Leading Owls Podcast

In this episode of Leading Owls, we sit down with Abram, one of the Duncan College O-Week Coordinators and Chaus Managers to explore his leadership journey at Rice. From planning one of the most memorable weeks of the year to managing a beloved campus spot, he shares the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way. 

Tune in for insider tips on what it takes to be an O-Week Coordinator, lead on campus, and make a lasting impact at Rice.

🎧 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, teamwork, and community!

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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 to our special series, Meet the Classified Campuses, where we spotlight some of the top higher education institutions leading the way in leader development. These remarkable schools have earned the prestigious Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose, a recognition of their outstanding commitment to developing future leaders dedicated to serving the public good.

Each of these institutions has gone through a rigorous application process, demonstrating their deep dedication to leader development and public purpose. In this series, we’ll hear from the campuses that were awarded their classification this past summer, exploring their innovative programs and the impact they are having on students.

Today, we are thrilled to sit down with Dr. Matt Bowler, MBA Director, Watson Graduate School and Dr. Josh Taylor, Director, The Hargis Leadership Institute from Oklahoma State University. OSU is at the forefront of leadership education, with groundbreaking programs that are transforming the student experience. In this episode, they’ll share their journey to achieving the Carnegie Classification, the strategies behind their leader development programs, and how they are shaping the leaders of tomorrow through their signature Cowboy Code.

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 sit down for the second part of our interview with Aaron Pomerantz, PhD, who serves as the Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ Research Team. Aaron dives into compelling questions like:
Does developing leaders increase employee and team retention?
How do leaders shape an organization’s culture and environment?

We also explore the flip side—how poor leadership can create a toxic workplace. Aaron emphasizes the critical connection between effective leadership and building positive environments that retain top talent. If you’re looking to enhance retention and cultivate a thriving workplace or team, this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss!

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 sit down with Aaron Pomerantz, PhD, who serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the Doerr Institute for New Leaders’ Research Team. Aaron explores the true ROI of leader development and shares compelling insights on how investing in leadership impacts an organization’s retention, culture, and overall success. We also dive into the critical role of measurement in leader development—why it matters and how it ensures programs deliver meaningful outcomes. 

Whether you’re a leader, coach, or organizational strategist, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways you won’t want to miss!

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 sit down with Nico, a Rice Business senior who has taken on leadership roles across the Rice campus since he arrived here four years ago. As a Lead Ambassador at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, President of Rice Consulting, Head Peer Academic Advisor at Baker College, and Consulting Head of the Rice Business Society, Nico brings a unique perspective on leadership and balancing multiple responsibilities.

Tune in as Nico shares insights from his journey, including how he’s navigated these varied roles, his approach to effective consulting, and the lessons he’s learned as a mentor to his peers. 

This episode is a must-listen for every Rice Business student! Nico shares his top tips on making the most of your time at Rice and the Business School. From balancing multiple responsibilities to building meaningful connections and maximizing the resources around you, Nico’s story offers invaluable advice for any student aiming to make a lasting impact.

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. 

Ever wondered what it takes to make Rice University's Orientation Week, or O-Week, such an unforgettable experience? In this episode, we sit down with two amazing O-Week Coordinators: Tinde from Brown College and Alessa from Baker College. They give us an inside look at what it's like to lead this essential tradition, sharing their journey from applicants to leaders.

Tune in to hear Tinde and Alessa's favorite parts of O-Week, advice for first-year students on starting their Rice journey, and tips on how to get involved in leadership on campus. 

They also break down the interview process for becoming an O-Week Coordinator and share what makes the role so rewarding. Whether you’re curious about student leadership or just love O-Week, this episode is for you!

Listen now to get inspired and learn how to make the most of Rice’s unique leadership opportunities.

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, we sit down with Dr. Ryan P. Brown, the Managing Director for Measurement at the Doerr Institute for New Leaders, to explore why measuring leader development programs is essential for meaningful impact. Dr. Brown shares the Doerr Institute’s unique approach to assessment, offering tips on how to apply these techniques to gauge the success of your own programs.

In this episode we dive into: 

• Why measurement matters in leader development and how it drives genuine growth.
• How the Doerr Institute measures impact and adapts based on the data.
• Steps to take if a program isn’t working—and how to turn this discovery into a positive pivot.
• Using measurement to amplify your program’s effectiveness and deepen its influence.
• “Data Parties” as celebrations of your team’s courage to analyze and improve your initiatives.

Whether you’re an educator, program coordinator, or leader, this episode is packed with practical advice on making your programs more effective and creating a culture of continuous improvement. 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. 

In this episode of the Leading Owls podcast, we welcome Leadership Coach Elizabeth De La Pena Veeser, who shares her insights on understanding and navigating conflict in our personal and professional lives. Elizabeth discusses the nature of conflict, exploring what it really is and why it often gets a bad rap. She provides valuable strategies for approaching conflict constructively, emphasizing how we can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and positive change.

Whether you’re dealing with everyday disagreements or seeking to enhance your conflict resolution skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and perspectives to help you engage in more positive and productive interactions. Tune in to learn how to embrace conflict as a pathway to deeper understanding and stronger relationships!

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 Doerr Institute Coach Stephanie Taylor to explore the powerful skill of resilience. Stephanie breaks down what resilience truly is—and what it isn’t. She shares practical strategies for building resilience in your everyday life and explains how anyone can develop it, no matter where you’re starting. 

But it’s not all sunshine and perseverance—Stephanie also dives into the lesser-known “dark side” of resilience and how pushing too hard can sometimes backfire.

If you’re looking to strengthen your mental toughness and navigate life’s challenges with more ease, this episode is for you!

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 sit down with Andrew, President of Lovett College, to dive into what’s on the horizon for this year at Rice University. Andrew shares exciting upcoming events and opportunities, plus how students can get involved in campus life. He also gives us an inside look into what it’s like to be a student leader at Rice—offering tips on balancing leadership responsibilities with academics and personal life. Whether you're a new student or a seasoned Owl, Andrew’s insights will help you navigate campus and make the most of your time at Rice.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, involvement, and thriving 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.