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!

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!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• 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.
• Download our Leader Development Log

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.

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!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• 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.
• Download our Leader Development Log

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/

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!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Register for one of our FREE, leader development programs! You must be a current Rice University student to be eligible.
• Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• 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.
• Download our Leader Development Log