Leading Owls Podcast

Today, we’re sitting down with Lynn-Chi, President of Baker College, to get an inside look at what it takes to lead one of Rice’s residential colleges. From stepping into leadership for the first time to managing campus-wide initiatives, Lynn-Chi shares her path to leadership, the challenges and successes of being Baker College President, and advice for students looking to get involved.

We’ll also talk about exciting initiatives happening at Baker, how college government actually works behind the scenes, and top tips for incoming first-year students. If you’ve ever thought about running for a leadership position at Rice—or just want to know how decisions get made at the college level—this episode is for you!

Let’s jump in! 🎧

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Welcome back to the Leading Owls Podcast, where we spotlight the stories of student leaders making an impact at Rice University!

Today, we’re joined by Molly, a Doctor of Musical Arts student at the Shepherd School of Music, where she plays the viola and wears many leadership hats. From serving as a Teaching Assistant and Instructor of Record to earning the prestigious Vaughn Fellowship, Molly has shaped both the academic and musical experiences of her peers. She even brought leadership development into the Shepherd School Orchestra by adapting Doerr’s SLPI for orientation and founded the beloved annual “Very Viola Holiday” concert at Alice Pratt Brown Hall.

In this episode, Molly shares how she balances artistry and leadership, how her experiences with the Doerr Institute have influenced her path, and her best advice for fellow graduate students looking to make an impact.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, music, and making the most of your time at Rice!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest—Hong Lin, a student leader whose involvement at Rice spans across Brown College, student government, campus organizations, creative projects, and more. From serving as Associates Coordinator at Brown College to leading initiatives in Coalition Rice, Rice Admissions, and the Doerr Institute, Hong has made a lasting impact on the Rice community.

In this episode, we dive into what drives his passion for leadership, the lessons he's learned from his many roles, and how he balances such a diverse range of commitments. We’ll also talk about his creative work—including over 30 Sammy the Owl sticker designs!—and how he hopes to leave a legacy at Rice.

Whether you’re looking for leadership inspiration, curious about how to get involved at Rice, or just want to hear from someone who has truly made the most of their time here, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Let’s get started. 🎧✨

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

On this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Lindsey, a dedicated student leader whose impact at Rice speaks for itself. From serving as Will Rice College Senator to leading as Director of the Students with Disabilities Commission and Undergraduate Ambassador for the Doerr Institute, Lindsey has championed initiatives that make a difference.

Tune in as she shares her journey into leadership, the biggest lessons she’s learned along the way, and her best advice for students looking to step up and create change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just getting started, Lindsey’s insights will leave you inspired to make an impact at Rice and beyond! 🎧🔥

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Today, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Danielle King, a leading voice in the field of resilience and an associate professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Rice University.

Dr. King is the Principal Investigator of the WorKing Resilience Research Laboratory, where she explores topics like employee resilience, thriving, and workplace dynamics. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in top academic journals and major outlets like Harvard Business Review. A recipient of prestigious awards, including the APA Achievement Award for Early Career Psychologists and an NSF Career Award, Dr. King is shaping the future of resilience research and practice.

In this episode, we’ll dive into her fascinating research journey and unpack the science of resilience—what it is, why it matters, and how we can all build it in our lives. From overcoming adversity to thriving in high-pressure environments, Dr. King’s insights are as practical as they are profound.

Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or leading teams through uncertainty, this conversation will leave you with strategies and inspiration to foster resilience in yourself and others. 

Let’s get started!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Welcome back to the Leading Owls podcast, where we highlight the incredible student leaders at Rice University who are shaping our campus and communities.

Today, we’re thrilled to have America joining us—a true powerhouse of leadership and service at Rice. America wears many hats: she’s the Owl Access Student Director, helping to ensure access for all students, as the Beer Bike Campus Coordinator, she’s involved in one of Rice’s most beloved traditions. She’s also the Co-President of the Teacher Club, which supports future educators. 

In this episode, we’ll dive into what drives America to stay so involved, her favorite moments as a leader on campus, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Whether you’re a student leader yourself or simply looking for inspiration, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

 Today, we’re honored to be joined by Tim Harrison, a Rice alumnus, founder of the Enjoyable Pain of Growth (EPOG) Academy, and a true example of transformational leadership.

Tim’s journey began as a student-athlete, arriving at Rice with dreams of an NBA career. When those aspirations didn’t materialize, he faced a turning point that set him on a path of personal growth and purpose. Through his studies in psychology and involvement with the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, Tim discovered his passion for helping others realize their potential.

Since graduating in 2020, Tim has devoted his life to empowering young people. As the founder of EPOG Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to personal development and leadership coaching for high school students, Tim is creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive. His mission is to make personal development as integral to education as math or science, ensuring students build the resilience, self-awareness, and skills needed for a fulfilling life.

In this episode, we’ll explore Tim’s leadership journey, the pivotal moments that shaped his path, and how his time at Rice influenced his vision. He’ll also share insights into the founding of EPOG Academy, the leadership principles that guide him, and advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

For more information on EPOG Academy, visit https://www.epogacademy.org/ 

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Jennie, a dynamic leader whose involvement on campus spans an impressive range of roles and organizations.

Jennie’s leadership journey at Rice includes serving as a 2025 Co-Student Director, a Vietnamese Student Association Co-Event Coordinator, and a FLI Ambassador—all while balancing past roles like O-Week Coordinator, Baker College Socials Chair, and Vice President of Rice SARCOMERE. She’s also a member of Rice KASAMA, where she expresses her creativity through hip-hop dance, and works as a student employee in the Department of Kinesiology.

In this episode, Jennie takes us through her leadership journey, from creating welcoming spaces for first-year students to embracing her identity as a first-generation, low-income student leader. She’ll share advice for new students, tips for staying organized amidst a busy schedule, and lessons she’s learned about teamwork, resilience, and growth.

Whether you’re looking to get involved on campus or curious about the behind-the-scenes of leadership at Rice, Jennie’s story is sure to inspire and empower. Let’s get started!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. David C. Kirkpatrick, PhD, Vice President and Chief of Staff, Office of the President and Dr. Margaret F. Sloan, PhD, Director & Professor, School of Strategic Leadership Studies from James Madison University to discuss JMU’s remarkable journey toward achieving the prestigious Carnegie Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose. 

They share the innovative strategy behind JMU’s leader development programs and offer insights into how these initiatives are shaping the leaders of tomorrow. 

Whether you’re curious about advancing leadership education or passionate about empowering future changemakers, this episode offers valuable lessons and inspiration. Don’t miss it!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey. 

 As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can grow, lead, and make this our best year yet.

Today, we’re honored to be joined by Bernard "Bernie" Banks, Director of the Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a renowned expert in leadership and organizational change. With a career spanning academia, the military, and global consulting, Bernie has a unique perspective on what it takes to lead with impact. From heading West Point’s Department of Behavioral Sciences & Leadership to guiding top organizations worldwide, his experience speaks volumes.

In this episode, Bernie dives into the power of accountability and how it can be a game-changer for your success in 2025. We’ll explore how holding yourself and others accountable builds trust, drives growth, and creates high-performing teams. Bernie also shares practical tips for fostering accountability in your personal life, professional work, and leadership journey.

If you’re ready to start the new year strong and take your leadership to the next level, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to make 2025 your year of impact.

Let’s get started!

Leading Owls is the student leadership podcast from the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, featuring conversations with student leaders about the experiences, challenges, and lessons that shape their leadership journey. 

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

Connect with the Doerr!

• Spring semester registration opens on Dec. 3rd at http://riceleader.org/
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.