país. En este webinar veremos cómo posicionarte mejor para oportunidades internacionales, para que tu experiencia tenga más sentido para recruiters, hiring managers y programas en entornos globales. Hablaremos de cómo presentar tu trayectoria de forma más clara, cómo destacar lo que realmente importa y cómo construir una narrativa profesional que resulte creíble, relevante y competitiva. En este webinar aprenderás a: - entender por qué un perfil sólido puede perder fuerza en un proceso internacional - identificar qué partes de tu experiencia no se están traduciendo bien fuera de tu contexto local - presentar tu trayectoria de una manera más clara, estratégica y atractiva - construir un perfil que conecte mejor con empleadores internacionales - mejorar la forma en que explicas tu experiencia en tu CV, LinkedIn y entrevistas - evitar errores comunes al postular a oportunidades globales Al final de la sesión, saldrás con: - una idea más clara de cómo posicionar tu perfil para el mercado internacional - un mejor marco para explicar tu experiencia y tus fortalezas - más claridad sobre qué cambiar en tu CV, LinkedIn y narrativa profesional - una forma más estratégica de presentarte para oportunidades fuera de tu país o sector actual Este webinar es para profesionales que: - quieren acceder a empleos en empresas internacionales o en otro país - están intentando reorientar su perfil hacia un mercado más global - sienten que su experiencia tiene valor, pero no está “aterrizando” bien en procesos internacionales - quieren presentarse con más claridad, confianza y estrategia - están aplicando a roles globales, programas internacionales o posiciones en inglés Tanto si estás empezando tu búsqueda como si ya llevas tiempo postulando sin conseguir la respuesta que esperabas, esta sesión te ayudará a entender cómo hacer que tu perfil sea más claro, más legible y más competitivo en un contexto internacional.

MBA Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Draft [7/21/2026] (Recording)

Strong MBA essays are built through strategy and revision, not first drafts. In this live workshop, attendees will watch a real-time transformation of an underwhelming MBA essay into a far stronger and more compelling submission. Along the way, the session will unpack the strategic thinking behind each edit, illustrating how top applicants improve storytelling, structure, reflection, and differentiation throughout the drafting process.

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

How To Write a Winning M7 Resume [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Crafting a standout resume is crucial when applying to M7 business schools, and I'm here to help you do just that! Join me, Sabrina, a Wharton MBA alum and experienced product manager, for an insightful session on how to write a winning M7 resume. During my time at Wharton, I served on the student admission committee, was co-president of the largest club on campus, and co-hosted the Wharton Fintech Podcast, giving me firsthand insight into what top business schools are looking for in applicants. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to make your resume shine and increase your chances of getting into your dream MBA program. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot!

How Top 1% Applicants Build Cohesive MBA Application Narratives [6/9/2026] (Recording)

The strongest MBA applicants do more than present impressive credentials—they tell a coherent, strategically crafted story across every component of the application. This session will break down how top candidates create alignment between their resume, essays, recommendations, and interviews to present a clear and compelling narrative. Attendees will learn the principles behind building an application that feels intentional, differentiated, and greater than the sum of its parts.

Drop in Q&A Rnd 1 MBA- Know your story and uniqueness. Not cookie cutter advice [7/16/2026] (Recording)

Round 1 deadlines are coming. Your essay is probably not-started. Your story probably doesn't make sense yet. That's fine — that's exactly what we're going to figure out. I'm Bryan, Wharton undergrad, MIT Sloan MBA, and I've spent 12 years helping people turn complicated, non-linear careers into applications that actually get read. I've seen the cookie-cutter essays. I've seen the AI-written ones. Adcoms have too. We're not doing that. In this session we'll talk about what Round 1 actually means for your chances, how to find the thread that connects your story, what schools are really asking when they say "why MBA, why now," and how to stop writing essays that sound like everyone else's. No fluff. No templates. Just the stuff that actually moves the needle. Bring your messy draft. Bring your confused career pivot. Bring your "I don't know how to explain what I do" problem. We'll figure it out together.

MBA Recommendation Deep Dive and Q&A [6/18/2026] (Recording)

Recommendations are one of the most overlooked and underappreciated elements of the MBA application process. Time and time again throughout my career, I’ve seen strong recommendations differentiate applicants – and yes, even change admissions outcomes – in a crowded field of otherwise similar profiles. In this session, we’ll cover: • How the MBA recommendation process works • How to navigate difficult decisions about whom to select as recommenders • What distinguishes effective recommendations from forgettable ones • How to equip your recommenders to write detailed, impactful letters • Q&A about your own recommender choices and specific situations Attending live gives you the chance to ask questions about your recommendation strategy and receive real-time, personalized guidance that may not fit the standard advice. Greg Guglielmo has been a full-time MBA admissions consultant since 2017 and brings over 7,000 hours of one-on-one admissions consulting experience. If you want a clearer strategy for one of the most important parts of your MBA application, this session is worth joining live!

AMA: M7 MBA Admissions and MBB Recruiting [6/30/2026] (Recording)

Want to break into an M7 MBA program and land an offer from MBB? Join Alec Emmert, a Wharton MBA, former McKinsey consultant, and former McKinsey interviewer, for an open, judgment-free coaching session on MBA admissions, consulting recruiting, and career reinvention. Alec was admitted to Wharton at 35 with a 2.85 undergraduate GPA and later joined McKinsey after being rejected in a previous application cycle. In this session, he’ll share the lessons, strategies, and hard-earned insights that helped him overcome nontraditional odds and answer your questions directly. Bring anything you want to ask about MBA applications, M7 positioning, consulting interviews, networking, overcoming weak spots, or building a compelling story.

The Reapplicant's Advantage: Turning Setback into Strategy. [7/22/2026] (Recording)

For many successful MBA graduates, rejection was not the end of the journey—it was the turning point. When approached with strategy, reflection, and renewed purpose, reapplying can transform a setback into a compelling statement of resilience, growth, and focus. Admissions committees respect candidates who demonstrate perseverance, self-awareness, and the ability to learn from experience—but only when that growth is clear, specific, and credible. This workshop will help you turn a “ding” into a competitive edge. You’ll learn how to conduct a clear-eyed assessment of your previous application, identify what may have held you back, highlight meaningful progress since your last submission, and approach the reapplicant essay with authenticity and impact. More than damage control, the reapplication process is an opportunity to show the admissions committee that you are stronger, more prepared, and more intentional than before. Done well, your reapplication can tell a sharper, more mature, and more persuasive story. By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Conduct a candid self-assessment to identify weaknesses in your previous application and opportunities for improvement. * Demonstrate tangible growth through professional achievements, academic progress, leadership development, and deeper extracurricular or community impact. * Refine your school strategy by aligning more precisely with programs where your fit, goals, and competitiveness are strongest. * Craft a powerful reapplicant essay that emphasizes resilience, growth, and renewed commitment—without sounding defensive or making excuses. * Strengthen recommendations and school engagement by securing enthusiastic advocates and building more authentic connections with your target programs.

Showing Leadership Potential in your MBA App w/ex-Stanford Admissions Director [6/17/2026] (Recording)

Next to academics, the most important criteria that schools evaluate in your MBA application is 'leadership potential'. What is it, and how is it evaluated? While each school may differ slightly, there are several key elements that are common across MBA admissions. My goal is to offer actionable tips and a structured framework to strengthen your application in this area. I draw on more than a decade managing admissions at Stanford GSB, as well as helping to develop the school's core leadership curriculum. Following the session, I will share a video link (in case you miss it) and a PDF summary document.

MBA Essay Edit: Watch Me Transform an Underwhelming Draft [6/16/2026] (Recording)

Strong MBA essays are built through strategy and revision, not first drafts. In this live workshop, attendees will watch a real-time transformation of an underwhelming MBA essay into a far stronger and more compelling submission. Along the way, the session will unpack the strategic thinking behind each edit, illustrating how top applicants improve storytelling, structure, reflection, and differentiation throughout the drafting process.

✍️ 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.

Ross MBA 101: The inside view of Ross from an alum and admissions interviewer [6/29/2026] (Recording)

A free session with a Ross MBA alum and admissions interviewer covering what adcom actually wants, how to nail your essays, and why most "Why Ross" answers miss the mark. Is Ross Right for You? Not every top program is built the same; Here's what makes Ross distinct and how to know if it belongs on your list. -The academics, culture, and community that define the Ross experience -How to pressure-test your interest before you put in the work What Adcom Actually Wants: What Ross is really evaluating beyond the resume and how to show it. -The criteria, values, and defining traits adcom consistently selects for -Common mistakes applicants make and how to avoid them -How to frame a non-traditional background as an asset, not a liability Building Your Ross Network Before You Apply: The applicants who get in aren't just applying, they're doing their homework. -How to reach out to current students and alums without being awkward about it -What to ask, what to track, and how to use it in your essays -Why this step matters more than most applicants realize Nailing Your Essays: The Ross essays reward specificity and vulnerability, and here's how to give them what they want. -How to approach each prompt, what the question is really asking, and how to demonstrate the characteristics they're looking for -What strong vs. weak essays actually look like -How to tell a cohesive story across your entire application The Interview: How to Answer "Why Ross" Without Sounding Generic: Most applicants blow this question. Here's how to not be one of them. -What adcom is listening for in your Why Ross answer -How to build a specific, credible answer that doesn't sound like you Googled it -What to expect from the full Ross interview format and how to prepare

MIT Rnd 1 Drop in Q&A - Know your story and uniqueness. Not cookie cutter advice [7/26/2026] (Recording)

MIT Sloan is not a generic top-10 MBA program. It has a distinct culture, a distinct type of student it is looking for, and a genuinely unusual application process. If you are targeting Sloan, you need to understand all three. This session is specifically for serious MIT Sloan applicants. We will cover: - What MIT Sloan is actually like — the culture, the "mens et manus" philosophy, Action Learning, the cohort model, and what kind of person actually thrives there - Classes and programs worth knowing — specific electives, labs, and tracks that should be showing up in your application - The MIT application quirks — the cover letter format, the video statement, what they are really asking, and how to answer without sounding like everyone else - How to nail your story for Sloan specifically — MIT wants builders, doers, and people with a point of view. How do you show that? - Honest answers to your specific questions — bring your draft cover letter, your concerns, your "is this school right for me" doubts