Leland+ for MBA

How to Network for Success During Your MBA

Build meaningful connections that lead to job offers, insights, and long-term career growth.

Successfully Transitioning to a New Industry Through Your MBA

Use your MBA to pivot with purpose—gain skills, network strategically, and land roles in your target field.

Why Stanford GSB? The "Why MBA" Essay That Got Me In

Deconstruct a successful "Why Stanford" essay. Learn to articulate your career vision and connect it directly to a school's unique offerings!

What NOT to Do in an MBA Internship

Avoid these common missteps that can cost you the return offer—stay focused, proactive, and professional.

What MBA Interviewers Are Really Evaluating

MBA interviews are less about having the “right” answers and more about how you show up. In this panel, former MBA interviewers will share firsthand insight into what admissions committees are actually assessing during interviews, from leadership presence and self-awareness to clarity of goals and authenticity. You’ll learn how interviewers interpret your stories, what common signals raise red flags, and how to prepare in a way that feels confident rather than rehearsed. Whether you’re interviewing soon or planning ahead, this session will help you understand how to perform at your best when it matters most.

Differentiate Your MBA Application: Research & Networking IN ACTION, Part 2 of 2 [3/13/2026] (Recording)

⚡Deep school research and strategic networking are two of the most powerful ways to strengthen an MBA application. This live workshop shows you how to actually do them. ⚠️ Important Note This workshop builds on the core research and networking framework I taught in Differentiate Your MBA Application: School Research & Networking (Part 1 of 2). You are welcome to attend Part 2 on its own. However, watching Part 1 first, live or via recording, is strongly recommended so you can fully apply what is demonstrated in this session. ⚠️watch the recording of Part 1 to make this session the most effective. Message me if you would like a copy of the research template. https://dub.sh/recordingpart1 (Sorry, Leland doesn't make the link clickable.) This execution-focused session takes you inside the real research and networking process used by successful MBA applicants. Rather than focusing on high-level theory, you will watch me work through real examples in real time. During the workshop, you will see how I: 🔷 Use AI and navigate school websites to identify the most relevant courses, professors, centers, experiential programs, and career resources 🔷 Use LinkedIn and alumni networks to identify high-impact outreach targets based on background, goals, and timing 🔷 Decide who to contact now, who later, and who not at all 🔷 Personalize outreach messages to maximize response rates 🔷 Capture insights so they can be used effectively in essays and interviews 🔷 Recognize which findings meaningfully influence application strategy versus those that are simply interesting Throughout the session, I will highlight where specific insights commonly appear in essays, interviews, and networking conversations, and why certain details carry more weight with admissions committees. I may share brief example snippets to illustrate this, but the focus of the workshop is on the process that produces strong application content, not on writing the content itself. Bonus Offer ✅One 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.

Analyzing Example Essays from Chicago Booth Admits [3/13/2026] (Recording)

Many applicants find a way to write at least one strong essay. But those who really maximize the essay-writing process develop clear narrative through-lines that connect the dots of their life, and articulate how they'll contributions to their target brand. Their two-dimensional writing brings out a three-dimensional personality. They have a “brand”. You know what they’re all about. This event will draw from example essays written by successful admits who I've personally coached, and helped land a spot at one or more top MBA programs. These essays were particularly strong in how they spoke to one another—how they created a holistic applicant who admissions committees could envision on campus. Their professional and judiciously placed personal experience offer evidence for why they’re the kind of person who will make a specific, meaningful difference in the world. During this session, we'll analyze these essays alongside you so you have a clear view into how you can apply what you've learned to your own writing, and put your best application forward for Chicago Booth.

Essays (2): Michigan Ross MBA Admitted R1 2025

These are the 2 application essays of an applicant who secured R1 admission to Michigan Ross full-time MBA.

Ask Me Anything About Round 3 MBA Applications

Are you considering applying for an MBA in Round 3 and have questions about how to make your application stand out? Join me, Joy, for an "Ask Me Anything" session where I'll provide insights and answer your burning questions about the MBA application process. With over 20 years of experience as an MBA Admissions Consultant, I've helped over 500 clients gain admission to top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton. My background in marketing and creative writing allows me to help you craft compelling narratives that highlight your unique qualities. Whether you're applying to a full-time, executive, or any other MBA program, this session is your chance to get expert advice on editing, recommendations, interviews, networking strategy, school selection, and more. Space is limited, so RSVP now to secure your spot and take a step closer to achieving your MBA dreams!